Group Counseling Schedule

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emT8ndKHtjwhiKi

This five-session workshop will teach you about the various causes of attention problems in college students, including ADHD. Sessions will contain skills for managing traits of ADHD, including optimizing self-care, mental health, study skills, and using technology wisely. Each session starts with an exercise or activity component guided by RecWell instructors, as physical activity is an important aspect of mental health and optimal cognitive functioning. These skills will help improve overall health and time management, with the goal of leading to increased academic success and quality of life.

Mondays | in person
Session 1: February 19 – March 18
Session 2: April 1 – April 29
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Group leaders: Julie Silverman, MA, MFT, R-DMT & Tori Trittin, BSW

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_512LKtQdVACZQwe
Mondays | 1 – 2 pm
Group leader: Rianna Bailey, LCSW

This is a five-session group that provides skills and tools for managing distress related to food and eating concerns, body image, and exercise behaviors. Each session focuses on a different area and covers topics such as learning ways to manage our emotions, challenging our thoughts, working toward our values, and respecting our bodies. Group members are provided with practice opportunities, worksheets, and other resources that have been adapted from evidence-based therapeutic treatment plans.

Session 1: Preparing for change and gaining insight
Session 2: Understanding and addressing emotions and stress
Session 3: Addressing eating concerns and body image related thoughts
Session 4: Embracing body neutrality and body respect
Session 5: Radical acceptance and committing to values and action

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9X4dn41Ogmv8RYa

Thursdays | 4 – 5 pm
Group leader: Jo Hoese

One-hour virtual sessions that share strategies to navigate a feature of grad culture with the opportunity for participants to share experiences and ask questions.
Open to all currently enrolled graduate students. All workshops are held on Thursdays from 4 – 5 p.m.

February 8| Navigating Workloads: Essentials of productivity (organization, motivation, prioritizing)

February 22 | Grad-ification: Personal thriving (impostor phenomena, work/life balance, self-care)

March 7 | Life in the Grad Lane: navigating uncertainty (ambiguity, changing demands)

April 4 | A Perfect Storm: A facilitated, open topic support space. Bring ideas, questions, and experiences to share with peers on any component of life in the grad culture.

April 18 | Relationship Fitness: tools for better partnerships

May 2 | Quick Tools to Relax: simple & fun

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2aSgYI5mtWjWzPg

Mondays | 10:30 am – Noon
Group leader: PJ Young, LPC

A two-session workshop designed to help students with symptoms of anxiety and depression foster acceptance and cope effectively. Participants will learn new ways to manage the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological aspects of anxiety and depression. In a supportive, psychoeducational setting, students will gain greater awareness, skills and strategies, and practices that promote lifelong self-care.

• January 29 & February 5
• February 12 & February 19
• February 26 & March 4
• March 11 & March 18
• April 1 & April 8
• April 15 & April 22

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqvNFHos30mRvyC

Wednesdays | 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Group leader: Davida Randolph, MAEd, NCC

Single-session workshops focused on providing participants with information and strategies to confront common challenges and enhance academic success.
Come to any or all three sessions.

Make the Most of Your Time
January 31, February 21, March 20, April 17
This workshop is designed to teach students time management skills. Participants will learn techniques to organize and optimize their use of time in order to enhance efficiency and support overall academic success.

Focus Your Attention
February 7, March 6, April 3, April 24
This workshop is centered on increasing self-awareness, focus and attention. Participants will practice an array of strategies designed to strengthen attention, initiate and prioritize tasks, and minimize distractions and procrastination. If your mind was more focused on the here and now just think what you might accomplish.

Take Down Test Anxiety
February 14, March 13, April 10, May 1
This workshop is intended to help students manage test anxiety. Even when adequately prepared, it is common for students to experience anxiety before, during, and after exams. Participants will learn strategies to reduce anxiety that interferes with focus and recall of information.

