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.
Difference Between Groups and Workshops
Groups
- Requires a pre-group orientation with the group facilitator
- 8 week commitment, requiring continuous attendance
- Typically consists of 6-8 students
- Involves in-depth peer-to-peer interaction with support from facilitators
Workshops
- No pre-group orientation required. Sign-up online
- Short-term/single session commitment
- Attendance can vary
- Provides education about a specific topic in a group setting led by a mental health provider
Summer 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 |
| Wednesday | ||
| 1 – 2:30 PM | Mariessa Robles and Robyn Groth | In-person |
| Thursday | ||
| 1 – 2:30 PM | Matthew Rozzi and Alex Taheri | In-person |
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 – 12 PM (in-person)
Group Leaders:
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 – 12 PM (virtual)
Group Leader:
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:
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 | 2:30 – 4:00 PM (virtual)
Group Leaders:
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:
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)
In person group leaders:
Join a Group
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.
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. The group facilitator will also confirm the start and end dates.
Summer Workshops
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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:
| Title | Description | Day / Date | Time |
| Mindfulness of Thoughts | Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Mindfulness of Emotions | Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you. | ||
| Mindfulness of Behaviors | Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in daily living activities. | ||
| Mindfulness for Anxiety and Depression | Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, focusing on being in the present moment. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion | Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others. | ||
| Mindfulness for End of Semester Stress | Learn and practice mindfulness-based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a specific plan. |
Sign-up coming soon
Rec Well Meditation (in-person)
Rec Well’s mindfulness offerings are built for all levels and include education about the different types of practice. Their goal is to help participants build a foundational practice they can continue to return to the rest of their lives.
Thursdays | 4-4:30 PM at Bakke, Serenity Studio
Outdoor Wellness Group for Survivors
Step away from your screen and meet us outdoors for some connection time in 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 and tea welcome and encouraged!
Wednesdays | 2:30-4pm
Group Leaders:
Sign-up coming soon
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 establish connections 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.”
More Mental Health Services
Not sure what you're looking for?
We can help.
Call 608-265-5600 (option 2).