Group counseling

Community starts here.

Group counseling provides students with the opportunity to connect with others in a safe, confidential and supportive space. Groups allow students to share about their experiences with others who can understand and relate to their concerns, connect across differences to learn new perspectives, and experiment with new ideas, behaviors, and ways of being or interacting. Through group engagement, students develop insights and skills that can be used to work through the challenges they face and improve their quality of life. Group counseling has been shown to be one of the most effective strategies to address most issues experienced by students, such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Discomfort in social situations
Challenges in relationships
Loneliness and isolation
Low self-esteem and confidence
Coping with difficult emotions
Academic stressors
Substance use
Grief
Eating concerns

For some students, the idea of joining a counseling group may be intimidating and provoke anxiety. That hesitation and uncertainty is understandable, yet students report having positive and impactful experiences from participating in groups, and feeling improvement in the areas of concern that motivated them to seek services.

Benefits of group counseling

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

Is group counseling confidential?

All group members are expected to keep information about participants and what is discussed in group confidential. That means what’s said in group, stays in group. This is to help the group members establish trust and a sense of safety with one another.

I have a hard time opening up to one person, let alone to an entire group of people.

Opening up about your concerns is hard, because it often means feeling vulnerable, and this can be anxiety provoking. Group provides a safe space to take risks in sharing with others, and allows the opportunity to learn how to express your thoughts and feelings. In doing so, members often find that they're not alone in their concerns, others can understand and relate to their experience, and sharing vulnerability influences a deeper sense of connection with others.

I’m socially anxious and being in a group sounds very uncomfortable for me. Shouldn’t I just get support in individual counseling?

While individual counseling can be helpful--and may seem less scary--group counseling is one of the most effective ways to address social anxiety. Individuals with social anxiety often worry about what others think of them, fear rejection and embarrassment, and avoid social situations to guard against experiencing anxiety and fear. Group provides a safe and supportive space to process those feelings, challenge assumptions of what others are thinking and feeling, and learn to navigate social interactions in meaningful ways, which can all serve to alleviate the anxiety felt around others.

If I participate in a group, will I still be able to receive individual counseling?

Some students who participate in groups also have individual counselors.

Will group count toward my counseling session limit?

No. One of the benefits of our groups program is that there are no session limits. Students have the opportunity to participate in groups multiple times or engage in different groups, over their course of study at UW-Madison.

How many students are in a group?

A group typically consists of five to eight group members with one or two counselors facilitating the group.

How long is the group?

Groups generally meet for one and a half to two hours weekly, and may run between four to 12 weeks per semester, depending on the type of group. We also offer a number of single-session groups and one-hour workshops focused on specific topics.

What if I don’t have anything to say?

While sharing is a valuable part of participating in group, a lot of benefit can be gained by simply listening to others share their stories, and reflecting upon how you connect to what is being shared.

How does the effectiveness of group counseling compare to individual counseling?

Group has been found to be equal to and, at times, more beneficial than individual counseling in addressing most student concerns. Our facilitators are skilled and have strong interests in groups, which adds to the high quality of this form of treatment.

How to join a group

To join a group, log in to your MyUHS account to schedule an Access Appointment or contact the Mental Health Services reception desk by dialing 608-265-5600 (option 2). During your consultation, let the counselor know that you're interested in joining a group.

What types of groups do we offer? (See Spring Schedule)

Process Groups These groups are helpful in addressing feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and challenges in relationships. Students will share experiences, give and receive support/feedback, and experiment with new interpersonal behaviors in a safe environment.
Support/Theme Groups Give and receive support with others who are dealing with similar issues/common experiences.
Psychoeducational Groups Increase knowledge of mental health concerns and build coping skills.
Wellness Groups Learn mindfulness-based skills to enhance to manage daily stressors and improve overall well-being.
Combined Format Groups A blend of different approaches to address areas of concerns.

Process Groups

Interpersonal Process Groups
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.

Mondays
10:30am – noon | Jeff Hird, PhD & Ben Heinrichs, LPC
3 – 4:30 pm | Michelle Bond, LPC & Stefanie Denu, PhD
Tuesdays
11am – 12:30 pm | Carla Davey, PhD & Rachel Dyer, BS
1– 2:30 pm | Travis Fox, PsyD & Jamie Tomaltsky, MA
3 – 4:30 pm | Jeff Hird, PhD & Jenny Schaafsma, PhD
Wednesdays
10:30am – noon | Sam Lustgarten,PhD & Jenna Wieden, PhD
1 – 2:30 pm | Brian Drozd, PsyD & Shannon Dalley, MA
3 – 4:30 pm | Travis Fox, PsyD & Ben de Boer, PsyD*
*Men’s Group
3:15-4:45 pm | Andrea Lawson, LCSW & Jenny Schaafsma, PhD
Thursdays
11 am – 12:30 pm | Sarah Kohlstedt, PhD & Brian Drozd, PsyD
1 – 2:30 pm | Jeff Hird, PhD & Jessica Cozart, MS
3:15 – 4:45 pm | Ben de Boer, PsyD & Katt Cochran, MS
Fridays
10:30 – noon | Sarah Kohlstedt, PhD & Shlok Kharod, MA
1:15 – 2:45 pm | Jeff Peterson, LCSW & Rachel Bitman-Heinrichs, PhD

Support/Theme Groups

Dissertators’ Group
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).

