Group Counseling Schedule

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CtQkflzQOKDIzA

This five-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.

Tuesdays | 2/7 – 3/7 | 3/21 – 4/18 | 3:15 – 4:45 pm (in-person)

Group leader: Bjorn Hanson, PhD

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3b1hQWrg099bLuu

This group aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for any student who self-identifies as Latinx to explore topics such as microaggressions, bias, discrimination, and tokenism. Activities and discussion will offer support in coping skills development, and to help students navigate academic and social experiences on campus.

Fridays | 2 – 3:30 pm
Group leader:  Sandra Becerra, LPC

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2e3v1CBaV2si7s

This  workshop will focus on providing answers to questions that you might have about substances like alcohol or cannabis. Come learn about how they impact the brain and your wellness, and have a space to talk about drugs on your mind.

Thursdays | 2/16, 3/23, 4/20 | 11 am – noon
Group leaders: Geoff Brown, LPC & Tim Cordes, MD, PhD

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yGWz3CCDQJruXY

A series of one-hour virtual discussions for current graduate students. Each section presents strategies to navigate a feature of grad culture with the opportunity for participants to share experiences and ask questions. Open to all graduate students with an active wisc.edu e-mail address.

Navigating workloads: Essentials of productivity (organization, motivation, prioritizing)
Monday | 2/13
4 – 5 pm

Grad-ification: Personal thriving (impostor phenomena, work/life balance, self-care)
Monday | 2/27
4 – 5 pm

Life in the grad lane: Navigating uncertainty (ambiguity, changing demands, the future void)
Monday | 3/27
4 – 5 pm

Relationship Fitness: Simple tools for better partnerships
Monday | 4/10
4 – 5 pm

Quick tools to relax: Basic wellness
Monday | 4/24
4 – 5 pm

Group leaders: Jo Hoese, PhD & Katrina Welborn, MM

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BpsSqDzVZoojVY

Over the course of this two-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.

Mondays | 1/30 & 2/6 | 2/13 & 2/20 | 2/27 & 3/6 | 3/27 & 4/3 | 4/10 & 4/17 | 4/24 & 5/1
11 am – 12:30 pm
Group leader: PJ Young, LPC

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uD3aCzr748qToq

This group will include basic meditation instructions for those new to meditation followed by a group mindfulness meditation. Opportunity will be given for questions and discussion. In addition, each week a specialized meditation will be offered, for example: grounding and centering, body scan, movement meditation, compassion practices, emotional release practices, meditation with a mantra/point of focus, and breathing practices. This group is intended for both new and experienced meditators. You are welcome to drop in once at any point during the semester, though we encourage you to develop a regular weekly practice with us. Friday meditation is a great way to unwind from the week and relax into the weekend!

Fridays |2/10, 2/17, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5
                   3:30 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Tamar Kelson, PhD

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aeCFIE33BfcxBRQ

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.

Session 1: Mindfulness for Coping with Uncertainty
Strengthen your ability to notice and be responsive to your self-care needs during these uncertain times, cultivating an effective balance between structure and flexibility.
Tuesday | 2/14
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 2: Mindfulness of Thoughts
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.
Tuesday | 2/21
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 3: Mindfulness of Behaviors
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.
Tuesday | 2/28
2:30 – 4:00 pm

Session 4: Mindfulness of Emotions
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.
Tuesday | 3/7
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 5: 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.
Tuesday | 3/28
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 6: Mindfulness for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, with a focus on being in the present moment rather than living only in the past, future, or on autopilot.
Tuesday | 4/4
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 7: Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others.
Tuesday | 4/11
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 8: Mindfulness for Social and Environmental Justice
Learn to identify core values and beliefs while empowering mindful actions. Intentionally engage your response to things that happen, live your life with committed actions, and learn to identify desired ways of responding to social and environmental injustice.
Tuesday | 4/18
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 9: Mindfulness for End of 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.
Tuesday | 4/25
2:30 – 4 pm

Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Robyn Groth, LPC

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0xDZxfplWhf9r9k

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 three sessions!

