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Student Life
Counseling and Psychological Health Center Offers Spring Groups
The UMass Amherst Counseling and Psychological Health Center (CCPH) is offering a number of online support groups and community conversations for members of the campus community for spring semester 2021.
Available support groups:
“Hello, My Name Is…”: Support for new students
Thursdays 4-5pm
First Year Students: Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, April 1, 15 and 29
Transfer Students: Feb. 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, April 8 and 22
Nothing about this academic year has been normal, yet here you are. This may not be what you imagined your first semester at UMass would look like. For some, this transition may feel scary or uncertain. Let us help you make your semester as smooth as possible. “Hello, My Name Is…” is a virtual supportive space specifically for incoming first-year students and transfer students. Consider joining us for one, two, or all sessions of this CCPH Community Conversation. Whatever feels right for you. We are here.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Pre-register by 3:30 p.m. the day of the group.
Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group
Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Free and open to all UMass and Five College students who identify as trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming or questioning. Co-sponsored by the UMass Stonewall Center. Students located in any state, or internationally are welcome.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call CCPH and ask to connect with Brad or Beth if interested in joining.
A group where Black undergraduate students can find their voice at UMass.
Thursdays 4-5 p.m., starting Feb. 4
“When the Struggle to Advance… Demands the Support of Others… There Remains a Call to Move Forward… Never Backward!”
This is a supportive space for Black students to come together, talk and learn while engaging in discussions regarding the academic and social pressures at UMass. Sessions will include discussions on mental health and wellness, self-esteem, empowerment, and connection.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website the day of the group by 3 p.m.
Every Monday 3-3:45 p.m., starting Feb. 22
Group will not run on April 19
All students welcome! Join us to learn basic meditation techniques in an open and friendly environment. Learn about the benefits of meditation and how to use your breath to bring your attention to the present moment. No experience necessary. This 45 minute weekly drop-in meditation group is available for students to join once or as many times as they wish.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website by 2 p.m. the day of the group
Tuesdays and Fridays 3-4 p.m., Feb. 2 through May 11
Innovative skills-based free three-part workshop open to all UMass students, focused on learning practical tools for coping with stress and anxiety.
- Increase your sense of emotional wellbeing
- Practice strategies to calm your mind and body
- Increase your mindfulness
- Learn to better manage emotional distress and feeling overwhelmed
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website by 2:30 p.m. the day of the group
https://www.umass.edu/counseling/node/962
Bodies of Knowledge: Undoing Racism from the Inside Out
Tuesdays 6-7:30 p.m., Feb. 23 through April 13
“This is your country, this is your world, this is your body, and you must find some way to live within the all of it.” - Ta-Nehisi Coates, 2015
Racism lives in our bodies, shaping perceptions, priming reactions, biasing decisions. To undo racism, we have to know it. To know it, we have to see it. To see it, we have to look for it. We can start by looking inside our own bodies. Explore, observe, learn, reflect, share.
In this free 8-session, 90-minute, experiential group program, you will learn mindful self-regulation skills to manage White fragility. We will use guided activities to observe our own embodied action tendencies related to performance of White identity. Opportunities to verbalize and share experiences in an affirming and strength-based format are also provided.
Limited to UMass students identifying as White.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Pre-registration for full series of eight sessions required.
Mondays 3-4 p.m.
Have you ever struggled with setting rules or limits in your relationships with friends, romantic partners, family members, advisors or coworkers? If so, come join our drop in community conversation to learn more about what boundaries are and collaborate with peers on how to set them. Boundaries are an important way to maintain our mental health and feel safe in our relationships. Register today for this two-session workshop where you will learn about this crucial aspect of self-care in an open and inviting space.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website by 2:30 p.m. the day of the group
Becoming Intentional with Social Media
Thursdays 3-4 p.m., Feb. 4 through April 29
This drop-in group will invite students to think critically about their social media usage in a nonjudgmental setting. How do we amplify the ways that it serves us and minimize the harm it can cause? Some possible topics will include: self-esteem, stress, shifting habits, escapism and intentional rest. Join us in the conversation to get some ideas!
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website by 2:30 p.m. the day of the group
We Need to Talk: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Wednesdays 3-4 p.m.
