Fall 2022 Groups

Counseling Services offers a variety of counseling, support, and educational groups each semester. Participants benefit from the mutual support and learning that occurs from interaction with others who have similar concerns. 

Unless otherwise noted, all groups will require a pre-group screening.  For more information, or to schedule your pre-group consultation, please schedule an appointment here. 

If you have questions, email the group facilitator or  caps@msu.edu.

Programs full for the current semester may be available the following semester.

CAPS is committed to providing clinical and supportive group services that are responsive to the needs of our students. If you are interested in a group that you do not see below, please email the CAPS group coordinator, Dr. Markie Silverman, at  silve162@msu.edu.

Group counseling handout previewCAPS Groups For Fall 2022

We're proud to offer more than two dozen groups this fall! Learn more about each of them below. 

Participation in CAPS programs is not restricted based on sex or race. All MSU students are welcome to participate based on the clinical recommendations of CAPS staff.

 

Prefer a printed copy of these offerings? 

Download the Handout 

  • Drop-In Groups

    Academic Stress Reduction for A/APIDA-Identified Women

    This support group aims to build a safe and comfortable space for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly Asian or Asian-American women. Group members will learn to reduce their stress and make peace with themselves and their families.

    Group discussion topics could include academic pressure, family-related anxiety, perfectionism and dealing with guilt and shame.

    Mondays, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 12


    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Dukhae Sung, PhD, LP 

     

     

  • Workshops

    Combating Anxiety Workshop

    This four-part workshop focuses on normalizing anxiety, learning to recognize cognitive distortions, combating cognitive distortions, and coping with anxiety. Students will leave the workshop with skills they can implement to cope with anxiety.
    The four-part series is available three times this summer, beginning September 13, October 11 and November 8. Each workshop will last four weeks, meeting every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

    Mondays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Workshop 1: September 12
    Workshop 2: October 10
    Workshop 3: November 7

    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Kiera Kunkle, MA & Ciera Lewis, MA

     

    Cultivating Concentration Workshop

    This four-part workshop focuses on improving concentration, attention and motivation to complete academic and work demands.

    Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Workshop 1: September 13
    Workshop 2: October 11
    Workshop 3: November 8


    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Ashley Craft, MA & Jody Zhong, M.Ed.

  • Identity-Based Groups

    African American women support info African American Women's 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 around multi-media stimuli. Topics are determined by the group, but could include imposter syndrome, self-esteem, relationship concerns, academic stress, family conflict, being an African American woman at a PWI, life transitions, body image concerns, stereotypes and more.
    Screening is required.

    Wednesdays, 1–2 p.m.
    September 14

    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Markie Silverman, PhD, LP & Taibriana Wilkins

    Download Flyer

     

     

    Beyond The Binary

    Looking for peer support in regard to gender identity, sexuality, or relationships, or even supportive and affirming friendships?
    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.
    Potential topics of discussion include challenges of coming out to self and others, identity development, 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 being TGNB at MSU.

    Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m.
    Group Begins September 15

    Status: Virtual
    Facilitators: Ginny Blakely, LMSW & Jacki Fritts, PsyD

     

    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.
    If you’re interested in participating, please schedule a consultation to set up a phone screening with a CAPS counselor. Let them know you’re interested in this group during the call. If you have questions, email Olivia at scottol1@msu.edu.

    Fridays, 1–2:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 16

    Status: Virtual
    Facilitators:  Olivia Scott, PhD, LP  & Victor Leon, LMSW

     



    Gender Identity and Attractionality (GIAA) Grad

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

    Wednesdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 14
    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Ginny Blakely, LMSW & Gabby Henriksen

    Gender Identity and Attractionality (GIAA) Undergrad

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

    Tuesdays, 2:30–4 p.m.
    Group Begins September 13
    Status: In person

    Facilitator: Victor Leon, LMSW & Jovany Avendano, PsyD

    International Students Support Group

    The novel coronavirus outbreak has significantly affected many families and students on a global scale. With the “travel ban” or visa restriction that has been issued, some MSU students were unable to return to school or home, and are feeling isolated and unable to connect.
    In response to instances of international students being the target of xenophobia on campus, we are providing a supportive space for students to connect, share and support each other, particularly international students.

    Fridays 10-11 a.m.

    Group Begins September 16

    Status: Virtual

    Facilitators:  Zen Zhong, LLPC

    Latinx Womxn Support Group

    Navigating life, relationships, and school can be overwhelming. This group offers a supportive space for Latinx, female identified undergraduate and graduate students. This group will address experiences as it relates to stress, intersectionality, boundaries, connections, imposterism, navigating a PWI, family dynamics, transitional challenges, and overall balance of mental wellness. Students are encouraged to freely express their emotions and connect with each other as a means of support. This space is about supporting and empowering one another through shared experiences.

    Tuesdays 4-5 p.m.

