Drop-in Groups
Adoptee Support Space
Fridays 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Begins 2/7. Runs while classes are in session.
A drop-in group for undergraduate students who identify as adoptees to come together and create intentional community with others who share this identity. This affinity space is facilitated by adoptees, for adoptees. This is a non-judgmental space to:
· Explore a wide range of experiences as adoptees
· Ask questions, listen, laugh, and bring your authentic self
· Speak as much or as little as you’d like
· Come for as long as you’d like
Hosted by Aspen Alterkun, LICSW & Mei Lin Pratt, LCSW
How to Join: No registration required! Just come to CCPH (Middlesex Building) and check-in at the front desk. Feel free to come late and/or leave early!
College Living on the Spectrum: Support and Discussion Group
In-person on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at Goodell Hall Room 327. Begins 2/5. Runs while classes are in session.
A weekly drop-in space of peers talking about their experiences, 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 Alterkun, 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.
Connect & Reflect: Asian Community Series
Wednesdays 4 – 5:15 pm
Runs 2/12 to 4/30 while classes are in session.
Location: YKCC (Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center), 307 Goodell Hall
A weekly drop-in space for APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi, Americans) students and allies to reflect, discuss, and explore their experiences among the Asian/Asian American community. Based on topic inspired by the book, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans by Dr. Jenny Wang, we will talk about issues centered on identity, mental health—and everything in between. Topics include exploring how we Feel, Rage, Say No, Take Up Space, Choose, Fail, Play, and Grieve. While the book will be a guide, there is no need to read it or do any prep! All are welcome to listen, talk, and reflect.
We invite you to join this casual space for Asian/Asian American students to build community and navigating how to balance family/cultural expectations, feeling "not Asian enough" to those around you, and how to create boundaries without feeling guilt. Come for the learning—stay for the community! BONUS: snacks provided!
Co-Sponsored by the Office of Equity and Inclusion
Hosted by: Fusako Yamagiwa, LICSW & Christopher Dang, RD of JOLT
How to Join: No registration required, just drop-in! Feel free to come late and/or leave early!
Level Up Your Life!
First Tuesday of the month, 2-5pm
Days/dates: 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, & 5/6
Location: RECESS Room, 2nd floor of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library
Do you have what it takes to be the main character? Come test that version of yourself! You can drop-in to this one-shot tabletop role play event to do things you never knew you could do—and be the person you’ve always wished you could be.
Co-Sponsored by W.E.B. DuBois Library
Hosted by RJ Frank, PsyD, Head Game Master
Registration: No registration required. Just drop-in!
LGBTQ+ Talk Space
In-Person on Wednesdays 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Goodell Hall Room 327. Begins 2/5.
Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and/or questioning?
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 Alterkun, LICSW
How to Join: just show up!
Moving Conversations with CCPH Director
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dates: 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6
Check in at Middlesex House Reception by 11:30 a.m.
Do you wonder why we do things the way we do them at CCPH? Do you have questions about CCPH?
Do you wish we did something differently or have ideas about how to reach more students?
Do you want to know more about our mission, vision, and values?
Our director wants to hear from you!
Join us for Moving Conversations with CCPH Director, Melissa Rotkiewicz, PsyD. Meet at Middlesex House prepared to get outside and talk about all things CCPH!
Students who prefer to meet in the office can call CCPH to schedule a meeting with Dr. Rotkiewicz. (413-545-2337)
Pet Therapy
Wednesdays at CCPH
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 Beth Prullage, LICSW with Rosie, Eileen Hirsch, CFNP with Doolin & Cindy Brown, LMHC with George
How to Join: just show up!
Upcoming Schedule:
3/12/25
2:15, 2:35--Eileen & Doolin
George and Rosie are out today!
3/19/25
Spring Break, no pet therapy
3/26/25
12:10, 12:35, 1:15, 1:35—Cindy & George
2:15, 2:35, 3, 3:20—Beth & Rosie
The Power Nap Group
Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Begins 2/11. Runs while classes are in session.
* Canceled on 3/4*
Napping isn’t just sleep, it’s rest. Rest isn’t just self-care, it’s power. Learn more about who has access to rest and why some argue that “rest is revolution.” Then get to work in this fight. Take a nap! Naps will be 35 minutes following a brief framing from the group leader. Soft music will be played, and yoga mats will be provided. Bring anything else that will help your nap be restful.
Registration: No registration required, just arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 2:30 p.m. and check in at the front desk.
Hosted by: Malcolm Pradia, LICSW
Pride Atlas: a community support space for International LGBTQIA+ students.
Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in-person at Goodell Hall, Room 427
Begins 2/26. Runs while classes are in session.
A drop-in space to connect with other international students who identify as LGBTQIA+: Come to talk about your experiences and to build community!
Co-Sponsored by: Stonewall Center and the Office of Global Affairs (OGA)
Registration: No registration required! Just come to Goodell Hall!
Hosted by: Beth Prullage, LICSW
Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Group (TGNC)
Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. 1st Wednesday of the month: In-Person at CCPH (Middlesex Building). All other Wednesdays: Hosted over Zoom
Free and open to all UMass and Five College students who identify as trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or questioning. Students located in any state, or internationally are welcome. 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.
Undergraduate Support Space
Fridays 12:20-1:10 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Begins 2/7. Runs while classes are in session.
***Canceled 2/21/25
Adjusting to UMass can feel overwhelming and lonely.
This is an in-person supportive space for undergraduate students—particularly first years and transfer students—to connect with one another. Consider dropping in and joining us for one, two, or all meetings!
No prior registration necessary! Just arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 12:20 p.m. and check-in at the front desk.
Workshops
Building Resilience 101
Remote via Zoom on Wednesdays 12 – 1:30 pm
Dates: 1/8, 1/15, and 1/22
Building resilience through DBT skills can help to reduce challenging behaviors and cope with sudden or intense surges of emotion. In this miniseries 101 workshop, participants 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, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hosted by: Elle Berch-Heyman, LICSW & Sara Cauley, MS
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.
Building Resilience
Fridays 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Days/dates: 2/28, 3/7, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, & 5/2
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
Hosted by: Elle Berch-Heyman, LICSW & Jude Graether
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.
Conscious Uncoupling: Navigating the Other Side of Relationships
Tuesdays 1-2:15 in-person at CCPH
Days/dates: Series 1: 2/11, 2/18, & 2/25; Series 2: 4/1, 4/8, & 4/15
Join us for this three-part series on end relationships gracefully!
- So you’re not feeling it? Must all good things end? Relationships often have a natural ending point, but what if you’re noticing this before the other person? Learn how to evaluate your needs and communicate them clearly when it’s time to move on.
- So they’re not feeling it? Being dumped sucks. Learn to apply principles of radical acceptance, self-compassion, and distress management to make it through your breakup.
- What’s the deal with “no contact”? Research shows more and more people are deciding to limit or end contact with stressful people in their lives. Whether you’re just thinking about stepping away or have already gone “no contact,” this workshop offers a safe space to discuss the do’s and don'ts, pros and cons, best practices for healthier relationships.
Hosted by: Jade Schapiro and Jude Graether, second-year social work interns
Registration: No registration required, just arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 1:00 pm and check-in at the front desk!
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Workshop
Mondays 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in-Person at CCPH
Days/dates: 3/3, 3/10, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/28, & 5/5
This is a structured workshop focused on managing lingering feelings of sadness by building weekly mindfulness skills through guided practice as a group, group discussions, and suggested daily solo mindfulness exercises.
The goal of this workshop is to reduce the tendency to operate on autopilot and increase acting with intentionality though becoming more aware of bodily sensations, feelings, and thoughts. MBCT adopts a philosophy of nonjudgmental awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion to reduce focus on the past and future, and to help understand thoughts as temporary and impermanent.
Hosted by: Mike McClay, PhD & Katie Brenner, MS
Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337 x5 and ask for a 30-minute screening appointment for the MBCT 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.
Managing Social Anxiety
Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. over Zoom
Days/dates: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, & 3/11--Canceled for the Spring semester
Join our free four-session workshop in a supportive space for undergraduate students who experience anxiety in social situations. We will talk about ways to make friends, start conversations and maintain relationships. Learn more about social anxiety, what to do with self-criticism, and explore strategies to cope with anxiety to increase confidence and navigate social situations in college.
Hosted by Christine Catraio, Ph.D. & Mei Lin Pratt, LCSW
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.
Stress GPS (Gaining Practical Skills)
Tuesdays and Fridays 3-4 pm over Zoom
Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-4 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Begins 2/4. Runs while classes are in session.
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:
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.
Hosted by: Varies by session
In-Focus: Gaining Insights and Strategies for Academic Success
Wednesdays 4 – 5:15 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex House)
Days/dates: Series 1: 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12----Canceled for the Spring semester
Series 2: 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, & 4/23--Register now!!!!
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.
Hosted by: Cindy Brown, LMHC
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.