Series 1: March 3
Series 2: March 17
Series 3: March 31
Series 4: April 14
Series 5: April 28
Series 6: May 12
Struggling with how to initiate a difficult conversation? Want to share how you really feel in a way that is intentional and productive with a family member, partner, roommate, friend, or supervisor? This workshop is a free 2-session series designed to help you get more comfortable with having challenging conversations. You'll learn skills on how to get your point across in a way that can help guide productive and effective communication.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Register on our website by 2:30 p.m. the day of the group
Thursdays from 2:30-3:45 p.m., Feb. 18 through April 8
Eight-session free workshop focused on improving time management and organizational skills, reducing procrastination, and increasing self-esteem and self-acceptance. Join us as we review concrete skills to:
- Increase academic productivity
- Improve workload planning
- Develop realistic goals
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required
Overcoming Social Anxiety Workshop
Thursdays 3:30-5 p.m., Feb. 25, March 4, 11 and 18
You are not alone. 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.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required
https://www.umass.edu/counseling/node/926
Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m., March 4, 11, 18 and 25
Join our four-session workshop to develop a more compassionate, realistic, and accepting relationship with yourself. Learn strategies to work with your inner critic, and increase your self-esteem as you:
- Identify and challenge negative self-talk
- Explore influences on your self esteem
- Learn what maintains low self esteem
- Develop a more positive view of yourself and learn to value the uniqueness of who you are
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required
“Just Talk to Me:” Relationship Skills Workshop
Thursdays 2:30-4 p.m. March 4, 11, 18 and 25, April 1 and 8
Students, are you currently in a romantic relationship, or are interested in being in one? Join our six session free workshop to develop your relationship skills. Participants will:
- Enhance interpersonal communication skills
- Explore the roles we take on in relationships
- Learn to develop healthy boundaries in our romantic lives
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required
Managing Emotions: Skill Building Workshop
Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Are you struggling expressing and regulating your emotions?
Would you like to learn ways to gain more control of these emotions?
In this six-session free workshop, students will learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to identify, understand and express emotions in healthier ways. Participants are expected to attend all six sessions, which will focus on how to:
- Improve distress tolerance
- Regulate emotions
- Discover mindfulness
- Identify triggers
- Develop practical & empowering coping strategies
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required
Making Perfectionism Work for You
Tuesdays 4-5:15 p.m.
First Series: March 2, 9, 16 and 23
Second Series: April 6, 13, 20 and 27
A four session workshop that examines the role of perfectionism in our lives and offers skills and techniques to leverage this to our advantage. Students can register for either session and should plan to attend for four consecutive weeks.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required.
In Focus: Skills and Strategies for Supporting Academic Success
Thursdays 3-4:30 p.m.
First Series: Feb. 25, March 4, 11 and 18
Second Series: March 25, April 1, 8 and 15
Trouble staying focused? Difficulty keeping up with assignments? Remote learning getting you down? This skills-based workshop series will provide participants with practical tools and cognitive strategies to improve focus and concentration, increase productivity, and reduce academic stress. Join us!
Students can register for either session and should plan to attend for four consecutive weeks.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Preregistration required.
Wednesdays 2:30-3:45 p.m., group will start once full
Undergraduate group providing a supportive setting to gain a better understanding of yourself, practice new ways of relating to others, share personal experiences, and receive feedback and support.
- Get support and feedback on personal challenges
- Feel more connected to others
- Gain new perspectives
- Increase self-acceptance
- Explore your strength and values
You must be residing in one of the following states to participate in this therapy group: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment.
Mondays 3-4:30 p.m.
Group starts once full.
A process-oriented ongoing therapy group for women identified graduate students looking for support. Group will focus on:
- Authentic connections
- Mutual support
- Relationships
- Managing anxiety
- Addressing academic obstacles
- Dissertations/theses
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment
You must be residing in Massachusetts to participate in this therapy group.
Wednesdays 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Group starts once full.
Don't struggle alone! Come together with other students who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment
You must be residing in Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire or New York to participate in this therapy group.
Graduate Student Support Group
Mondays 5:30-7 p.m.
Group starts once full
A co-ed experiential personal growth group with a focus on mutual support, self-exploration, interpersonal relationships, managing anxiety, balancing multiple roles and addressing obstacles to completing dissertation/theses.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment
You must be residing in Massachusetts to participate in this therapy group.
Tuesdays 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Group starts once full.
A therapeutic support space to talk about family or housemate relationship issues.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment
You must be residing in Massachusetts to participate in this therapy group.
Seniors: Moving Forward Together
Thursdays 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Group starts once full.
If you are an undergraduate senior, the pandemic has likely impacted your experience in many unique ways. You are not alone! Come connect with other seniors where you can discuss the ways you may be managing losses, process feelings about graduation, and share thoughts about your next steps. A space to bring anything that is on your mind! All undergraduate seniors are welcome to join this therapeutic support space.
Sessions offered via Zoom: Call 413-545-2337 to sign up for a screening appointment
You must be residing in one of the following states to participate in this therapy group: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or New York.