Identity Groups

Identity groups can be similar to psychotherapy and support groups in terms of group membership and participation but differ in terms of focus. Identity groups are focused on shared social identities that group members possess, such as race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and others, both as unique individuals and as members of a collective identity population. The identity statuses that members bring to the group often share experiences of being marginalized in a world that is made for more dominant identities. These groups require a group screening and consistent attendance is encouraged.
  • Black Women's Support Group

    We’ll use a non-traditional group approach, which aims to incorporate essential elements of African American culture. Our goal is to help undergraduate and graduate students to move toward self-healing through collective sharing. Topics are determined by the group, but could include imposter syndrome, self-esteem, relationship concerns, academic stress, family conflict, being a Black woman at a predominantly White institution, life transitions, body image concerns, stereotypes and more.     

    Tuesdays 1:00-2:30 pm   

    Status: Virtual  

    Facilitator(s):  Chasma Mathis, PsyD., LP & Ciera Lewis, PhD, LP 

     

    Start and end date of group: 9/10/24-12/3/24  

    *A Pre-Group Meeting is required to join. Please schedule a phone consultation at caps.msu.edu/schedule and state your interest in this group during the appointment.

  • Beyond the Binary

    This gender identity spectrum support group is a safe, supportive space for undergraduate and graduate students who are exploring or identify as transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary or gender-nonconforming in any way. Potential topics of discussion include challenges of coming out to self and others, identity development, intersectional identities, limitations of labels, negotiating gendered environments, identity affirming relationships, coping with minority stress and gender binary norms, accessing supportive health and social services, aspects of transitioning process and adjustment to social identity, family dynamics and impacts on wellness, needs and impact of being closeted and/or out and being gender diverse at MSU. 

     

    Thursdays 3:30PM – 5:00PM 

    Status: Virtual  

    Facilitator(s): Ginny Blakely, LMSW (no pronouns, just Ginny) & Leah “Kat” Stampfer, BA 

     

    Start and end date of group: 9/19/24 - 12/05/24 

     

    *A Pre-Group Meeting is required to join. Please schedule a phone consultation at caps.msu.edu/schedule and state your interest in this group during the appointment. 

  • Empower U

    Empower U is a virtual space for LGBTQIA+ undergraduate and graduate students to support and empower one another, particularly LGBTQIA+ students of color. Some discussion themes include relationships, self and community care, values exploration, intersectionality, self-compassion, family dynamics, navigating cultural expectations and building resilience.  

     

    Fridays 1:00–2:30 p.m. 
    Status: Virtual 
    Facilitator(s):     Olivia Scott, PhD, LP & Ananya Sharma, MA 

    Start and end date of group: September 6th to December 6th   

    *A Pre-Group Meeting is required to join. Please schedule a phone consultation at caps.msu.edu/schedule and state your interest in this group during the appointment. You are welcome to join after the group has started. If you have questions, email Olivia at scottol1@msu.edu.  

  • Gender Identity and Attractionality  (GIAA) Undergrad Group- Closed

    This support group for undergraduate students will address life and relational issues related to romantic and sexual attraction, sexual orientation, and gender identity, particularly LGBTQ+ (including questioning) students. Topics are based on student interests and may include exploring identity & identity development; trust and connections; dealing with heterosexism, cissexism, internalized homophobia, and/or transphobia; dating and dating technology; attraction and romance; family dynamics; faith and identity; balancing academics with life; and intersectional identities.  

    Tuesdays 2:30PM – 4:00PM  

    Status: In Person 

    Facilitator(s): Victor Leon, LMSW (He/Him/His) & Miranda O’Brien, LLMSW 

    Start and end date of group: 9/17/24 - 12/03/24  

    *A Pre-Group Meeting is required to join. Please schedule a phone consultation at caps.msu.edu/schedule and state your interest in this group during the appointment. You are welcome to join after the group has started. If you have questions, email Victor at leonvict@msu.edu. 

  • Gender Identity & Attractionality (GIAA) - Grad

    This support group for graduate students will address life and relational issues related to romantic and sexual attraction, sexual orientation, and gender identity, particularly LGBTQ+ (including questioning) students. Topics are based on student interests and may include exploring identity & identity development; trust and connections; dealing with heterosexism, cissexism, internalized homophobia, and/or transphobia; dating and dating technology; attraction and romance; family dynamics; faith and identity; balancing academics with life; and intersectional identities. All meetings will be held weekly over Zoom.  

    Wednesday 2:00PM – 3:30PM 

    Status: Virtual 

    Facilitator(s): Ginny Blakely, LMSW (no pronouns, just Ginny) & Kathleen O’Shea, Ph.D., LLP 

    Start and end date of group: 9/18/24 - 12/04/24  

    *A Pre-Group Meeting is required to join. Please schedule a phone consultation at caps.msu.edu/schedule and state your interest in this group during the appointment. You are welcome to join after the group has started. If you have questions, email Ginny at blakelyv@msu.edu. 

Groups