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.
Wednesdays | 2/1, 3/1, 3/29, 4/19
12:30 – 1:30 pm

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.
Wednesdays | 2/8, 3/8, 4/5, 4/26
12:30 – 1:30 pm

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.
Wednesdays | 2/15, 4/12, 5/3
12:30 – 1:30 pm

Group leaders: Davida Randolph, MAEd, NCC

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3KkUxaTWbbuyT0G

This is a free four-week series of workshops for students interested in trying something new and hanging with others at the Wheelhouse Studios in the lower level of Memorial Union. No artistic experience is required. A typical session will include time for art making, sharing artwork (if you want to), and connecting with fellow participants.

Fridays | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

• February 10 – Ease Into it with Collage
• February 17 – Wood burning is hot stuff
• February 24 – Mosaic Mindfulness
• March 3 – Kindness Rocks (to keep and give away)

Group Leaders: Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, MA (Program Director at Wheelhouse); Maria Kelly, MPH; Serena Cisneros, MS; Sandra Becerra, LPC; and Alex Little, MSW

This is a group for students who self-identify as women of African descent. The group aims to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for Black women to explore their intersecting identities. Members in this group will have opportunities to share both joys and frustrations that come along with the experience of being a Black female college student.

Mondays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group leaders: Danyelle Okesanjo, MSW & Kayla Eggen, LCSW

Do you expend all of your energy in meeting other people’s needs? Do you feel trapped in your relationships? Are you the one that is constantly making sacrifices so that others around you will be happy? Do you feel excessive anxiety about receiving criticism or making a mistake? You may be struggling with codependency, which can show up in relationships with friends, romantic partners, or family members. Codependent relationships are a struggle for many. Adopting new methods of demonstrating compassion, while at the same time setting healthy boundaries, can free you of the painful burden of feeling you are responsible for others’ happiness. This group provides a space for students to connect with and relate to others who have similar struggles, and join them in learning how to have healthier and more fulfilling relationships. The group will combine information, personal sharing, discussion and support, while also providing solutions for students who want to create more meaningful connections to others.

Mondays | 3 – 4:30 pm (in person)
Group leaders: Dan Torinus, LCSW & Brooke Gardiner-Smith, BA

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| Noon – 1:30 pm
Group leaders: Jo Hoese, PhD & Brian Drozd, PsyD

A space for students to explore their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies, and 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.

Wednesdays | 10:30 am – noon
Group leaders: Andie Schwabe, MS, LPC-IT & Kari Treu, MSE

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 – 2:30 pm (in person)
Group leaders: Felix Savino, PhD & Katrina Welborn, MM

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 (in person)
Group leader: Tommy Wild, PhD

International students experience challenges in the process of adjusting to life in the United States and the academic environment of UW-Madison. These may include, but are not limited to, culture shock, homesickness, social isolation, language and communication barriers, and prejudice and discrimination. This group strives to provide a space for international students to share their experiences and build connections, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Thursdays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Geetanjali Deole, MS & Quanfa He, BA

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3b1hQWrg099bLuu

This group aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for any student who self-identifies as Latinx to explore topics such as microaggressions, bias, discrimination, and tokenism. Activities and discussion will offer support in coping skills development, and to help students navigate academic and social experiences on campus.

Fridays | 2 – 3:30 pm
Group leader:  Sandra Becerra, LPC

A support 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.

Tuesdays | 3 – 4:30 (in person)
Group leaders: Blake Bettis, PsyD & Mariessa Robles, MS

A support group for students who identify as multiracial, biracial, and multi-ethnic. This group aims to support students who are navigating racial/ethnic identity development and acceptance. Discussions may include racial identity exploration, the impact of multi-racial microaggressions, and the experience of fitting in. This group is an affirming space to bring all aspects of your racial and intersectional identity.

Wednesdays | 12:30 –2 pm (in-person)
Group leaders: Sophia Smith, LMFT & Madrone Love, MA

This is a semi-structured 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 session.

Fridays | 10:30 am – noon
Group leaders: Kayla Gromen, LPC & Gina Williamson, MS

This group is for students who experience chronic pain and/or live with a chronic illness/condition. Participants will have an opportunity to explore aspects of health and wellness, the connection between mind and body, and share resources and strategies with others experiencing similar challenges. The group will also provide space to process emotions and experiences related to managing a chronic health condition while navigating the demands of being a student. This group is open to students with all illnesses and conditions, visible or invisible, diagnosed or undiagnosed, and levels of ability.

