Groups and Workshops

In-person on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at Goodell 327. Begins 9/3. Runs while classes are in session.

A weekly drop-in space for students to connect and talk about their experiences of living on the spectrum, supported by co-facilitators. 

*Spectrum refers to people who experience any elements of autism spectrum disorders, including (dis)abilities related to perception, sensory processing, language, executive function, and motor skills. Group members do not need a medical diagnosis to attend the group. The group will work with the philosophy of ‘support needs’ rather than ability. 

You are welcome to honor your needs and come after the start time and/or leave early. 
Please refrain from using products with fragrances. Co-Hosted with the Office of Disability Services

Hosted by: Aspen Prager, LICSW, Mark Sena & Max Callahan

How to Join: No registration required. Just drop-in—feel free to come late and/or leave early! Open to UMass students only. 

Mondays 2:30-3:45 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building) **NOW A DROP-IN SPACE**

Join us for creative activities designed to foster connection with yourself and others! We invite you to tap into expression and explore a variety of art modalities, including painting, clay, art, music, and narrative activities. Our aim is to provide a supportive setting that will increase coping skills in new and creative ways. Feel free to work solo or in collaboration at your comfort level. All students are welcome- no prior artistic or creative background or skill necessary!

Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in!

In-person on Thursdays from 1-2:15 p.m. at CCPH
Begins 9/4. Runs while classes are in session. 

Are you feeling low, hopeless and alone? This therapy group is designed to provide a supportive, confidential place where students can share authentically and receive support and feedback from peers.

Hosted by: Lisa Amato, LICSW

Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in.

Thursdays from 3:30-5 p.m. In-person at Goodell 302. Meets every other week.

Dates: 9/4, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13 & 12/4

A drop-in space to talk about experiences of Disability, supported by co-facilitators.

*Disability refers to people who experience visual, auditory (deaf or hard of hearing), physical (motor), cognitive, learning disabilities, and chronic illness. Group members do not need a medical diagnosis to attend the group. The group will work with the philosophy of ‘support needs’ rather than ability.
You are welcome to honor your needs and come after the start time and/or leave early. Please refrain from using products with fragrances.

Co-Hosted with the Office of Disability Services

Hosted by: Cathe Bruso, LMHC & Libby Graves

Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in.

In-Person, Meet at Lot 44 (Sylvan Woods) sign.

Mondays, 7:45-8:45 a.m., 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/20,10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 and 11/24 (No meeting on the 10/13 holiday)

Start your week off strong with CCPH! In this workshop, we'll incorporate gentle movement, intention setting, and community to make the most of your Monday morning and jumpstart your week! We'll learn about the benefits of morning routines, exercise, fresh air, and green space. We'll spend some time in nature together, walking, stretching, breathing, and just being, and we'll take a few minutes to set (and share) our intentions for the day and the week ahead. We meet outside in Sylvan Woods, so dress comfortably and wear athletic shoes.

Hosted by: Melissa Rotkiewicz, Psy.D.

Registration: No registration required.  Just show up!

In-Person on Wednesdays 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Goodell 327. Begins 9/3.

Are you interested in being in community with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and/or questioning peers? 

Do you want a space to socialize, make friends and talk about topics like school, mental health, and being queer/trans? 

Come to the LGBTQ+ Talk Space--a weekly drop-in space to talk about your experiences and build community! Open to all Five College students.

Co-sponsored by the Stonewall Center 

Hosted by Aspen Prager, LICSW 

How to Join: No registration required. Just drop-in—feel free to come late and/or leave early!

In Person - University Village Community Center, 990 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Fridays in October—10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31 between 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

A group for students interested in discussing the unique challenges of being both a student and a parent. Each session will begin with learning skills to manage stress and anxiety as well as discussing the impacts that stress and anxiety have on parenting students. The space will be an open, non-judgmental environment where students can learn skills, get support, validation, and connect with one another. Partners of student parents are also welcome. 

Co-Sponsored by Student Parent Program
 
Hosted by: Jessi Bond, LICSW

Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in. 

Wednesdays in-person at CCPH. See schedule below.

Stop by CCPH for the opportunity to spend time with a therapy dog alongside a small group of people! Visits with Rosie and George happen on a first-come basis. Interested participants can walk into the Middlesex building, check in with the front desk, and sign up for a 15-minute session.