Tuesdays | 10 am – 11:30 am
Wednesdays | noon – 1:30 pm
Group Leader: Jo Hoese, PhD

Eating Concerns Recovery Support Group
This group is intended for students who are currently recovering from an eating disorder or distorted body image and would like to talk about themes essential to recovery in a supportive, safe environment. It will be a semi-structured, confidential group utilizing metaphor and story along with guided discussion to create community, provide support, and build insight and understanding.

Tuesdays | 10:45- 12:15
Group Leaders: Rachel Bitman-Heinrichs, PhD & Sarah Adler, BA
Wednesdays | 2:30 – 4 pm
Group Leaders: Chanda Bolander, LCSW & Jamie Tomaltsky, MA

LGBTQ Support & Empowerment Group
A support and psychoeducational group for students who are navigating sexual and/or gender identity development and acceptance. Students who identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, questioning, transgender, or any other personally meaningful term are all welcome to this group. Focus is on establishing positive connections with others and exploring the process of integrating one’s sexual and gender identities in authentic, self-affirming ways.

Wednesdays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group Leaders: Jenna Wieden, PhD & Egg Guo, BS
Fridays | 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Group Leaders: Robyn Rauman, MS & Katt Cochran, MS

Graduate Students’ Group
This group will examine the sources of stress, ways of coping, and the value of peer support in adjusting to a role that often feels like it’s 24/7 as a graduate student at UW-Madison. Topics will be developed by group members, but may include: time management, financial stress, relationship concerns, burnout, isolation, and maintaining balance.
Thursdays | 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Group Leader: Felix Savino, PhD

Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Support & Empowerment Group
A support and psychoeducational group for students who are navigating gender identity developments and acceptance. Students who identity as transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, and any other personally meaningful term are all welcome to this group. Focus is on establishing positive connections with others and exploring the process of integrating gender identity in an authentic, self-affirming way.
Mondays | 1:30 – 3 pm
Group Leader: Shannon Juniper Neimeko, LPC

Grief Support Group
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 – 2:30 pm
Group Leaders: Jen Moulton, PhD & Sam Lustgarten, PhD

Graduate Women’s Group
Common topics include relationships, academics, stress, depression and anxiety. Through offering support to others and receiving support, group members are challenged to learn about themselves, initiate change, and exercise honesty in a safe space.
Fridays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group Leaders: Andrea Levy, MD

Combined Format Groups

Students of Color Process and Support Group
This is a group for any student who self-identifies as a person of color (this can be African American, African, Caribbean-American, Latino/a, Indian, Asian, Asian American Indian-American, Native American, Middle Eastern, etc.). The group will explore ways in which their identity as a student of color affects their academic, personal, and social experience. The group aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for students of color to explore feelings around racially oppressive experiences on campus, strengthen self-concept through activities and discussion, and to help one another navigate academic and social experiences on campus.
Mondays | 12:30 – 2pm
Group Leader: Danielle Gautt, LCSW & Arlyn Gonzalez, MSW
Thursdays | 3 – 4:30pm
Group Leader: Simone Collins, PhD & Corey Steele, PhD

Using Wisely
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, all are welcome.
Tuesdays | 3:15 – 4:45pm
Group Leader: Amy Margulies, MS, LPC, SAC

Creative Arts Process Group
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.
Tuesdays | 1:30 – 3pm
Group Leaders: Shannon Juniper Neimeko, LPC & Michelle Bond, LPC

Motivated to Moderate
Looking to reduce your use of alcohol, marijuana, or another substance? The purpose of this group is to give members an opportunity to explore their substance use patterns in a supportive and non-judgmental space. Exploring both the benefits and the less desirable aspects of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other substances, can help you decide what you’d ideally want your substance use to look like. This group will provide you with strategies to moderate your use of substance(s) and help you meet your goals. A large component of the group is peer support – demonstrating understanding for others’ use of substances whether it may be similar or different than your own, and giving and receiving feedback in order to reach personal goals.
Wednesdays | 12:30- 2pm
Group Leader: Lisa Imhoff, LCSW

Psychoeducational Groups & Workshops »

Managing Challenges: Skill Building Groups – Undergrad & Grad / Concurrent individual therapy required
This group is based on four components, which are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The sessions are designed to teach students skills based on the four components mentioned and to do so in a structured and supportive environment. Participants will learn and refine skills that modify behavioral, emotional, and thinking patterns associated with problems in relationships.
Mondays | 2 – 4 pm
Group Leaders: Carla Davey, PhD & Shlok Kharod, MA
Thursdays | 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Group Leaders: Jeff Peterson, LCSW & Shannon Dalley, MA

