Group Therapy & Workshops
What is the difference between groups and workshops?
Both groups and workshops are powerful treatment modalities. Their power lies in the support and feedback given by other participants as well as by the facilitators. They offer a supportive and affirming space for students to discuss challenges and build connections. Appropriate self-disclosure within groups and workshops may take place at the student’s own comfort level and pace. While joining a group or workshop can feel intimidating, these treatment modalities offer advantages that cannot be found in individual counseling.
- Please note: Urgent Care and Drop-in Consultation are also additional resource options.
- Navigating a loss? Grief can take many forms, and the journey will look and feel different for everyone. You may be wondering where to begin, or how to hold your identities as a student and a bereaved person at the same time. If you or someone you know is mourning a loved one, the UCC is here to help. Email grief@vanderbilt.edu to learn more.
If you are interested in any of the following groups or workshops, please fill out this interest form.
GROUP THERAPY:
- Mostly focused on the development of resilience and self-awareness.
- Generally closed format (i.e., maximum number of participants); no session limits.
- Includes other participants who wish to receive support around a shared identity or lived experience.
- Requires continuous attendance in order for participants to obtain full benefits.
- Group facilitators will often screen group members before their joining the group.
- Requires a referral from an SCC care coordinator or UCC provider.
GROUPS – FALL 2024
Please select a group for more information.
Time: Wednesdays at 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: UCC
The Graduate Process Group is designed to provide a space for graduate students with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. Group members will offer each other support and feedback in working toward change. Common concerns that may be addressed in this group include navigating graduate programs and demands, interpersonal relationship difficulties, transitioning from graduate school to the work environment, individuation, identity concerns, and work/life balance.
Limited spots available. If interested, please contact Tamaki Silver
Time: Wednesdays at 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: UCC
Untangle your worried mind and unleash your potential. We invite you to embark on a creative journey destined to break free from stress. “Untangle to Thrive” offers a compassionate and healing space where creative expressions become a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and growth.
No prior experience in art making is needed and art supplies will be provided.
For more information, please contact one of the following UCC staff members:
Viviana Grice: viviana.a.grice@vanderbilt.edu
Courtney Williams: courtney.williams@vanderbilt.edu
Time: Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Project Safe
Rooted in Resilience is a support group, designed for students who have been impacted by interpersonal violence. This could mean experiences of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, and/or childhood abuse. This group is intended to provide a supportive environment for survivors. Time is spent listening, sharing experiences, sharing challenges associated with trauma, and gaining tools and knowledge as students work toward healing. Group is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. This group is a collaboration between the University Counseling Center and the Project Safe Center.
No formal referral is required.
If interested in this group, please email sarah.jordan.welch@vanderbilt.edu.
Time: Thursdays at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Location: UCC
The Women’s Group offers a confidential space for undergrad, graduate and professional students, who identify as women, to:
- Give and receive support
- Reflect on the impact of your intersecting identities on your experiences
- Develop skills to navigate relationships with others more effectively
If interested in this group, please email ruth.howard@vanderbilt.edu
Time: 3rd Tuesday of every month (starting 9/17, ending in June) at 4:30 - 5:30 pm
- December meeting will occur on 12/3/2024 due to winter break
Location: Zoom (please email ucc@vanderbilt.edu for the zoom link)
This group will cover topics such as self-care, mindfulness, imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, cohort dynamics, compassion fatigue, time management, burnout, and managing stress.
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Remaining Session Dates: 9/26, 10/10, 11/7, 11/21 (Drop in to one or all!)
Location: UCC
Take a break from your busy day and join us for a refreshing session of mindfulness practice! The benefits of mindfulness stress reduction, improved focus, emotional resilience, and better sleep. You can expect a brief introduction on how to meditate, guided group practice, and a discussion to explore your experience. Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this group offers a welcoming space to cultivate awareness and peace of mind.
Advanced registration is appreciated, drop ins welcome as well! To register or for more information please email heather.n.bay@vanderbilt.edu.
Time: Every other Tuesdays (starting 9/17) at 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location: UCC
This Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills-based group will provide an opportunity for community while leaning into what it means to prioritize rest as a form of resiliency and how it benefits success. Topics will include Distress tolerance, WISE Mind, Work-Life-Self-Care Harmony, Self-Advocacy, Mindfulness, Creativity, etc. This is an open group and members are encouraged to join at any time throughout the semester.
To join please email Aneesa Anderson, NCC, LPC-MHSPt, aneesa.anderson@vandberilt.edu and Jordan Mike, NCC, LPC-MHSPt, Jordan.d.mike@vanderbilt.edu
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of Communion” – bell hooks
WORKSHOPS:
- Mostly focused on the development of everyday skills.
- Workshops tend to be intermittent and take place in series, not requiring continuous attendance.
- There is no necessary screening (drop-in registrations are welcome).
WORKSHOPS – FALL 2024
Please select a workshop for more information.
Time: Wednesdays (8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, and 10/2) at 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop emphasizes deepening understanding of what ADHD is and isn't, improving work completion, time management, and organization, while also touching on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness interventions. Weekly workshops are for actively engaging in skill-building in these areas in a scaffolded, supportive environment. Refuel weeks are about community-building and putting the skills to work.
A verified diagnosis of ADHD is not required for this workshop; any interested student is welcome! Please call 615.322.2571 and ask for Frances or 615.322.0480 and ask for Samantha or email frances.niarhos@vanderbilt.edu or samantha.york@vanderbilt.edu for more information about this workshop.
In this workshop, you will
- Understand what anxiety is and how it impacts us
- Explore how thoughts and behaviors affect anxiety
- Develop strategies to better cope with anxiety
Attendance to all three sessions is required, as each week builds upon the previous one.
Rd 1: Thursdays (9/12, 9/19, 9/26) at 10:00 - 11:00 am with Stacey Appiah-Opoku and Martez Nelson
Rd 2: Mondays (10/14, 10/21, 10/28) at 3:00 - 4:00 pm with Anabella Wilson
Rd 3: Wednesdays (11/6, 11/13, 11/20) at 2:00 - 3:00 pm with Stacey Appiah-Opoku and Martez Nelson
Time: Mondays (11/4, 11/11, 11/18) at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Zoom (Registration link coming soon!)
In this workshop, you will
- Understand what depression is and how it impacts us
- Explore how thoughts and behaviors affect depression
- Develop strategies to better cope with depression
Attendance to all three sessions is required, as each week builds upon the previous one.