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yDeJ2ZBCCvFi0C

Wednesdays | 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Tamar Kelson, PhD

This group will include basic meditation instructions for those new to meditation followed by a group mindfulness meditation. Opportunity will be given for questions and discussion. In addition, each week a specialized meditation will be offered, for example: grounding and centering, body scan, movement meditation, compassion practices, emotional release practices, meditation with a mantra/point of focus, and breathing practices. This group is intended for both new and experienced meditators. You are welcome to drop in once at any point during the semester, though we encourage you to develop a regular weekly practice with us.

• February 7, 14, 21, 28
• March 6, 13
• April 3, 10, 17, 24

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Gx6DnLLWj7VJqe

Tuesdays | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Group leader: Tamar Kelson

Practice the skills of mindfulness in this multi-week workshop series. Increase self-understanding, present moment awareness, and strengthen your capacity to address stressful daily challenges toward a more vital and valued life. Come to any or all eight sessions throughout the semester.

Session 1: Mindfulness for Managing Uncertainty
February 20
Strengthen your ability to notice and be responsive to your self-care needs during these uncertain times, cultivating an effective balance between structure and flexibility.

Session 2: Mindfulness of Thoughts
February 27
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.

Session 3: Mindfulness of Behaviors
March 5
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.

Session 4: Mindfulness of Emotions
March 12
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.

Session 5: Mindfulness of Body
April 2
Focus on the mind/body connection, increasing body awareness to help manage stress and pain as well as improve overall self-care.

Session 6: Mindfulness for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
April 9
Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, with a focus on being in the present moment rather than living only in the past, future, or on autopilot.

Session 7: Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion
April 16
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others.

Session 8: Mindfulness for End of Semester Stress
April 23
Learn and practice relevant mindfulness-based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a plan with specific next steps for navigating end of semester stress.

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd99ZABsEAn6XvE

Fridays | 11 am – Noon
March 1, 8, 15, 22
Facilitator: Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, MA (Program director at Wheelhouse Studios)

This is a free four-week series of workshops for students interested in trying something new and hanging with others at the Wheelhouse Studios in the lower level of Memorial Union. No artistic experience is required. A typical session will include time for art making, sharing artwork (if you want to), and connecting with fellow participants.

Tuesdays | 5:30 – 6:30 pm (registration is required)

Thrive Workshops offers you opportunities to build skills and gain tools to support your academics, relationships, and overall wellbeing. The single-session workshops cover topics that are relevant to your student experience.

February 6 | Are you a fraud or is it impostor phenomenon?
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoc-mvrTItGNbhWbcSeOgZM3wgg5fNJctc
Sometimes called imposter syndrome, imposter phenomenon is common and leaves people doubting their skills and accomplishments.  This workshop explores the imposter phenomenon, what it is, why it happens, and what you can do to manage it.

February 20 | How to talk about Bruno: Skills for talking to loved ones about your mental health
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUodOGprD4tGNwiVfjaz5T-KYtvXvTwfu1h
Explore how to talk to family and friends about your own mental health, needs, and boundaries with a focus on cultures and communities that experience stigma around mental health.

March 5 | Am I just bad at this?! How procrastination actually works
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEocu6hrDkvH9QUuvlMAb_S3YddxhgyAlV-
Discover what drives procrastination, learn ways to shift your behavior, and get more done.

March 19 | From body shame to body positivity
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtdu2vqj4oHtzt8bZabXYgCL_W8q5EvRIx
Learn new ways to think about your relationship to your body, food, and physical activity. You will also have the opportunity to explore how shame influences the way we see selves, our behaviors, world around us, and increase self-acceptance of our bodies.

April 9 | Quarter-Life Crisis
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrceitrDMqEtdeDTbw50pVFC0uhQAkrEIL
Many students find themselves questioning their career choices, life direction, personal values, and finances.  Learn ways to navigate these uncertainties and find your path.

April 23 | Test Anxiety
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcOuqqD8tGdwPV-K2yrOpmniHDwHuOEUl
Feeling nervous about final exams? Join us to develop skills for studying effectively, managing anxiety, and strategies for approaching exams to boost your performance.

This is a group for students who self-identify as women of African descent. The group aims to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for Black women to explore their intersecting identities. Members in this group will have opportunities to share both joys and frustrations that come along with the experience of being a Black female college student.

