Summer Groups
Graduate Student Summer Support Groups
Beginning in June
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Middlesex House
Thursdays, 2:30-4:00 p.m. in Middlesex House
Two weekly summer support groups for graduate students starting in June. Navigating multiple roles, demands and relationships as a graduate student can be challenging. Feelings of insecurity and anxiety, lack of confidence, fears of failure, concerns about the future, and feeling like an imposter are all common issues. Connect with other graduate students, and share strategies and experiences.
For more information contact CCPH at 413-545-2337 or email Lyle Vintinner, M. Psy. at lvintinner@umass.edu for Wednesday group or Emily Curry M.A. at ecurry@umass.edu for Thursday group. Pre-screening needed.
ADHD Toolkit Workshop
Tuesdays 3:00-4:30 p.m. (pre-registration needed)
June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th; July 2nd
Five session free workshop for undergraduate and graduate students who are affected by symptoms of ADHD or other attentional difficulties. Workshop will focus on time management and organizational skills, reducing procrastination, and increasing self-esteem and self-acceptance.
To register contact Samuel Ocasio-Dominguez, M.S. at socasiodomin@umass.edu. Pre-registration needed.
LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, 3-4:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
A safe and affirming space to explore sexual orientation and gender identity, share experiences, and learn about community resources. Preregistration is not required; students can drop-in at any time. Refreshments are provided.
Contact Michelle Alterkun, LICSW, at malterkun@umass.edu
Fall Skills Workshops (pre-registration needed)
STRESS GPS - GAINING PRACTICAL SKILLS
Mondays through Fridays,
3:00-4:00 p.m. in Middlesex House
September 30th - December 13th (No workshops 10/14, 11/11, and 11/24-11/29)
Innovative skills-based free workshops open to all UMass students, focused on learning practical tools for coping with college stress and anxiety. Increase your emotional well-being by practicing strategies to calm your mind and body, increase your mindfulness, and manage emotional distress. These three session workshops run every day and students can join any time. Attend three weekly session for maximal benefit.
Call CCPH at 413-545-2337 to register.
COPING SKILLS FOR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Tuesdays 4:00-5:15 p.m. in Middlesex House
September 24th - November 12th in Middlesex House
Eight-session free workshop open to all students. Learn emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills that will help you to manage your emotions. Identify triggers, and learn practical and empowering coping strategies. Participants are expected to attend all eight sessions.
Register by contacting Jennifer Muniz-Rodriguez, Psy.D. at jmunizrodrig@umass.edu.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION FOR ANXIETY
Mondays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
September 23rd, 30th; October 7th
Three-session free workshop open to all students. Learn mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to increase a sense of well-being, increase focus and concentration, and decrease anxiety. Learn and practice effective strategies that you can incorporate into your everyday life.
Register by contacting Elizabeth Hare, LICSW at ehare@umass.edu.
MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION, AND SELF-COMPASSION
Mondays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
October 21st, 28th, November 4th
Three-session free workshop open to all students. Learn how mindfulness meditation can help you cultivate greater self-acceptance and self-compassion. By being a compassionate observer of your own experiences, thoughts and feelings, you can increase resilience and find greater peace in your life.
Register by contacting Elizabeth Hare, LICSW at ehare@umass.edu.
SOCIAL ANXIETY WORKSHOP
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
October 23rd, 30th; November 6th, 13th
Four-session free workshop for undergraduate students who experience anxiety in social situations. Connect with other students with similar experiences, improve your social skills, and reduce your anxiety.
Register by contacting Christine Catraio, Ph.D. at ccatraio@umass.edu.
BODY IMAGE WORKSHOP
Thursdays, 1:00-2:15 p.m. in Middlesex House
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th
Four-session free workshop for female-identified students focused on developing a more accepting and compassionate relationship with your body. Explore the impact of cultural and family influences, the history of your relationship with your body, and your negative thought patterns. Through experiential exercises and group sharing, learn ways to increase self-care, self-acceptance, and improve your body image. This workshop is ideal for students struggling with body esteem issues. Participants are expected to attend all four sessions.
Register by contacting Cindy Moschella, LMHC, at cmoschella@umass.edu.
ADHD TOOLKIT
Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00 p.m. in Middlesex House
Part 1: September 25th, October 2nd, 9th, 16th
Part 2: October 30th, November 6th, 13th, 20th
A two-part free workshop (4 sessions each) addressing the academic and social challenges of all students with attention difficulties. Topics include time management, procrastination, developing organizational skills, improving relationships, and increasing self-empowerment.
Register for one or both parts by contacting Christian Smith, LICSW at christians@umass.edu.
”JUST TALK TO ME” - RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP
Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m. in Middlesex House
October 31st; November 7th, 14th, 21st
Four-session free workshop open to all students (currently in a romantic relationship or not). Workshop will focus on enhancing interpersonal communication skills, exploring the roles we take on in relationships, and learning to develop healthy boundaries in our romantic lives.
Register by contacting Jennifer Cannella, LICSW at jcannella@umass.edu.
Fall Support and Therapy Groups (pre-screening required)
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Middlesex House
Ongoing group for undergraduate students. Connect with others in a safe and supportive space while exploring issues including relationships, adjustment to college, stress and anxiety, and self-esteem.
Register by contacting Beth Prullage, LICSW at bprullage@umass.edu.
UNDERSTANDING SELF AND OTHERS
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m. in Middlesex House
Undergraduate group providing a supportive setting to gain a better understanding of yourself, practice new ways of relating to others, share personal experiences about college life, and receive feedback and support.
Register by contacting Elle Berch-Heyman, LICSW at berchheyman@umass.edu.
GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
Support group for undergraduate and graduate students who have experienced the loss of someone close to them. In a supportive environment, members will have the opportunity to share their experiences and feelings. Exploration of coping skills and mutual sharing will be encouraged.
Register by contacting Chris Shanky, LICSW at cshanky@umass.edu.
WOMEN’S GRADUATE GROUP
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m. in Middlesex House
Experiential personal growth group with a focus on self-exploration, self-expression, interpersonal relationships, managing anxiety, balancing multiple roles, and addressing obstacles to completing dissertations/theses.
Register by contacting Julia Moss, Ph.D., MSW at jmoss@umass.edu.
Community Support Groups (Drop-in, no pre-group meeting needed)
EXPLORING SEXUALITY AND GENDER
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. in Middlesex House
Support group for students looking to explore gender and sexuality. The group provides a safe setting to freely share experiences and make connections with others. Refreshments provided.
Contact Lydia Rackenberg, LICSW, at lydiar@uhs.umass.edu
TRANS AND GENDER-NONCONFORMING STUDENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. University Health Services, Room 302
Free and open to all UMass students who identify on the trans spectrum. Co-sponsored by the UMass Stonewall Center.
For more information contact Avy Skolnik, Ph.D., at askolnik@umass.edu or call (413) 559-5458.