    Group Begins September 13

    Facilitator:  Jessica Oyoque-Barron, LMSW

     

    Racial Stress

    This group is intended for all MSU students who have experience race-related stress. Racism, microaggressions, and implicit/explicit biases may lead to race-related stress. At times you may find yourself questioning the experience and subsequent emotions.   This is a common reaction because modern-day racism tends to be either overt or covert in nature. When a person experiences racism, it may not only cause problems in their social and economic lives, but also negatively impacts their physical and psychological health. Race-related stress refers to the psychological distress associated with experiences of racism, and only requires that a person believes that they were the victim of racism. This racial stress group will afford all students an opportunity to express freely and openly without fear of consequence(s) or judgment. 

    Fridays 2-3 p.m.

    Group Begins September 16

    Status: Virtual

    Facilitators: Troy L. Strother, M.Ed

  • Support Groups

    Bipolar Support

    Connect with other students who have a bipolar diagnosis and are facing similar challenges and questions. The group is a place to talk about difficult topics like stigma, medications and symptoms related to a mood disorder.
    Open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all genders.

    Mondays, 1–2:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 12

    Status: In-person
    Facilitator: Sarah De Young, LMSW

    Body Image & Eating Concerns Support Group


    Concerned about your looks and food? Can’t find others to connect with? This is an excellent opportunity to share, hear others, be heard and receive validation and support on your journey to feeling good through cultivating self-compassion.
    Group screening required. For more information and pre-screening, contact Basak Kacar-Khamush at kacarkha@msu.edu.

    Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m.
    Group Begins September 13

    Status: In-person
    Facilitator: Basak Khamush, PhD, LP & Ciera Lewis, MA

    Graduate Student Support Group

    This is a supportive space where graduate students can gather, share and empower one another through shared experiences. Themes for this group explore key stressors as they relate to graduate studies, purpose, sense of belonging, “creative differences” with your advisor, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, challenges with completing dissertation or thesis and impacts related to diet, sleep and emotional well-being. Whatever your concerns, we can listen, offer support or help you come up with strategies to make the most of your time in grad school.
    Group screening is required to join. You can still join after the start date.

    Tuesdays 3–4 p.m.
    Fridays 10-11 a.m.
    Groups Begin September 13

    Status: Virtual

    Tuesday Facilitators: Kris Amos, MA, LLPC

    Friday Facilitators:  Jessica Oyoque-Barron, LMSW

    Grief Group

    Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Modern cultures usually do a poor job of preparing us for loss. Grief is messy and not a linear process. Few know how to think about grief or how we might be able to help ourselves and others. Grief support groups are a helpful way to learn about the grieving process and how it affects all areas of our lives. Grief groups can also connect us with others who have experienced a similar loss, making us feel less lonely, and normalizing the experience of grief.
    To learn more or to schedule a pre-screen, contact Abigail Waller at wallera@msu.edu.

    Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. (Virtual)

    Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. (In-person)

    Group Begins September 13

    Tuesday Facilitators: Abigail Waller, LMSW & Caitlin Riley, LMSW

    Wednesday Facilitators: Abigail Waller, LMSW & Aaron Chappel


    Living With Chronic Illness

    Do you live with a chronic, physical illness like diabetes, asthma, Crohn’s or fibromyalgia? Have you felt angry, frustrated or isolated because of your condition? These feelings are all common. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 
    This group is a safe, non-judgmental space to share about your individual experiences, symptom management and how to navigate challenges that you might encounter as a college student.
    Thursdays 3-4 p.m.
    Group Begins September 15
    Status: Virtual

    Facilitator: Caitlin Riley, LMSW

    THIS IS TOUGH…Exploring the 1st generation College Student Experience

    This space is about supporting and empowering one another through shared experiences. Topics could include transition, family, relationship dynamics, exploring values and identity, navigating cultural expectations and building community.
    A group screening is required to join. This group is for undergraduate students only.

    Thursdays, 2–3 p.m.
    Group Begins September 15

    Status: In-person
    Facilitator: Chasma Mathis, Psy.D., LP

    Wellness Wednesdays

    A skills based support group
    Are you new to university? Are you are having difficulty adjusting to your new campus life? Are you looking to find more peers who are interested in discussing how to improve their overall well-being and various mental health topics? Are you looking for a place to ga
    in some concrete skills on how to manage some of the challenges we face daily as it relates to our general outlook on life? Then this is the group for you!

    Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.

    Group Begins September 12

    Status: In person

    Facilitators: Courtney Brown, LMSW & Sarah Fay-Koutz, LMSW

  • Therapy Groups

    Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group for Grad Students

    Many grad students experience anxiety or depression. This group aims to help grad students learn mindfulness skills, connect to their values and strengthen psychological flexibility in their relationships with themselves and others. We offer a mixture of support, experiential learning and action-oriented work.
    Group screening required.