Mondays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group leaders:  Kayla Eggen, LCSW & Danyelle Okesanjo, LCSW

A supportive group environment focused on the emotional, behavioral, and organizational challenges associated with the dissertation process. Participants establish individual weekly research and personal goals, and share experiences and perspectives around common themes (e.g., procrastination, careers on or beyond the tenure track, advisor etiquette, and juggling multiple life roles).

Tuesdays| Noon – 1:30 pm
Group leader: Jo Hoese, PhD

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_512LKtQdVACZQwe
Mondays | 1 – 2 pm
Group leader: Rianna Bailey, LCSW

This is a five-session group that provides skills and tools for managing distress related to food and eating concerns, body image, and exercise behaviors. Each session focuses on a different area and covers topics such as learning ways to manage our emotions, challenging our thoughts, working toward our values, and respecting our bodies. Group members are provided with practice opportunities, worksheets, and other resources that have been adapted from evidence-based therapeutic treatment plans.

Session 1: Preparing for change and gaining insight
Session 2: Understanding and addressing emotions and stress
Session 3: Addressing eating concerns and body image related thoughts
Session 4: Embracing body neutrality and body respect
Session 5: Radical acceptance and committing to values and action

A space for students to explore their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies, and connect with peers around these shared experiences. Group facilitators are mental health professionals that foster a space that is open, affirming, and recovery-oriented for all members, with a focus on helping group members provide one another with encouragement and shared accountability. Anti-diet and Health at Every Size principles are foundational to the group.

Fridays | 10:30 am – Noon
Group leaders: Andie Schwabe, MS, LPC-IT & Kallie Horton, MSEd, EdS

Fridays | 10 – 11:30 am (in person)
Group leaders: Kendall Ferguson, APSW & Wei-Chiao Hsu, PhD

This skills-based group focuses on one specific embodied exercise relating to internal need recognition and boundary-setting during each session. Group leaders will use practices and methods derived from the Somatic Experiencing program; each practice will be demonstrated by the facilitators. Then, group leaders will supervise participants practicing with each other, and group will close with a debrief and meaning-making discussion of the exercise.

This group will examine the sources of stress, ways of coping, and the value of peer support in adjusting to the challenges of being a graduate student. Topics will be developed by group members, but may include: time management, financial stress, relationship concerns, burnout, isolation, and maintaining balance.

Mondays | 1 – 2:30 pm
Group leaders: Felix Savino, PhD & Chynna Lewis, MSW

This group helps participants express and explore emotions related to their experiences of bereavement. Open to people who have lost a loved one (e.g., family member, friend). Combines sharing, discussion, support, and activities.

Tuesdays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Benjamin de Boer, PsyD, CGP

Fridays | 1 – 2:30 pm (in person)
Group leaders: Tommy Wild, PhD & Tyler Peterson, BS

International students experience challenges in the process of adjusting to life in the United States and the academic environment of UW-Madison. These may include, but are not limited to, culture shock, homesickness, social isolation, language and communication barriers, and prejudice and discrimination. This group strives to provide a space for international students to share their experiences and build connections, resilience, and a sense of belonging. This group is open to undergraduate or graduate students.

Thursdays | 3 – 4:30 pm
Group leaders: Wei-Chiao Hsu, PhD & Melanie Daovannary, PsyD

A support group for students who are navigating sexual and/or gender identity development and acceptance. Students who identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, questioning, transgender, or any other personally meaningful term are all welcome to this group. Focus is on establishing positive connections with others and exploring the process of integrating one’s sexual and gender identities in authentic, self-affirming ways.

Wednesdays | 10 – 11:30 a.m. (in person)
Group leaders: Mariessa Robles, PsyD & Austin Folger, MS

This is a semi-structured group for people who strive to feel worthy, to extend kindness to themselves, and to understand how to be your own best friend. Topics that will be explored include self-esteem, self-compassion, shame and guilt, vulnerability, and authenticity. Group members will engage in various activities such as journaling and mindfulness with periodic work outside of session.

