Group Therapy
Our groups are open to full-time enrolled UMW students.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Group
This group focuses on building Mindfulness (the practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment) and Emotion Regulation Skills (how to cope effectively with difficult emotions). DBT skills training enhances the individuals’ coping ability by learning behavioral skills. The DBT group structure will mimic a class in that skills will be taught and assigned for members to practice outside of group in their everyday lives. This group is open to any student who would like to develop or strengthen both mindfulness and emotion regulation skills. For more information about this group, please contact Amira Niori at aniori@umw.edu
Grief Group
This group offers a safe and supportive environment where students are free to share about their loss and develop ways of coping with that loss in a way that is comfortable for them. The group is process-oriented and interactive, which allows students to connect with their peers while processing their feelings of loss in a safe, unique, and creative space. Students will receive psycho-education and skill-building throughout the group. This group is open to any student who is currently dealing with the death of a friend or loved one. For more information about this group, please contact Amira Niori at aniori@umw.edu
LGBQT+ Group
This is a group for members of the UMW sexual minority community, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, and/or who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. This group is designed to allow individuals to learn more about themselves and their interactions with others. In group, members will have the opportunity to share common struggles, gain support, and give and receive feedback in a safe environment. Issues covered in this group can span a range of topics. For more information about this group, please contact Melissa Palguta at mpalguta@umw.edu
Sexual Assault Survivor’s Group
This weekly support group is for UMW students who have experienced sexual assault/abuse and are ready to explore their personal healing process, find hope and empower themselves through support and collaboration. Group members have a chance to learn new coping skills, connect with other survivors and share their survivor experience(s) within this safe space, but group members are not required or compelled to share before they are ready. For more information about this group, please contact Melissa Palguta at mpalguta@umw.edu
Understanding Self and Others Group
Our Understanding Self and Others groups are intended for full-time UMW students who wish to have a space to talk about any issues that are on their minds. Often these concerns are related to personal or family stress that has been placed upon the student. Understanding Self and Others groups allow people to grow, learn about their interpersonal style, and try new skills in a safe space before taking them into our everyday world. For more information about this group, please contact Dr. Tevya Zukor at tzukor@umw.edu
The counseling center is also committed to offering theme-specific groups based on identified student needs. We value our students’ opinions and encourage you to let us know what kind of groups you would like offered through or in collaboration with the counseling center. If there is a specific group that you would like to see offered at the counseling center, please do not hesitate to let our office know.
Learn more about Group counseling here.