Groups, Workshops & Drop-In Groups | Center for Counseling and Psychological Health

Navigating college while living with chronic illness can be challenging. You are not alone! Whether you are coping with chronic pain, frequent migraines, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer, IBS, Crohn’s disease, heart disease, or other medical conditions, we are here to support you.

Join this drop-in space dedicated to offering support for students navigating academic life through the challenges of chronic illness and conditions. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this is a space to feel heard and understood through shared experiences.

Hosted by Amanda DiStasio, PhD & Katie Brenner, MS

Registration: Zoom registration

LGBTQ+ Talk Space

In-Person at Wilder Hall 102 (CMASS) on Wednesdays 6 - 7:30 p.m. -- BEGINS 9/4

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! Feel free to come late and/or leave early.

Co-sponsored by the Stonewall Center and open to all Five College students.

Hosted by Aspen Alterkun, LICSW

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

Pet Therapy: Drop-In Groups

Wednesdays at CCPH -- BEGINS 9/4

George: 12:10 p.m., 12:35 p.m., 1:15 p.m. and 1:35 p.m.
Rosie or Doolin: 2:15 p.m. and 2:35 p.m.
Rosie: 3:00 p.m. and 3:20 p.m.

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, Cindy Moschella, LMHC with George & Eileen Hirsch, CFNP, CPMHNP with Doolin

***For 10/16/24

12:10, 12:35, 1:15, 1:35—Cindy & George

2:15, 2:35—Eileen & Doolin

3, 3:20—Cindy & George

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

College Living on the Spectrum: Support and Discussion Group

In-Person at Wilder Hall 102 (CMASS) on Wednesdays 4:30 – 6 p.m. -- BEGINS 9/4

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

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

Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Group (TGNC)

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. -- BEGINS 9/4

In-Person at CCPH on the first Wednesday of the month, Remote via Zoom all other Wednesdays

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

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

Adoption Group: Adoptees Discover Our Path Together (ADOPT)

In-Person at CCPH on Fridays 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. -- BEGINS 9/13

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

Registration: 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!

Hello, My Name Is…

In-Person at CCPH on Fridays 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. -- BEGINS 9/13!

Transitioning to UMass can feel overwhelming and lonely. “Hello, My Name Is…” is an in-person supportive space specifically for incoming first-year students and transfer students to connect with one another. Consider dropping in and joining us for one, two, or all meetings!

Hosted by Amanda DiStasio, PhD

Registration: Arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 2:30 p.m. and check-in at the front desk.

Healthy Boundaries Workshop

Remote via Zoom on Mondays 4 - 5:30pm

****New Dates: 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4 and 11/18!!!!

Do you find it difficult to deal with your roommate’s requests, or do they often dismiss yours? Do your significant other or friends make unreasonable demands, and you fear losing them if you don’t agree? Do you feel your parent(s) treat you like a child or don’t respect your privacy?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be struggling with boundaries, a common relational problem. This group will help participants to identify and understand boundary violations, and to develop ways to assert healthy boundaries in their lives. Join us!

Hosted by Marymar Rivera Castro, PhD

**Registration Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full 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. Click here for instructions on how to register for CCPH workshops via the Patient Portal.

Managing Social Anxiety

Remote via Zoom on Tuesdays 3:30 – 5 pm

Dates: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22 & 10/29

Join our free four-session workshop in a supportive space for undergraduate students who experience anxiety in social situations. We’ll 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.

**Registration Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Stress GPS

Remote via Zoom: Tuesdays & Fridays, 3 – 4 p.m. -- BEGINS TUESDAY 9/3!!!

In-Person at CCPH: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3 – 4 p.m.

An innovative skills-based free workshops 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)

Week 1 Packet

Week 2 Packet

Week 3 Packet

Registration: On Wednesdays and Thursdays arrive at CCPH (Middlesex Building) prior to 3:00 p.m. and check in at the front desk. Click below to register via Zoom for the Tuesday and Friday sessions:

In-Focus: Gaining Insights and Strategies for Academic Success

In-Person at CCPH on Tuesdays 4 - 5:15 p.m.

Dates: 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, & 10/22 -- NOW FULL! BEGINS 10/1 (first meeting via Zoom)!!!

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 Elise Manning, LICSW

**Registration Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Unlock Better Sleep

In-Person at CCPH on Wednesdays 1 - 2 p.m.

Dates: 10/16, 10/23 & 10/30

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 Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Understanding Trauma: A Healing Guide

In-Person at CCPH on Wednesdays 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13 & 11/20

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 Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

DBT Skills Workshop

In-Person at CCPH on Thursdays 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Dates: 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, & 12/12

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

**Registration Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Journaling Workshop

In-Person and CCPH on Fridays 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Dates: 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, & 12/6

In this workshop, we will journal/free write together to express emotions that can sometimes be difficult to say out loud. Journaling can help to relieve stress, slow down, improve focus, and re-discover creativity. We may even decide to share our writing with each other. This workshop is also designed to provide support, kinship, and validation from others. Open to all students—undergraduate and graduate!