Wednesdays | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Group leaders: Heidi Binder, PsyD & Vinson Mulvey, BS

Fridays | 1 – 2:30 pm (in person at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center)
Group leaders: Charles Woods, MA

This group is for self-identified queer men to practice and experience receiving and offering support to one another. Group members meet every two weeks to create a positive community where conversations about lived experiences – challenges and success – can be had in a safe and supportive setting. Group topics are generated by members and can include identity-based conversations (e.g., coming out to others, managing queer relationships) and non-identity-based discussions (e.g., navigating public relationships, employment, growing vulnerability between queer men). The group is guided by two self-identified queer male UHS staff members.

Thursdays | 1 – 2:30 pm
Group Leaders: Kari Treu, MSE, LPC-IT & Shreya Singh, MS

This group is for students who experience chronic pain and/or live with a chronic illness/condition. Participants will have an opportunity to explore aspects of health and wellness, the connection between mind and body, and share resources and strategies with others experiencing similar challenges. The group will also provide space to process emotions and experiences related to managing a chronic health condition while navigating the demands of being a student. This group is open to students with all illnesses and conditions, visible or invisible, diagnosed or undiagnosed, and levels of ability.

This is a group for any student who self-identifies as a person of color. The group will explore ways in which their identity as a student of color affects their academic, personal, and social experiences. Facilitators strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for students of color to explore feelings related to racially oppressive experiences, strengthen self-concept through conversation and connection, and help one another navigate academic and social experiences on campus.

Mondays | 10 – 11:30 am (in person)
Group leaders: Molly Willihnganz, MS, LMFT & Hannah Glenn, BA

This is a support and psychoeducational group for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse UW-Madison students to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. The main focus of this group will be on exploring embodiment through gender identity development, processing themes of body image, particularly tied to experience of gender expression, and receiving support around eating concerns related to body image and gender expression. Individuals in this group will also have opportunities to establish positive connections with their peers.

Thursdays | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Group leaders: Alex Little, LCSW & Austin Folger, MS

A support and psychoeducational group for students who are navigating gender identity developments and acceptance. Students who identity as transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, and any other personally meaningful term are all welcome to this group. Focus is on establishing positive connections with others and exploring the process of integrating gender identity in an authentic, self-affirming way.  

Fridays | 1:30 – 3 p.m. (in person)
Group leaders: Mariessa Robles, PsyD & Dean Dvorak, BS

If things sometimes turn out differently than you expect when drinking or using other substances, there are ways to facilitate a better outcome. Join fellow students for discussions about your life, what goes well and what still needs some improvement. Learn skills that can be helpful in whatever goals you are hoping to achieve, like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Group remains open through the semester, and all are welcome.

Thursdays | 5 – 6:30 pm
Group leaders: Geoff Brown, LPC & Davida Randolph, MAEd, NCC

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8oHezSn2ag6wOjk

This is a drop-in space for  student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. The group facilitators will foster a space that is open and affirming for all members while guiding members through sensory- and movement-based coping skills. Group will focus on navigating the impact of trauma experiences through connection & skills to support post-traumatic growth. This group is specifically for students who experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse.

Wednesdays | 3 – 4:30 pm (in person)
Group Leaders: Alex Little, MSW & Gina Williamson, PhD

Step away from your screen and meet us outdoors for some connection on the green! Join us for an experiential process and support group for survivors to connect, build community, and reclaim space through mindfulness and nature excursion. This group will meet outdoors and invite group members to participate in guided meditation, breathing practices, and somatic grounding exercises. There will be opportunity for discussion, reflection, and connection with other group members. Please note, confidentiality may be limited due to the public setting. Please feel free to bring pillows, blankets, or chairs for comfort when sitting outside; snacks welcome and encouraged!

Thursdays | 1 –  2:30 p.m. (in person)
Group leaders: Kayla Eggen, LCSW & Liz Axtell, MA

Tuesdays | 1 – 2:30 pm (in person at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center)
Group leaders: Annie Bruns, APSW & Sam Herlitzke, LMFT

Hearts & Crafts is an informal drop in space where students can come do various artistic activities with in-community counselors who are readily available resources to the students.