Managing Anxiety Workshop
Over the course of this 2-session workshop, participants will learn new ways to manage anxiety, including its cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms.
Mondays |9/10 & 9/17, 10/8 & 10/15, 11/5 & 11/12 | 10 – 11:30 am
Group Leaders: Liz Wescott-Barten, LPC, SAC & Laurel Leggiere, BA
Thursdays |9/27 & 10/4, 10/25 & 11/1, 11/29 & 12/6 | 12:30 – 2 pm
Group Leader: Lindsay Woodbridge, LPC & Arlyn Gonzales, MSW

Managing Depression Workshop
This 2-session workshop is intended to help students learn new ways to manage depression. In a supportive setting, students will gain greater awareness of signs and symptoms, strategies to cope with depression, and longer term approaches to self-care.
Mondays |9/24 & 10/1, 10/22 & 10/29, 11/19 & 11/26 | 10 – 11:30 am
Group Leaders: Liz Wescott-Barten, LPC, SAC & Laurel Leggiere, BA
Thursdays |9/13 & 9/20, 10/11 & 10/18, 11/8 & 11/15 | 12:30 – 2 pm
Group Leader: Lindsay Woodbridge, LPC & Arlyn Gonzales, MSW

ACT for Social Anxiety
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 | 12:30 – 2pm
Group Leader: Ben de Boer, PsyD & Stefanie Denu, PhD

Student Success Workshops (sign up online)
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 four sessions!

Adjusting to College
This workshop aims to assist students with their adjustment to college. Students will learn to identify and cope with stressors associated with settling into life at UW-Madison, such as homesickness, academic challenges, roommate conflicts, and building new relationships.
Fridays |9/14, 10/12, 11/9 | 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Group Leaders: Corey Steele, PhD & Paige Brunett, BA

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.
Fridays |9/21, 10/19, 11/16| 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Group Leaders: Corey Steele, PhD & Paige Brunett, BA

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.
Fridays |9/28, 10/26, 11/30|12:30 – 1:30 pm
Group Leaders: Corey Steele, PhD & Paige Brunett, BA

Taking 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.
Fridays |10/5, 11/2, 12/7| 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Group Leaders: Corey Steele, PhD & Paige Brunett, BA

Wellness Groups & Workshops »

Yoga for Every Body (BMI > 30)
This group uses mindfulness to explore movement and the relationship between mind, body, and emotions. No prior yoga or mindfulness experience is necessary. The group is designed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or above including people with physical limitations. Referral from UHS staff required.
Mondays | 1:10 – 2:00 pm (4^th floor multi-purpose room)
Group Leader: Jan Schaefer, MS

Yoga
Yoga will provide an hour of relaxing movement, stretching, and connecting mind and body. There will be three sessions offered. Referral from UHS staff required.
Mondays | 2:45 – 3:35 pm, 4:00 – 4:50 pm (4^th floor multi-purpose room)
Wednesdays | 11 – 11:50 am (4^th floor multi-purpose room)
Group Leader: Jan Schaefer, MS

Meditation Group
Meditation is an ancient practice that can bring deep levels of calm and relaxation. The focus will be on breathing/concentration practices and different types of meditation. The meditation groups are ongoing and students can join at any time.
Tuesdays | noon – 1 pm (21 N. Park St.)
Wednesdays | noon – 1 pm (Union South)
Thursdays | noon – 1 pm (Union South)
Group Leader: Bob McGrath, PsyD

Mindful Living Group
This group will help participants incorporate focused awareness into their lives, particularly in the areas of academics and studying, relationships, moods and stressors, eating, and generally helping members to develop a more balanced, purposeful, and aware lifestyle. The group will combine activities that promote mindfulness with reflection and discussion about ways members can be more present in their daily lives. Group meets for six sessions.
Tuesdays | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Jenna Wieden, PsyD

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

Session 1: Mindfulness of Thoughts
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.
Wednesdays |9/26, 10/24 | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Ellen Marks, PhD

Session 2: Mindfulness of Behavior
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.
Wednesdays |10/3, 10/31 | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Ellen Marks, PhD

Session 3: Mindfulness of Emotions
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.
Wednesdays |10/10, 11/7 | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Jocelyn Keiser, PsyD

Session 4: 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.
Wednesdays |10/17, 11/14 | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Ellen Marks, PhD

Session 5: Mindfulness for End of the Semester Stress
Learn and practice relevant mindfulness based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a plan with specific next steps for navigating end of semester stress.
Wednesdays |11/28 | 1:30 – 3 pm (6^th floor)
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD

Survivor Services Groups »

Crafty Coping
This group provides a supportive space for survivors to process their experiences, express themselves creatively through art, and craft tools to facilitate in coping- grounding stones, calming jars, and more! No artistic skill or experience is required; just an openness to expressing oneself and connecting with others in new and creative ways.
Mondays | 10- 11:30 am
Group Leader: Mary Eldridge, LCSW & Jen Moulton, PhD

Drop-in Support Group
This is a weekly drop-in confidential support groups for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment, who want a place to speak with other student survivors.
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7 pm (8^th floor)
Group Leaders: Jamie Temple, MSCP, LPC-IT & Zoe Whaley, MSW

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