Thursdays | 3 – 4:30 pm (meets every other week)
Group leaders: Jo Hoese, PhD & Katrina Welborn, MM

This is a group for any student who self-identifies as a person of color. The group will explore ways in which their identity as a student of color affects their academic, personal, and social experiences. Facilitators strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for students of color to explore feelings related to racially oppressive experiences, strengthen self-concept through conversation and connection, and help one another navigate academic and social experiences on campus.

Mondays | 2:30 – 4 pm (in person)
Group leaders: Melanie Daovannary, PsyD & Christa Zhang, BA

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.

Tuesdays | 1 – 2:30 pm
Group leaders: Quincy Dillard, LPC & Louis Lindley, MA

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 – 2:30 pm
Group leaders: Geoff Brown, LPC & Davida Randolph, MAEd, NCC

Step away from your screen and meet us outdoors for some connection on the green! Start your day with an ecotherapy-themed experiential skills group for survivors to connect and build community through mindfulness and nature excursion. This group will meet outdoors and invite group members to participate in guided meditation, breathing practices, compassion practices, and somatic grounding exercises. There will be opportunity for discussion, reflection, and camaraderie with other group members. Please note, confidentiality may be limited due to the public setting. Please feel free to bring pillows, blankets, or chairs for comfort when sitting outside; morning coffee welcome and encouraged!

Fridays | 9:30 – 11 am (in person)
Group leaders: Kendall Ferguson, APSW & Kayla Eggen, LCSW

This is a space for UW-Madison student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. Students who identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, questioning, transgender, or any other personally meaningful term are all welcome to this group. Group facilitators foster a space that is open and affirming for all members. Group will focus on navigating the impact of trauma experiences through connection & skills to support post-traumatic growth, with some boundaries placed around sharing narratives about traumatic experiences. This group is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ UW-Madison students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. – noon (in person at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center)
Group Leaders: Annie Bruns, APSW & Sam Herlitzke, LMFT

This group is for individuals who self-identify as a person of color/mixed race and have also experienced interpersonal trauma at some point in their life. This group aims to create a supportive space and community for members while also learning skills and tools to cope with past/current experiences of trauma as it relates to race, culture, family, and relationships.

Mondays | 3 – 4 pm
Group Leaders: Geetanjali Deole, MS & Kathleen Monmany, MSW

sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cVg5oxGyB2pTIrA

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 sensory- and movement-based coping skills. Group will focus on navigating the impact of trauma experiences through connection & 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.

Wednesdays | 3 – 4:30 pm (in person)
Group Leaders: Carol Heins-Daniels, APSW & Alex Little, MSW

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uD3aCzr748qToq

This group will include basic meditation instructions for those new to meditation followed by a group mindfulness meditation. Opportunity will be given for questions and discussion. In addition, each week a specialized meditation will be offered, for example: grounding and centering, body scan, movement meditation, compassion practices, emotional release practices, meditation with a mantra/point of focus, and breathing practices. This group is intended for both new and experienced meditators. You are welcome to drop in once at any point during the semester, though we encourage you to develop a regular weekly practice with us. Friday meditation is a great way to unwind from the week and relax into the weekend!

Fridays |2/10, 2/17, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5
                   3:30 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Tamar Kelson, PhD

Sign up online: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aeCFIE33BfcxBRQ

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.

Session 1: Mindfulness for Coping with Uncertainty
Strengthen your ability to notice and be responsive to your self-care needs during these uncertain times, cultivating an effective balance between structure and flexibility.
Tuesday | 2/14
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 2: Mindfulness of Thoughts
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.
Tuesday | 2/21
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 3: Mindfulness of Behaviors
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.
Tuesday | 2/28
2:30 – 4:00 pm

Session 4: Mindfulness of Emotions
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.
Tuesday | 3/7
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 5: 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.
Tuesday | 3/28
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 6: Mindfulness for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, with a focus on being in the present moment rather than living only in the past, future, or on autopilot.
Tuesday | 4/4
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 7: Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others.
Tuesday | 4/11
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 8: Mindfulness for Social and Environmental Justice
Learn to identify core values and beliefs while empowering mindful actions. Intentionally engage your response to things that happen, live your life with committed actions, and learn to identify desired ways of responding to social and environmental injustice.
Tuesday | 4/18
2:30 – 4 pm

Session 9: Mindfulness for End of 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.
Tuesday | 4/25
2:30 – 4 pm

Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Robyn Groth, LPC