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yDeJ2ZBCCvFi0C

Wednesdays | 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Group leader: Tamar Kelson, PhD

This group will include basic meditation instructions for those new to meditation followed by a group mindfulness meditation. Opportunity will be given for questions and discussion. In addition, each week a specialized meditation will be offered, for example: grounding and centering, body scan, movement meditation, compassion practices, emotional release practices, meditation with a mantra/point of focus, and breathing practices. This group is intended for both new and experienced meditators. You are welcome to drop in once at any point during the semester, though we encourage you to develop a regular weekly practice with us.

• February 7, 14, 21, 28
• March 6, 13
• April 3, 10, 17, 24

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Gx6DnLLWj7VJqe

Tuesdays | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Group leader: Tamar Kelson

Practice the skills of mindfulness in this multi-week workshop series. Increase self-understanding, present moment awareness, and strengthen your capacity to address stressful daily challenges toward a more vital and valued life. Come to any or all eight sessions throughout the semester.

Session 1: Mindfulness for Managing Uncertainty
February 20
Strengthen your ability to notice and be responsive to your self-care needs during these uncertain times, cultivating an effective balance between structure and flexibility.

Session 2: Mindfulness of Thoughts
February 27
Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns.

Session 3: Mindfulness of Behaviors
March 5
Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in activities of daily living.

Session 4: Mindfulness of Emotions
March 12
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you.

Session 5: Mindfulness of Body
April 2
Focus on the mind/body connection, increasing body awareness to help manage stress and pain as well as improve overall self-care.

Session 6: Mindfulness for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
April 9
Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, with a focus on being in the present moment rather than living only in the past, future, or on autopilot.

Session 7: Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion
April 16
Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others.

Session 8: Mindfulness for End of Semester Stress
April 23
Learn and practice relevant mindfulness-based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a plan with specific next steps for navigating end of semester stress.

Sign up online: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd99ZABsEAn6XvE

Fridays | 11 am – Noon
March 1, 8, 15, 22
Facilitator: Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, MA (Program director at Wheelhouse Studios)

This is a free four-week series of workshops for students interested in trying something new and hanging with others at the Wheelhouse Studios in the lower level of Memorial Union. No artistic experience is required. A typical session will include time for art making, sharing artwork (if you want to), and connecting with fellow participants.

Tuesdays | 5:30 – 6:30 pm (registration is required)

Thrive Workshops offers you opportunities to build skills and gain tools to support your academics, relationships, and overall wellbeing. The single-session workshops cover topics that are relevant to your student experience.

February 6 | Are you a fraud or is it impostor phenomenon?
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoc-mvrTItGNbhWbcSeOgZM3wgg5fNJctc
Sometimes called imposter syndrome, imposter phenomenon is common and leaves people doubting their skills and accomplishments.  This workshop explores the imposter phenomenon, what it is, why it happens, and what you can do to manage it.

February 20 | How to talk about Bruno: Skills for talking to loved ones about your mental health
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUodOGprD4tGNwiVfjaz5T-KYtvXvTwfu1h
Explore how to talk to family and friends about your own mental health, needs, and boundaries with a focus on cultures and communities that experience stigma around mental health.

March 5 | Am I just bad at this?! How procrastination actually works
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEocu6hrDkvH9QUuvlMAb_S3YddxhgyAlV-
Discover what drives procrastination, learn ways to shift your behavior, and get more done.

March 19 | From body shame to body positivity
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtdu2vqj4oHtzt8bZabXYgCL_W8q5EvRIx
Learn new ways to think about your relationship to your body, food, and physical activity. You will also have the opportunity to explore how shame influences the way we see selves, our behaviors, world around us, and increase self-acceptance of our bodies.

April 9 | Quarter-Life Crisis
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrceitrDMqEtdeDTbw50pVFC0uhQAkrEIL
Many students find themselves questioning their career choices, life direction, personal values, and finances.  Learn ways to navigate these uncertainties and find your path.

April 23 | Test Anxiety
Register: uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcOuqqD8tGdwPV-K2yrOpmniHDwHuOEUl
Feeling nervous about final exams? Join us to develop skills for studying effectively, managing anxiety, and strategies for approaching exams to boost your performance.