Group Counseling

This is a therapy group for anyone who is willing to take risks in creating art to expand ways of communication, self-expression, and connection with others. No artistic experience is required and the group will be focused on the experience of art making rather than on making “good” art. A typical group session will include time for art making based on a prompt or personal inspiration, sharing of artwork, and connecting with group members. Access to art materials is not a requirement of this group; co-facilitators will discuss options for materials during the pre-group orientation.  

Fridays | 10:30 am – noon (in-person)

Group Leaders: Kari Treu and Hanna Henry

A supportive group environment focused on the emotional, behavioral, and organizational challenges associated with the dissertation process. Participants establish individual weekly research and personal goals, and share experiences and perspectives around common themes (e.g., procrastination, careers on or beyond the tenure track, advisor etiquette, and juggling multiple life roles). 

Fridays | 10:30 am – noon (virtual) 

Group Leader: Brian Drozd

This group provides a space for UW-Madison students to explore their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies, as well as connect with peers around these shared experiences. Group facilitators are mental health professionals that foster a space that is open, affirming, and recovery-oriented for all members, with a focus on helping group members provide one another with encouragement and shared accountability. Anti-diet and Health at Every Size principles are foundational to the group.  

Tuesdays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (virtual) 

Group Leaders: Andie Schwabe and Yixing Song

This group will examine the sources of stress, ways of coping, and the value of peer support in adjusting to the challenges of being a graduate student. Topics will be developed by group members, but may include: time management, financial stress, relationship concerns, burnout, isolation, and maintaining balance. 

Mondays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (virtual) 

Group Leader: Felix Savino

This group helps participants express and explore emotions related to their experiences of bereavement. Open to people who have lost a loved one (e.g., family member, friend). Combines sharing, discussion, support, and activities.    

Fridays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in-person) 

Group Leaders: Anthony Mackar  and Judy Kupchan 

This is a semi-structured process group for people who strive to feel worthy, to extend kindness to themselves, and to understand how to be your own best friend. Topics that will be explored include self-esteem, self-compassion, shame and guilt, vulnerability, and authenticity. Group members will engage in various activities such as journaling and mindfulness with periodic work outside of sessions. 

Wednesdays | 3:00 – 4:30 pm (virtual) 

Group Leaders: Heidi Binder and Jazz Fantauzzi 

If things sometimes turn out differently than you expect when drinking or using other substances, there are ways to facilitate a better outcome. Join fellow students for discussions about your life, what goes well and what still needs some improvement. Learn skills that can be helpful in whatever goals you are hoping to achieve, like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Group remains open through the semester, and all are welcome. 

Thursdays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in-person) 

Group Leader: Geoff Brown

Hearts & Crafts is an informal drop in space where students can come do various artistic activities with in-community counselors who are readily available resources to the students.  

Tuesdays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in-person at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center) 

Group Leaders: Annie Bruns and Harley Stenzel

Practice the skills of mindfulness in this multi-week workshop series. Come to any or all 8 sessions throughout the semester. Increase self-understanding, present moment awareness, and strengthen your capacity to address stressful daily challenges toward a more vital and valued life.

Group Leaders: Rianna Bailey and Dan Torinus

Sign-up online

• Group counseling is one of the most effective strategies to address most issues experienced by students including anxiety, depression, relationships, low self-esteem, academic stressors, and more.
• Increase self-awareness and understanding of others
• Connect with others who have similar problems and experiences
• Decrease isolation and loneliness
• Receive multiple perspectives on your concerns
• Enhance the quality of relationships
• Experience meaningful and authentic connections with others
• Develop new, healthier ways of relating to others
• Identifying, experiencing and expressing feelings with greater ease
• Increase confidence and self-esteem
• Increase ability to give and receive honest feedback
• Internalize lessons learned by helping others in the group

Listen to the Connecting Badgers podcast episode about group counseling to learn more.

When joining a group, you can expect to attend weekly, 90-minute sessions for about 8 weeks. During the group, you can expect to learn practical strategies led by licensed mental health providers. You can expect to leave the group with new friendships with those who have similar experiences.