Call for Help

Group Counseling

Connect. Support. Grow.

Each semester, hundreds of students join UHS group counseling to find a supportive, confidential space where they can connect, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives.

Hear what others have said!

“It’s overall a great experience! I had a safe place to hear from others and also to be heard.”

Join a Group!

Group counseling session
  1. Identify the group you may be interested in.
  2. Schedule a pre-group orientation by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or web booking via MyUHS. When calling, mention the group you’re interested in, along with the day and time, and request to be scheduled for a pre-group orientation. A pre-group orientation is simply a step to explore your options and learn more about the groups you are interested in. It does not mean you’re committed to enrolling.
  3. Take the call in a private, comfortable space. You’ll meet with the group facilitator, ask questions, and learn more about the topics covered and how the group will be run.

Fall 2025 Groups and Workshops

Process Groups

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Interpersonal Process Groups (in-person)

Past and present interactions with others contribute to shaping personality. Interpersonal Process Groups are often the treatment of choice for people who experience troubled relationships, loneliness, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and low self-esteem. These groups offer a safe environment to identify and explore feelings; to give and receive support and feedback; to practice new, healthier ways of relating to others; and to feel less lonely or isolated. 

Time Group Leaders Mode
Monday
10:30am – 12pm Kathy Wierzchowski and Devin Kelly-Barnett In-person
2:30pm – 4:00pm Corinne Werner and Kaitlyn Klonsinksi In-person
Tuesday
3pm – 4:30pm Benjamin de Boer Virtual
Wednesday
3pm – 4:30pm Matthew Rozzi and Devin Kelly-Barnett Virtual
Thursday
12:30pm – 2pm Charles Woods and Judy Kupchan In-person
1pm – 2:30pm Benjamin de Boer and Alex Taheri Virtual
3pm – 4:30pm Sophia Smith and Jazz Fantauzzi In-person

Support/Theme Groups

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Creative Arts Process Group (in-person)

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

Dissertators Group (virtual)

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

Eating Concerns Support Group (virtual)

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

Graduate Students Support Group (virtual)

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

Grief Support Group (in-person)

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 

Practicing Self Compassion (virtual)

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 

Using Wisely (in-person)

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

Building Resilience Through the Body's Wisdom (in-person)

Transitions can cause adjustment stress and anxiety for global badgers. This group focuses on using gentle, body-centered practices to help you learn to identify, manage and release accumulated tension, reduce overwhelm, and cultivate an inner sense of safety. Connecting with your body’s wisdom will empower you to understand your body’s signals and cope more effectively, build resilience, and thrive.
Tuesdays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in person)

Psychoeducational Groups & Workshops

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ACT for Social Anxiety (in-person)

This group is intended for students struggling with social anxiety. Sessions are designed to be educational and experiential, helping participants develop awareness and skills to overcome anxiety and self-consciousness in social situations. In a structured and supportive environment, participants will learn concepts, drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), intended to bolster self-confidence, acceptance, and willingness to confront the social challenges of everyday life. 

Tuesdays | 2:30 – 4:00 pm (in-person) 

Group Leaders: Emily Schwartz and Alex Taheri

ADHD Skills Training: Improving Attention, Organization, and Cognition (in-person)

This 5-session workshop will teach you about the various causes of attention problems in college students, including ADHD. Sessions will contain skills for managing traits of ADHD, including optimizing self-care, mental health, study skills, and using technology wisely. Each session starts with an exercise or activity component guided by RecWell instructors, as physical activity is an important aspect of mental health and optimal cognitive functioning. These skills will help improve overall health and time management, with the goal of leading to increased academic success and quality of life. 

Session Dates Time Mode
1 Mondays from 9/22 – 10/27 2:30 – 4pm In-person at the Nick
2 Mondays from 11/3 – 12/8 2:30 – 4pm In-person at the Nick

Group Leader: Julie Silverman

Sign-up online

DBT Skills Group (in-person)

In this group, students will learn and refine skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills, drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are intended to help students modify behavioral, emotional, and thinking patterns associated with challenges in mood management and maintaining stable relationships.  

