Therapy Groups and Wellness Hangouts

Holidays

Please note: Groups that are scheduled on days that the university is closed for a holiday will not take place on that day

A pink and white flower blooms on green lily pads

Group therapy

For many mental health concerns, group therapy is the treatment of choice. Group offers several benefits over individual therapy, such as:

  • Recognizing that you are not alone, and that many other people share your same concerns, struggles, and doubts
  • The chance to learn from your peers
  • The opportunity to get feedback, support, and validation from many people, not just one therapist

Groups for Fall 2024

Keep an eye on this space, more groups may be added as the semester progresses!

Interpersonal Therapy Group (The "IT Group")

Day/Time: Thursdays 3:30-5pm

Start Date: TBD, likely early October

Contact: Nik Olendzki

Feeling connected, understood, and supported are important parts of well-being, yet many people find themselves locked into patterns of communication that get in the way of connecting effectively. The IT Group focuses on practicing authenticity, openness, and mutual support in a safe setting, so that you can learn how to do so in your life outside of group and become your "best self."

  • All Semester, once per week.
  • Between 4-10 students

LGBTQIA-2S+ Support Group

Day/Time: TBD Fall 2024 

Location: The Counseling Center

Contact: James Alston  - jalston1@UMassD.edu

Please join us and your classmates to spend time exploring topics of queerness in a space that is shared, safe and open to your whole self. Topics include, but not limited, to: coming out, identity exploration, safety, mental health, community, and self-expression.

Grief & Loss Group

Day/Time:  TBD Fall 2024

Location: Zoom

Contact: Nancy Harper  - nharper@Umassd.edu

What is it? A small, virtual support group facilitated by the counseling center staff. The is to provide space for students to process feelings of grief and loss. 

Anxiety, Stress, Burnout Skills Group

Day/Time: Mondays 11:00 Am starting 9/23 - 12/16

Location: Library Room 314

Contact: Miranda Corley-mcorley1@umassd.edu

Other offerings for Fall 2024

Free guided meditation

Day/Time: TBD

Start Date: TBD Fall 2024! New attendees are always welcome, and there is no obligation to attend every week.

Contact: Nik Olendzki Nolendzki@umassd.edu or Kari Mofford kmofford@umassd.edu. 

Meditation is an amazing tool to help relax, focus, and live a healthy life, but it takes practice!   Nik Olendzki, PsyD is offering weekly virtual guided meditation sessions open to the UMassD Community (students, faculty, and staff) and all levels including beginners are welcome.  Each session (including an intro and reflection after) is often less than 30 minutes. 

More Group Therapy Info

Groups are determined based on student interest. We are open to suggestions for new groups as new needs arise. Groups run on the basis of availability, amount of interested students, and available Counseling Center staff.

  • If you are interested in a group, please contact the Counseling Center within the first several weeks of the semester, before the group starts.
  • Unless otherwise specified, all groups require signing up in advance.
  • Some groups may require a screening/orientation session before the group begins.

Workshops

The counseling center often gets involved in workshops and other events on campus. Staff, faculty, and student groups are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center with requests for specific workshops. We can accommodate most requests, and ask that requests be made at least 3-4 weeks in advance to allow us to block out our clinical schedules.

Previous Workshops include:

  • Mindfulness
  • Relationships
  • Reducing Anxiety
  • Test Anxiety/Stress Management
  • Self-Care/Work-Life Balance

For further information please contact the UMass Dartmouth Counseling Center, Auditorium Annex, Room 101 or call 508-999-8648/8650  

Emergencies
Resources
Appointments