Group Counseling
Because we live our lives in relationship to others, and because these relationships are integral to our health and well-being, group therapy is the recommended treatment of choice for many of the issues college students face. The Wellness Center offers a variety of virtual and in-person group treatment options.
While it is normal to feel nervous about joining a group, many of our students report feeling very helped by the group therapy experience. Group therapy represents a special kind of relationship to others that is different from our social relationships. This has many advantages, such as the freedom to ask for feedback at any time, to try out new behaviors, to talk about topics that may be difficult to raise, or to share sensitive concerns.
Some groups will be offered virtually and some are in person, please read the descriptions carefully.
Groups for Improving Relationships with Self and Others
Understanding Self and Others Groups (In-Person)
These semester-long interpersonal process groups are open to undergraduate students and offer a safe space for you to explore your emotions more deeply, reflect on your thoughts and behaviors in relationships, and develop new insights about interpersonal patterns through support and feedback.
There are multiple sections of this group. Please email or call the facilitator of the specific group you are interested in:
Tuesdays 3:30-4:45pm (In Person/@ LSC Wellness Center)-Email Alexis Barkin, LCSW abarkin@luc.edu and Nisha Kumar, PsyD at nkumar5@luc.edu for more information or to set up a pre-group interview
Grief Support Group (In-Person at the LSC)
Wednesdays from 4-5pm in Damen
This is a peer support group for students experiencing grief and loss that is co-facilitated by the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry. This six week group will cover psycho-education around grief, give students space to process with each other, and explore ways to ritualize and honor grief. The group will start Wednesday, Sept. 27th and run through November 1st. Meetings will be held from 4-5pm in Damen Student Center. Please contact Gloria Feliciano Feltman at 773-508-2629 or gfeliciano@luc.edu for questions and to join.
You Got This: Making a Successful Transition to College Life (In-person at the LSC Wellness Center)
Mondays from 3-4pm
Work through your adjustment to the first year of college life in a supportive space and develop effective coping skills for managing overwhelming feelings, homesickness, making friends, and navigating new situations. Group will start in September and is open to any 1st or 2nd year student who is new to LUC’s campus. Participants will need to complete a brief group screen. Please contact Please contact Gloria Feliciano Feltman at 773-508-2629 or gfeliciano@luc.edu for questions and to join.
The Art of Belonging: Connecting to Yourself, Others & the World
8-week course meets Thursdays 3:00pm-4:15 at LSC Wellness Center
* Required information session: Sept. 14 or 21 (attend one)
Based on research we know that belonging is essential for greater wellbeing. This program is an eight-week exploration of belonging. Learn about the science of connection, engage in mind/body practices and integrate what you learn with time during the sessions for art making (no skills needed). Connect to yourself, others and the environment. (Free art journal provided). To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Graduate Student Understanding Self and Others Group (Virtual)
Thursdays 9-10:30 am
This semester-long interpersonal process group provides a safe space for graduate students to share experiences, learn new perspectives, and experiment with new ways of relating to others. The goal is to help decrease a sense of isolation, increase self-awareness, and improve relationships. In the group, you will give and receive support and feedback and learn to communicate your emotions and needs in effective ways. The group is only open to students who are currently in the state of Illinois.
Please contact Nisha Kumar, PsyD at nkumar5@luc.edu for more information or to set up a pre-group interview.
Groups for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Calming the Anxious Mind (In Person and Virtual Options)
Calming the Anxious Mind (In Person and Virtual Options )
This 8-week group uses evidence-based strategies to help you better understand how anxiety impacts your daily life and learn helpful skills to effectively manage stressors. There are multiple sections of this group. Please email or call the facilitator of the specific group you are interested in:
Tuesdays from 3-4pm (In-Person at LSC Wellness Center) Contact Taylor Eippert, LCSW at twolfe1@luc.edu for more information and to register.
Wednesdays from 3-4pm (Virtual) Contact Guy Caprio, LCSW at gcaprio@luc.edu
Take a Deep Breath: Meditating Alone Together (in-Person)
Mondays 3:30 – 4:30 pm at Information Commons’ Quiet Reading Room (317)
Drop Mindfulness sessions - First session starts on September 11 with last session on December 4th.
Now more than ever we realize the importance of connection with others. The combination of connecting with others and the benefits of meditation is what this group is about. It’s much easier to meditate with the support of a group & certified teacher as you connect with others! Learn how to meditate & incorporate it into your daily life OR support an existing practice. See why this group has been going since 2002! Sessions are ongoing, newcomers are always welcome (no perfect people allowed- come as you are). To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Peaceful Mind: Mindfulness Group to Better Manage Stress, Anxiety & Depression (In-Person)
Meets Wednesdays 3 pm- 4:30 pm at LSC Wellness Center
Information sessions held 3 pm- 4:30 pm on Wed. Sept 6, 13 & 20 (attend one)
* Required attendance of ONE information session before joining the group
An 8-week mindfulness- based group designed to help you better manage feelings of stress & improve mood. Quote from a past participant: ‘… a program such as this one can make a huge difference!’ You will receive a free e-handbook & recordings to help you with your at-home practice. To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Thesis/Dissertation Support Group (Virtual)
Fridays at 1pm
This group is open to graduate students at any stage of completing the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Join us for tips and support for keeping on track, getting back on track...or starting on the right track! We can help you achieve your goal! Contact Andrea Boyd, PhD at aboyd2@luc.edu to request group membership.