Hosted by: Lisa Amato, LICSW

**Registration Update 8/7/24: Please call CCPH directly in order to register for this workshop (413)545-2337 x5. Students should plan to attend all sessions and participate in the full series.

Yoga for Trauma Recovery

In-Person at 201 Wilder Hall on Mondays 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Dates: 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28 & 11/4

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. For more information about what to expect in each session, click here.

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 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.

International Student Support Group (Undergrad + Grad)

Graduate Students: In-Person at CCPH on Mondays 4 - 5:15 p.m. GROUP WILL BEGIN ON 10/21, THOUGH REFERRALS ARE STILL WELCOME AFTER THAT DATE

Undergraduate Students: In-Person at CCPH on Tuesdays 4 - 5:15 p.m. NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER; PLEASE SEE UNDERGRADUATE SUPPORT GROUP AS AN OPTION.

Welcome, International 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. The group's primary goal will be to build a sense of community and belonging!

Hosted by Fusako Yamagiwa, LICSW

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

Graduate Student Support Group

Remote via Zoom on Mondays 4 – 5:15 p.m. Group will begin when full.--Looking for 1-2 more people before GROUP STARTS ON 10/21

In-Person at CCPH on Tuesdays 4 - 5:15 p.m. Group will begin when full--GROUP IS FULL AND STARTS ON 9/24/24

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.

Hosted by Beth Prullage, LICSW

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337 x5 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.

Grief & Loss

In-Person at CCPH on Tuesdays 1 – 2:15 p.m. Group will begin when full.

Don't struggle alone. Come together with other students who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Hosted by Bradley Landon, LICSW

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337 x5 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.

Catching the Spiral: Reduce Anxiety and Find Your Ground

In-Person at CCPH on Wednesdays 4 – 5:15 p.m. Group will begin when full. GROUP IS NOW FULL--WILL BEGIN ON 10/16!!!!!

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

Registration: To register, please call the CCPH front desk at (413)545-2337 x5 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.

Undergraduate Student Support Group

In-Person at CCPH on Thursdays, 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. Group begins when full.

This group is designed to provide a supportive, confidential place where undergraduate students can share authentically, and receive support and feedback from peers. Topics discussed in this group may include (but are not limited to!) adjusting to and leaving college, academic and career concerns, coping with stress, relationships and identity development. Join us!

Hosted by Lisa Amato, LICSW

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

101 Series - Standalone Workshops - Fall 2024

Healthy Boundaries 101

***New Date!!! Monday, September 23, 4 - 5:15 p.m. | Remote Via Zoom

Do you find it difficult to deal with your roommates/floormates requests, or do they often dismiss yours? Does your advisor or professor make unreasonable demands, and you fear the consequences if you don’t agree? Do you feel your parent(s) treat you like a child or don’t respect your privacy?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be struggling with boundaries, a common relational problem. This free introductory workshop will help participants to identify and understand boundary violations, and to develop ways to assert healthy boundaries in their lives. Join us!

Hosted by Marymar Rivera Castro, PhD

Managing Social Anxiety 101

Tuesday, September 24, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Remote Via Zoom

What is social anxiety? Where does it come from? How does this impact our lives? What’s the difference between anxiety and social anxiety?

You are not alone. Join us for this free introductory workshop to better understand social anxiety! Learn more about the upcoming social anxiety workshop series, how it can help you manage anxiety in social situations and ask what you have always wanted to ask about therapy for social anxiety.

Hosted by Christine Catraio, Ph.D.

Unlock Better Sleep 101

Wednesday, December 4, 1 - 2:15 p.m. | In-Person at CCPH

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, and examining your beliefs about sleep.

Hosted by David Browne, LICSW and Eileen Hirsch, CFNP, CPMHNP

Workshops and Drop-in groups are free to students.

Therapy groups bill through insurance, though not all students will have an out of pocket expense. Click here for more information.

FALL 2024 OFFERINGS

Click on the group name to see more information.

101 Series of Standalone Workshops

Drop In Groups

Chronic Illness Support Space <<< NOW A DROP-IN SPACE!!

Hello, My Name Is… <<< NEW STUDENT SUPPORT!!

Workshops

Therapy Groups

Chronic Illness Support Space

LGBTQ+ Talk Space

Pet Therapy: Drop-In Groups

College Living on the Spectrum: Support and Discussion Group

Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Group (TGNC)

Adoption Group: Adoptees Discover Our Path Together (ADOPT)

Hello, My Name Is…

Healthy Boundaries Workshop

Managing Social Anxiety

Stress GPS

In-Focus: Gaining Insights and Strategies for Academic Success

Unlock Better Sleep

Understanding Trauma: A Healing Guide

DBT Skills Workshop

Journaling Workshop

Yoga for Trauma Recovery

International Student Support Group (Undergrad + Grad)

Graduate Student Support Group

Grief & Loss

Catching the Spiral: Reduce Anxiety and Find Your Ground

Undergraduate Student Support Group

101 Series - Standalone Workshops - Fall 2024

Healthy Boundaries 101

Managing Social Anxiety 101

Unlock Better Sleep 101

Groups Calendar