Mondays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in-person) 

Group Leaders: Adam Lenker and Sara Beachy Waters

Managing Anxiety and Depression (virtual)

A workshop designed to help students with symptoms of anxiety and depression foster acceptance and cope effectively. Over the course of this 2-session workshop, participants will learn new ways to manage the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological aspects of anxiety and depression. In a supportive, psychoeducational setting, students will gain greater awareness, skills and strategies, and practices that promote lifelong self-care. 

Session Dates Time Mode
1 Monday 9/29 and 10/6 10:30am – 12pm Virtual
2 Monday 10/13 and 10/20 10:30am – 12pm Virtual
3 Monday 10/27 and 11/3 10:30am – 12pm Virtual
4 Monday 11/17 and 11/24 10:30am – 12pm Virtual
5 Monday 12/1 and 12/8 10:30am – 12pm Virtual

Sign-up online

Student Success Workshops (virtual)

This series of single-session workshops will focus on providing participants with information and strategies to confront common challenges and enhance academic success. Come to any or all 3 sessions!  

Group Leader: Davida Randolph

Title Description Day / Date Time
Make the Most of Your Time This workshop is designed to teach students time management skills. Participants will learn techniques to organize and optimize their use of time in order to enhance efficiency and support overall academic success.  Wednesday: 9/17, 10/8, 10/29, 11/19 12:30 – 1:30pm
Focus Your Attention This workshop is centered on increasing self-awareness, focus and attention. Participants will practice an array of strategies designed to strengthen attention, initiate and prioritize tasks, and minimize distractions and procrastination. If your mind was more focused on the here and now just think what you might accomplish.   Wednesday: 9/24, 10/15, 11/5, 12/3 12:30 – 1:30pm
Take Down Test Anxiety This workshop is intended to help students manage test anxiety. Even when adequately prepared, it is common for students to experience anxiety before, during, and after exams. Participants will learn strategies to reduce anxiety that interferes with focus and recall of information. Wednesday: 10/1, 10/22, 11/12, 12/10 12:30 – 1:30pm

Sign-up online

Wellness Groups and Workshops

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Hearts & Crafts (in-person)

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

Mindfulness Sampler (virtual)

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

Title Description Day / Date Time
Mindfulness of Thoughts Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns. Monday 10/6 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness of Body Focus on the mind/body connection, increasing body awareness to help manage stress and pain as well as improve overall self-care. Monday 10/13 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness of Emotions Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you. Monday 10/27 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness of Behaviors Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in daily living activities. Monday 11/3 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness for Managing Uncertainty Strengthen your ability to notice and be responsive to your self-care needs during uncertain times, balancing structure and flexibility. Monday 11/10 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness for Anxiety and Depression Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, focusing on being in the present moment. Monday 11/17 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness for Social and Environmental Justice Learn to identify core values and beliefs while empowering mindful actions; engage intentionally and respond mindfully to social/environmental injustice. Monday 12/1 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others. Monday 12/8 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mindfulness for End of Semester Stress Learn and practice mindfulness-based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a specific plan. Monday 12/15 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Survivor Services Groups

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Drop-In Crafty Coping Community for Survivors (in-person)

This is a drop-in space for UW-Madison student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. The group facilitators will foster a space that is open and affirming for all members while guiding members through experiential-, sensory- and movement-based coping skills. Group will focus on navigating the impact of trauma experiences through connection and skills to support post-traumatic growth. This group is specifically for UW-Madison students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse. Of note, you are welcome to drop-in to this group.

Wednesdays beginning 9/17 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm (in-person) 

Location: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 7001

Group Leaders: Alex Little and Austin Folger

Drop-In Virtual Support for Survivors

This is a space for UW-Madison student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. Group facilitators are mental health professionals that foster a space that is open, affirming, and connecting for all members. Group will focus on the impact of having experienced trauma and skills/supports to support post-traumatic growth, with some boundaries placed around sharing narratives about traumatic experiences. This group is specifically designed for UW-Madison students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse.   

Mondays beginning 9/22 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm  

Group Leaders: Kayla Eggen and Bridget Leyendecker

Sign-up online

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the benefits?

  • 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.

What should I expect?

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.

What have other UW-Madison students said about group counseling?

“It’s overall a great experience! I had a safe place to hear from others and also to be heard.”

 

“The facilitators did a great job of fostering community and connection in an online group.”
“Expressing my feelings in group made it possible to talk about my struggles with other people.”

Not sure what you're looking for?

We can help.
Call 608-265-5600 (option 2).