Hosted by: Cindy Brown, LMHC with George; Beth Prullage, LICSW with Rosie; and Eileen Hirsch, CFNP, CPMHNP with Doolin

Registration: Arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to your chosen time slot and check-in at the front desk. 

Wednesdays 2:30-3:45 p.m. In-person at Worcester Dining Room 155. Meets every other week.

Dates: 9/3, 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3 & 12/10

This group offers expressive and mindful activities to guide exploration on your recovery path. Groups are designed to expand and reinforce coping skills and enhance your healing journey. Please join us in fostering self-care with fellow students as part of the UMass Recovery Community. No previous art or mindfulness experience is required to participate.

Co-Hosted with UMass Recovery

Hosted by: Diane Fedorchak, M.Ed., Dir. of Substance Misuse Prevention Strategies & Cathe Bruso, M.S., L.C.A.T. (NY), CCPH Mental Health Counselor

Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in.

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. 1st Wednesday of the month: In-Person at CCPH (Middlesex Building). All other Wednesdays: Hosted over Zoom.

Begins 9/3

Open to all UMass and Five College students who are interested in talking and connecting with trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and/or questioning peers. Will run every week of the semester.

Co-sponsored by Stonewall Center

Hosted by: Bradley Landon, LICSW & Jade Schapiro

Registration: To register, please call the office at (413) 545-2337 x5 and ask to speak with Brad about the TGNC group.

Fridays 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)

Begins 9/5. Runs while classes are in session.

Adjusting to UMass can feel overwhelming and lonely. This is an in-person supportive space for undergraduate students to connect with one another. Consider dropping in and joining us for one, two, or all meetings!

Hosted by: Aspen Prager, LICSW

Registration: No prior registration necessary! Just drop-in. 

Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m. In-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Days/dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20

Building resilience through DBT skills can help to reduce challenging behaviors and cope with sudden or intense surges of emotion. In this workshop, students will learn how to:

• more effectively manage intense emotions
• live more fully in the present moment
• more effectively communicate and express their needs
• more effectively negotiate relationships

Skills covered in this workshop include:

• mindfulness
• emotion regulation
• distress tolerance
• interpersonal effectiveness

Registration: Register via the Patient Portal or by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 ext. 5). Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.  

Wednesdays 4 – 5:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex House)

Days/dates:  

Series 1: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 & 10/1--CANCELED

Series 2: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12 & 11/19--CANCELED

Trouble staying focused? Difficulty keeping up with your classes or moving forward with your work? Join us! This skills-based workshop will provide participants with practical tools and cognitive strategies to improve focus and concentration, increase productivity, and reduce academic stress. Participants should plan to attend all four sessions of the series.

Registration:  Register via the Patient Portal or by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 x5). Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Tuesdays and Fridays 3-4 p.m. over Zoom

Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-4 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)

Begins 9/2. Runs while classes are in session.

**No Stress GPS on Wednesday, 10/22

An innovative skills-based free workshop open to all UMass students, focused on learning practical tools for coping with stress and anxiety.

• Increase your sense of emotional well-being
• Practice strategies to calm your mind and body
• Increase your mindfulness
• Learn to better manage emotional distress and feeling overwhelmed 

Stress GPS is a three-session workshop. To get the full curriculum, it is recommended that you attend three weeks in a row. (Totaling 3 hours in the workshop, any 1 hour each week)

Click the links below to learn more about each session:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3

Registration:  Register for a Tuesday Zoom session here. Register for a Friday Zoom session here. On Wednesdays and Thursdays arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 3:00 p.m. and check in at the front desk.

Mondays 1-2:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Dates: 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10 & 11/17

In this group, participants will gain a better understanding of ADHD and feel empowered to embrace their ADHD. We will discuss several strategies to manage symptoms and improve well-being, such as creating structures and routines, recognizing your strengths and challenges, and seeking support. 

Hosted by: Jeston Sussman, LICSW

Registration: Register via the Patient Portal or by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 ext 5). Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.  

Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)

Days/dates:  10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12 & 11/19--CANCELED for Fall, 2025

Have you been impacted by trauma? Feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Feeling out of control and/or shut down? 

This six-session educational workshop series will empower you with the knowledge of how trauma impacts the mind/body and your relationships. You will learn grounding and mindfulness practices to calm the body and help you have new emotional responses. Safety is our goal, so you will be asked not to share the traumatic details of your story.

