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.
Emotional Intelligence and Relationships Group (In-Person and Virtual)
These semester-long groups are open to undergraduate students and offer a safe space for you to explore your emotions more deeply and to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors in relationships.
There are multiple sections of this group. Please email or call the facilitator of the specific group you are interested in:
Mondays 3-4:30 pm (Virtual): Students should contact Hongying Chen for more information at hchen13@luc.edu.
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
Graduate Student Interpersonal Process Group (Virtual or in-person)
The format (virtual or in person) of this group will be determined after speaking with interested participants.
Wednesdays, 2:30-4 pm
This semester-long 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 you decrease the 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.
To set up a pre-group interview or for more information, contact Hongying Chen, PhD at hchen13@luc.edu.
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 for more information and to register.
Take a Deep Breath: Meditating Alone Together (in-Person)
Mondays 3:30 – 4:30 pm in the Quiet Reading Room (317) of the Information Commons
Drop in Mindfulness sessions - First session starts on Monday, January 23rd and ends on April 24th
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
Befriending the Nervous System to reduce stress (In person)
8-week course meets Thursdays 3:00pm-4:15 at LSC Wellness Center
Information session held 3- 4:15 on Thursday, Feb 16th and Feb 23rd.
* Required attendance of ONE information session before joining the group
Learn to better manage stress & overwhelm as we explore nervous system regulation. It’s like obtaining a couple pages from the operating manual we never received at birth. Through brief lecture, conversation & somatic exercises – you’ll have a better idea what supports your unique nervous system. Quote from past participant, “I would recommend the program … it's a nice break from everything & it’s very comforting to know that every emotion you feel is valid.” You will receive a free e-handbook & recordings to help you fill your toolbox and build a home practice. 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, Jan 25 or Feb 8th
* Required attendance of ONE information session before joining the group
A 9-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
Queer Student Support Group (In-Person)
Fridays 1:30-3pm
This semester long therapy group is open to 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 January 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 (Virtual and In-Person)
Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 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 virtually and in person. Questions should be directed to Beatriz Gonzalez, MSW at bgonzalez6@luc.edu
Black Connections on Campus (Virtual)
Wednesdays at 4pm
This affinity group gives a space for Black identifying students to support each other through the journey of navigating LUC and life. Participants will create community, listen to each other, share thoughts and emotions on a variety of topics including adjusting to college, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, stress management, mental health and stigma, relationships, and family. This is NOT a therapy group. This group meets on Wednesdays 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.
Black Grad Support Group (Virtual)
Thursdays at 4 pm
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.
Thesis/Dissertation Support Group (Virtual)
Fridays at 1 pm
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.
Groups for Student Athletes
If you are a Division 1/Intercollegiate student athlete at LUC and are interested in a group specifically for student athletes, please contact our embedded counselors in Athletics for specific group information, days/times. Meghan Chapman, PsyD mchapman7@luc.edu and Kenneth Stratton, LCPC kstratton1@luc.edu
Grief group (in person)
Wednesdays at 4 pm
The Wellness Center and Campus Ministry will be partnering to offer a peer support group for students experiencing grief and loss. This staff led group will help students process their grief in a supportive peer environment.
This group starts Wed, Feb 1st and will run from 4-5 pm for 4 weeks. It will take place at LSC at Campus Ministry's offices in Damen in the Hillel room. Please contact Gloria Feliciano Feltman at 773-508-2547 or gfeliciano@luc.edu for questions and to join.