All groups will meet virtually via Zoom unless otherwise specified.
“In person” will be noted by the group time.
Process Groups
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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. Access to art materials is not a requirement of this group.
Wednesdays | 10:00 – 11:30 am (in person)
Group Leaders: Kathleen Monmany, APSW & Kari Treu, LPC-IT
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.
Thursdays | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Matthew Rozzi, PhD & Kathy Wierzchowski, PhD
Fridays | 10:30 am – noon | Blake Bettis, PsyD & Mariessa Robles, PsyD
Support/Theme Groups
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BIPOC Students Support Group (in person)
This is a group for students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. The group will explore ways in which identity affects academic, personal, and social experiences. Facilitators strive to foster a safe and supportive environment for students to give voice to their experiences, strengthen self-esteem through validation and connection, and cultivate a community to enhance feelings of belonging. Topics explored might include impostor syndrome, navigating microaggressions, and intersectional awareness in the context of a predominantly White campus.
Tuesdays | 2:00 – 3:30 pm (in-person)
Group Leaders: Serena Cisneros, MS & Molly Willihnganz, MS, LMFT
Black Women’s Group
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 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Group Leaders: Kayla Eggen, LCSW & Danyelle Okesanjo, LCSW
Eating Concerns Support Group
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.
Fridays | 10:30 am – noon
Group Leaders: Andie Schwabe, MS, LPC-IT
Graduate Students Support Group
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
Group Leaders: Felix Savino, PhD & Chynna Lewis, MSW
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 – 2:30 pm (in person)
Group Leaders: Tommy Wild, PhD & Liz Axtell, MA
Practicing Self-Compassion
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.
Wednesdays | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Group Leaders: Heidi Binder, PsyD
Psychoeducational Groups & Workshops
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ADHD Skills Training: Improving Attention, Organization, and Cognition (in person)
(sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6zzLnmqMYXF5LHU)
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.
Mondays | 7/2 – 7/30 | 2:15 – 3:45 pm (in-person)
Group Leader: Julie Silverman, MA, MFT, R-DMT
Support Groups for Survivors
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Crafty Coping Community for Survivors (in person)
(sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8H7UOlZzyEZov7E)
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 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm (in-person)
Group Leaders: Alex Little, MSW & Gina Williamson, PhD
Wellness Groups and Workshops
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Meditation Drop-in
(sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5WTzvy27vhfwPk)
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.
Mondays | 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Dan Torinus, LCSW
Mindfulness Sampler
(sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kakxhi6tlO26rk)
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 of Thoughts
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.
Tuesday | 6/11 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Session 2: Mindfulness of Behaviors
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.
Tuesday | 6/18 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Session 3: Mindfulness of Emotions
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.
Tuesday | 6/25 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
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.
Tuesday | 7/2 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Session 5: 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 | 7/9 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Session 6: 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 | 7/16 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Session 7: Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others.
Tuesday | 7/23 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Group Leaders: Tamar Kelson, PhD & Rianna Bailey, LCSW
UHS @ Wheelhouse CHILLAX Sessions (sign up online)
https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w0pllynNYr0LEa)
This is a FREE 3-session series of workshops for anyone 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.
5/20, 5/21, 5/22 | 11:00 am – noon (in-person)
Facilitator: Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, MA (Program Director at Wheelhouse Studios)