This group meets on Fridays at 1pm, via Zoom. Once the group has enough members to start, it will run until the end of the semester. Contact Andrea Boyd, Ph.D., 773-508-2534 or aboyd2@luc.edu for additional information.
Finding Balance in Law School
Fridays at 3pm
*The format of this group (virtual or in person) will be determined after speaking with interest participants. If in person, this will at WTC (exact location TBD)*
Law school is one of the most demanding and stressful experiences in a law student's career. Students are challenged to navigate new and highly competitive learning spaces with similarly talented peers. Additionally, many students are balancing the multiple demands of school, work, and family. This group seeks to cultivate a supportive community and help students develop and maintain skills and strategies that will promote personal and academic success. Group meets Fridays at 3pm. Interested participants should email Dr Andrea Boyd aboyd2@luc.edu and Guy Caprio, LCSW gcaprio@luc.edu
Groups for Managing Identity-Based Stressors
Black Grad Support Group (Virtual)
Thursdays at 4pm
This group for graduate students whose identity includes Black/African ancestry. It is an affinity space to share unique experiences and challenges at LUC. We may discuss topics including managing stress, navigating graduate school, career planning, communication with advisors, identity concerns, relationships, work/life balance, and self-care. This is Not a therapy group. This group meets on Thursdays at 4pm, via Zoom. Once the group has enough members to start, it will run until the end of the semester. Contact Andrea Boyd, Ph.D., 773-508-2534 or aboyd2@luc.edu for additional information.
Queer Student Support Group (In-Person at LSC Wellness Center)
Fridays 1:30-3pm
This semester long therapy group supports and centers the experiences of undergraduate and graduate students of all gender identities who identify as LGBTQ+. The goal of this group is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for queer identified students to process feelings, share their personal experiences, and connect with others around unique challenges faced. Common topics of discussion include the coming out process, relationships, experiences of homophobia and transphobia, and how intersecting identities have influenced one’s mental health and sense of belonging.
Interested students should complete a group screening with Tiffany Tiberi, Psy.D. to determine fit. Group will meet weekly for an hour and a half starting in September and will be closed to new members when full. Contact Dr. Tiffany Tiberi at ttiberi@luc.edu more information or to set up a pre-group screen.
Cafecito Chat ( In-Person at LSC Wellness Center)
Wednesdays 2-3 pm
Cafecito chat is a safe space for Latinx identified students to connect and find community. Past group topics have been focused on finding support within a larger Loyola community, relationships, stress management, and managing transitions. This group is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and will be held in person. Questions should be directed to Beatriz Gonzalez, LCSW at bgonzalez6@luc.edu
Womxn of Color Group (In-person at the LSC Wellness Center)
Fridays 11am-12pm
Womxn of Color group is a safe space for womxn who identify as womxn of color. The purpose of the group is to process race-related trauma, focus on identity issues, family of origin issues, interpersonal relationship issues, academic stresses, and all forms of oppression. This group is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and will be held in person. Questions should be directed to Beatriz Gonzalez, LCSW at bgonzalez6@luc.edu and Sofia Newaz, LPC at snewaz@luc.edu
LOYOLA'S COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
As a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a mission to care for persons as a whole, Loyola University Chicago does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Loyola, we embrace the differences that make us unique and commit to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for all students and employees at our institution. For Loyola's complete Nondiscrimination Policy, please visit here.
Because we live our lives in relationship to others, and because these relationships are integral to our health and well-being, group therapy is the recommended treatment of choice for many of the issues college students face. The Wellness Center offers a variety of virtual and in-person group treatment options.
While it is normal to feel nervous about joining a group, many of our students report feeling very helped by the group therapy experience. Group therapy represents a special kind of relationship to others that is different from our social relationships. This has many advantages, such as the freedom to ask for feedback at any time, to try out new behaviors, to talk about topics that may be difficult to raise, or to share sensitive concerns.
Some groups will be offered virtually and some are in person, please read the descriptions carefully.
LOYOLA'S COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
As a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a mission to care for persons as a whole, Loyola University Chicago does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Loyola, we embrace the differences that make us unique and commit to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for all students and employees at our institution. For Loyola's complete Nondiscrimination Policy, please visit here.