Creative Awakenings: Art Therapy for Self-Esteem and Self-Expression
Wednesdays 4 – 5:30 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Days/dates: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, & 5/7
Join us for this art therapy group designed to foster creativity, self-worth, and self-compassion! Through the creation of four different art projects, group leaders will model and facilitate relationship building, the use of humor, and self-acceptance. This space is designed to empower students to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves and explore themselves through art. All students are welcome—no prior artistic or creative background or skill necessary!
Projects include:
- 4/16: Your Best Self: Use mixed media to create a vision board to showcase dreams, goals, traits, and values.
- 4/23: Contributing to Others: Create a gift or a thoughtful card for someone you care about.
- 4/30: Inside/Outside: How do you see yourself? How do others see you?
- 5/7: Self-Portraits: Create a piece of art that represents you or a version of you.
Registration: No registration required, just arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 4 p.m. (strongly encouraged to arrive by 3:50 p.m.) and check in at the front desk. Space/supplies will be limited to the first 15 people to arrive.
Hosted by: Marymar Rivera Castro, PhD & Jeston Sussman, LICSW
Understanding Trauma: A Healing Guide
Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Days/dates: 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, & 4/9
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 via the Patient Portal or by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 x5). Students are welcome to join this workshop up until the second session on 3/5. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.
Couple’s Therapy Workshop
Thursdays 4-5:15 p.m. over Zoom
Days/dates: 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/27, & 4/3--Group has been canceled this semester
Join this 5-part series to learn more about how to stay meaningfully connected in your romantic relationship. Explore how every couple forms its own dynamic and why observing that dynamic together can help you, communicate more effectively, meet the shared needs of the couple, and embrace conflict as necessary and healthy. Each session will make space for brief reflection and discussion. Join independently or as a couple. All genders and sexualities welcome.
Hosted by: Malcolm Pradia, LICSW & Taylor Hall, MSW
Registration: Register via the Patient Portal or by calling CCPH directly (413-545-2337 x5). Students are encouraged to attend all sessions in the series. Students can join at any week during the duration of the series run.
Sleep Well, Live Better
Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)
Days/dates: 2/26, 3/5, & 3/12--Canceled for the Spring semester
Tired of tossing and turning at night? Struggling with sleepless nights? Feeling groggy during the day?
Look no further! Join this free introductory workshop designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need for restful, rejuvenating sleep. Topics include: the science of sleep, healthy sleep habits, examining your beliefs about sleep, and creating a customized sleep plan. Bonus: All participants will receive a sleep journal to track their progress and stay motivated!
Hosted by: David Browne, LICSW & Eileen Hirsch, CFNP, CPMHNP
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.
Yoga for Trauma Recovery
Mondays 4-5:30 pm in-person at Campus Center 168C
Days/dates: 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/24, 3/31 and 4/7
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 CCPH, 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 Recovery 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.
The Art of Becoming: Exploring Values, Identity, and Aspirations
Mondays, 2:30-3:45 in-person at CCPH
Days/dates: 2/24, 3/3, & 3/1--Canceled for the Spring semester
This hands-on workshop uses art-based activities to guide participants through a journey of self-reflection and growth. Through a variety of artistic activities, we will explore aspects of self-identity, autonomy, aspirations, values, and beliefs. The hope is that participants will gain a deeper understanding of themselves, explore actionable insights to guide their personal journey, and create artifacts that reflect their evolving sense of self. No prior art experience is required!
Hosted by: Sara Cauley, MS, Taylor Hall, MSW, & Nina Sanfilippo, MA
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.
Therapy Groups
Catching the Spiral: Reduce Anxiety and Find Your Ground
Mondays 4-5:15 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building). Group will begin when full.--GROUP IS FULL and will start on 3/3/25
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: Elise Manning, LICSW & Katie Brenner, MS
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.
Graduate Student Support Group
Mondays 4-5:15 pm over Zoom--STILL ACCEPTING STUDENTS!
Tuesdays 4-5:15 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building)--GROUP IS FULL AND BEGINS 2/25/25
Group will begin when full.
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 (Mondays); and Beth Prullage, LICSW & Sara Cauley, MS (Tuesdays)
Grief & Loss Group
Tuesdays 1-2:15 pm in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building).
Group will begin when full. Group begins 3/25/25!! Still accepting referrals!
Don't struggle alone.
Come together with other students who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
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.
Hosted by: Bradley Landon, LICSW & Nina Sanfilippo, MA
International Graduate Student Group
Thursdays 1-2:15 p.m. in-person at CCPH (Middlesex Building).
Group will begin when full.
Welcome, International Graduate Students!
We warmly invite you 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
Let's Write! Therapy Group
Tuesdays 4-5:30pm. 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.
Hosted by: Lisa Amato, LICSW