    Fridays 10-11:30 a.m.
    Group Begins September 16
    Status: In Person

    Facilitator:  Jeff Baker, MA, LLP 

    CBT Skills for ADHD flyer preview Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills for ADHD

    ADHD can be a double-edged sword. You can use it creatively to add spice to your and others’ lives. It’s your authenticity. But you can use it in a constraining or frustrating way that limits or blocks your progress. This group is here to help you understand that the problem is not you, the problem is that society doesn’t understand you and isn’t geared toward your strengths. Society sucks, not you! Learn ways to make society work for you.
    This group was developed using the structure of CBT to address the challenges that college students diagnosed with ADHD experience.
    Screening required.

    Fridays, 2–3:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 16

    Status: In-person
    Facilitators:  Jimmy Bruce, PhD, LP & Chasma Mathis, Psy.D., LP

    Download Flyer

     

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group

    Adults who want to improve their capacity to operate effectively in their environment can benefit from this skills-based, minimally process-oriented group. The group is structured in an educational format for skill acquisition/application from a multicultural and collaborative lens. We’ll teach skills, discuss their application and practice skills between sessions.
    This is a good group for students in need of emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills. We’ll start by discussing mindfulness skills for two weeks at the beginning of each module. Those skills are incorporated into others throughout the semester.

    Tuesdays, 3:30–5 p.m.
    Group Begins September 6
    Status: Virtual
    Tuesday Facilitator: Lauren Enty LMSW &  Jacki Fritts, PsyD, LLP

    Wednesdays, 3:30–5 p.m.
    Group Begins September 7
    Status: In person
    Facilitator:  Mike Alnarshi LMSW & Kiera Kunkle, MA

    Fridays, 9:30–11 a.m.
    Group Begins September 9
    Status: In person
    Facilitator:  Dave Gates, MA, LPC  & Jody Zhong M.Ed.

     

    Mindfulness-Based Anxiety Management

    Mindfulness-Based Anxiety Management is a virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy group for undergraduate and graduate students to reduce their anxiety and other emotional distress. Group members will learn mindfulness techniques and cognitive strategies.
    Members will also gain non-judgmental self-awareness and peer support. No religious background is required.
    Pre-screening is required. Schedule a consultation and indicate that you're interested in this group.

    Thursdays, 2:30–4 p.m.
    Begins September 15

    Status: In person
    Facilitators:   Mollie Delzeith, MA, LPC & Kiera Kunkle, MA

    Thinking of Change: Substance Use Therapy Group

    Thinking about your substance use (drinking, smoking, vaping)? Have some things in that relationship become a little challenging? Are you wondering how to manage, moderate or reduce your use — or even quit?
    This six-week workshop will give you the opportunity to learn more about the neurobiology of substances and why we like to use them, the good and not-so-good things about use and how you can reduce risks that could get in the way of your goals. You’ll learn fun facts, explore thoughts and feelings around substances and identify action steps if you decide you want to make a change.
    The group is open to all students who are interested in learning and engaging around substance use in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space.
    Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 15
    Status: Virtual
    Facilitators: Sarah De Young, LMSW & Yvonne Connelly, PhD, LP
  • Interpersonal Process Groups

    Preview of the Brave Space group flyer Brave Space

    This virtual group is intended to help you better understand who you are in relation to others and practice meaningful interpersonal changes in a brave and supportive space.
    If you are interested in participating, please schedule a consultation to set up a phone screening with a CAPS counselor and please state your interest in this group during that call. If you have questions, email Olivia at scottol1@msu.edu.

    Mondays, 1–2:30 p.m.
    Group Begins September 12

    Status: In-person
    Facilitator:  Olivia Scott, PhD &  Dom Roberts, MA

    Download Flyer

    Understanding Self & Others

    This therapy group is for undergraduate and graduate students who would like to better understand their communication and interaction styles and receive feedback about their interpersonal style and interactions with others.
    Discussion topics include family dynamics, how early experiences impact current relationships, coping with changing levels of intimacy, initiating conversations and relationship dynamics, with an emphasis on here-and-now exploration.
    Pre-screening is required. Schedule a consultation and indicate you are interested in the group Understanding Yourself & Others to get started.
    Mondays 10–11:30 a.m. (Virtual), beginning  Sept. 12
    Tuesdays 9:30–11 a.m. (In-person), beginning Sept. 13
    Wednesdays 3–4:30 p.m. (In-person), beginning Sept.14
    Thursdays 2–3:30 p.m. (Virtual), beginning Sept. 15

     

    Monday Facilitators:  Zen Zhong, LLPC

    Tuesday Facilitators:  Yvonne Connelly, PhD, LP

    Wednesday Facilitators:   Joshua Turchan, PhD, LP & Jody Zhong M.Ed.

    Thursday Facilitators:   Markie Silverman, PhD, LLP  & Ashley Craft, MA