Hosted by: Marymar Rivera Castro, PhD & Yolanda Ramos, LICSW

Registration: Register for a group pre-screening appointment by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 x5). If you are currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also schedule a group screening for you. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Mondays 4-5:30 p.m. in-person at Goodell 302

Days/dates:  9/29, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10--GROUP IS FULL

Join us for a free six-week series which provides education on ways that trauma impacts us and offers a way to heal the nervous system using breath and mindful yoga movements. Each class will offer a check-in, 45-minute breath and movement practice and a closing check-out. No prior yoga experience needed. You will not be asked to share details of your trauma. You can bring your own yoga mat and/or one can be provided for you. All genders are welcome. 

Co-Sponsored by CWC and WOCLN.

Hosted by: Yolanda Ramos, LICSW, RYT-200

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337 x5 and ask for a 30-minute screening appointment for the Yoga for Trauma Healing workshop. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Mondays 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building). CANCELED--Fall, 2025

Struggling with anxiety, frequent worry, or feelings of panic?

This group provides a supportive setting to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of anxiety and its impact on our everyday lives. Participants will learn a range of cognitive techniques, somatic practices, and coping skills for managing anxiety and reducing stress. Group members should plan to attend all sessions.

Hosted by: Beth Prullage, LICSW and Katie Brenner, PsyD

Registration:  To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for Catching the Spiral. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Tuesdays from 4-5:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building).
CANCELED for Fall, 2025

We warmly invite students to come together to build community through shared encounters, discussions, and reflections of the first-generation experience. This space recognizes the uniqueness of the first-generation experience and encourages self-exploration and self-expression related to personal and shared experiences.

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for First-Generation Support Group. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Two in-person sections at CCPH (Middlesex Building)

FULL: Tuesdays 4-5:15 p.m. 
CANCELED: Thursdays 2:30-3:45 p.m. 

Co-ed experiential personal growth groups with a focus on mutual support, self-exploration, self-expression, interpersonal relationships, managing anxiety, balancing multiple roles, and addressing obstacles to completing dissertations/theses.

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for the Graduate Student Support Group on your desired day. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Hosted by: Beth Prullage, LICSW (Tuesdays), Amanda DiStasio, PhD (Thursdays)

Tuesdays 1-2:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building).

Group will begin when full.

Don't struggle alone. Come together with other students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students!

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for the Grief and Loss Group. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Tuesdays 1-2:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building).

CANCELED for Fall, 2025

Welcome, International Graduate Students! We warmly invite graduate students interested in discussing the international graduate student experience to join our inclusive space. 

This group is designed to help you to understand yourself better, and to find community and support. Through dialogue, reflection, and connection, we will gain a better understanding of various behaviors in the interpersonal realm as well as experience self-expression and personal growth that will serve us well anywhere in the world.

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for the International Graduate Student Group. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Hosted by:  Fusako Yamagiwa, LICSW

Tuesdays 4-5:30 p.m. Remote over Zoom.

Group will begin when full.

In this group we will use different writing approaches such as freewriting, storytelling, and memoir, to connect to and express the feelings that might flow better onto paper than through talk. Members of the group will receive writing prompts and write together. We will also have the opportunity to read our writing and to offer each other supportive reflection.

This group is designed to:

• Express and create
• Develop greater insight
• Feel a sense of ownership of our healing process
• Receive support, kinship, validation, and hope from our peers

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for Journaling Therapy Group. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.

Thursdays, 4-5:15 p.m. In-Person at CCPH (Middlesex House)
Weekly, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20--CANCELED for Fall, 2025

For many of us pets can be more than just a companion---they can be family. A beloved pet can offer us affection, playfulness, connection, purpose, and even routine. Their love can feel unconditional, so losing a pet often brings feelings of loneliness, sadness, and grief. Sometimes we can feel isolated in our grief, especially if our experience is not understood or shared by others around us. The Pet Loss Support group is an intentional space to share openly about our experiences of losing a pet. It’s also a space to remember and celebrate our pets and to find connections in hearing about the relationships others have had with pets who have passed. This group is appropriate for anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet.

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337x5 and ask for a 30-minute group screening appointment for Pet Loss Support Group. If you're currently seeing a CCPH clinician, your clinician can also book the group screening appointment for you.