Group work is a powerful tool for growth and change. For many emotional concerns, personal struggles, and relationship issues that college students face, group work can be more effective than individual counseling, because it works directly on improving interpersonal effectiveness! Having the support of other students who understand can also help you maintain the effort and motivation it takes to successfully overcome difficult personal or mental health concerns.

While many students prefer the social context of groups, we understand that some students may initially feel intimidated or hesitant about the idea of talking about sensitive concerns within a group. This is natural, as group work is usually a new experience. However, we have found that most students who attend counseling groups report that the relief and excitement of meeting others who understand their struggles quickly overshadows the initial anxiety. In fact, the students who are most hesitant about group or who tend to be shy or nervous about expressing themselves are often among the ones who benefit the most!

Because group work is so effective and popular, Counseling Services offers a wide array of groups and workshops to address the needs of our students. Some involve more open discussion and sharing, while others address a specific topic or are structured more like a class to teach you positive coping or mindfulness skills. Group offerings may change each semester. If you are interested in a type of group you don’t see listed, please feel free to let us know. 

For more information, or to inquire about joining a specific group, please contact Counseling Services at (203) 392-5475 or email  counselingservices@southernct.edu.

Support Groups

First-Gen Support Group

Are you the first in your family to attend college and looking for a supportive community? This group provides a space to discuss the unique challenges first-generation college students encounter, offering guidance and peer support to help you thrive at SCSU.
How to Join: Contact Chrystal Long, LPC, LADC (longc3@southernct.edu)
Established: September 25, 2024

Let’s Get Real! A Drop-In Group for New and Transfer Students

Transitioning to a new environment can be tough! This group is an open space for new and transfer students to share their experiences, get support, and connect with others.
How to Join: Drop in—no need to RSVP! Contact facilitator Elaine Allen, LCSW, with any questions
Established: September 3, 2024

Grad Student Support Group

Graduate school can be demanding, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This group offers ongoing peer support for graduate students. We’ll discuss topics like balancing school and life, staying motivated, building confidence, and addressing mental health challenges. Join us to get support from others who understand the unique demands of graduate studies.
How to Join: Contact facilitator Elaine Allen, LCSW (allene4@southernct.edu)

Relationship Real Talk Support Group

Designed for students seeking to explore and enhance their interpersonal relationships, this group offers a confidential environment to discuss topics such as communication, intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Participants will gain insights into building healthy relationships and understanding personal boundaries.
How to Join: Contact facilitator Elaine Allen, LCSW (allene4@southernct.edu)

Cultural Connections Support Group 

This group provides a welcoming space for students from diverse backgrounds to share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate cultural identities. Topics may include navigating cultural dynamics in academic settings, family expectations, and building a supportive community.  
How to Join: Contact facilitator Stephanie Pérez, LPC (perezs10@southernct.edu)

Your Money & Mental Health Workshop Series

Money and mental health are deeply connected. In this workshop series, explore your relationship with money, how it impacts your mental health, and how to make healthier financial decisions to improve your overall well-being.
How to Join: Contact facilitators Matthew Ouimet, LPC & Chrystal Long, LPC
Established: October 3 - November 21, 2024

Calm Body, Calm Mind: Complementary and Alternative Treatments to Reduce Anxiety

This weekly group uses aromatherapy, breathing techniques, and grounding exercises to help manage anxiety. You’ll learn how to strengthen the mind-body connection and gain control over anxiety symptoms.
How to Join: Email Eileen Bonyai, APRN (bonyaie1@southernct.edu)
Established: October 24, 2024

Mourning Owls: A Peer Group for Grief and Loss

Have you experienced grief and loss and feel that no one understands the pain you are feeling? Come connect with others feeling the similarly, learn about grief reactions, develop ways to manage your feelings and find meaning in life again.
How to Join: Set up a brief pre-group meeting with Michelle Lawler (lawlerm1@southernct.edu)
Facilitators: Michelle Lawler, LPC

Take A Break Group

This group is focused on helping students who want to change or cut back on their use of marijuana, tobacco or alcohol or who may be considering changing unhealthy patterns of addictive behavior such as social media, gaming or gambling, etc. Learn new coping skills to manage stressors that will help you cut back on your use of substances to be a healthier you!
How to Join: Set up a brief pre-group meeting with Sarah Keiser (keisers3@southernct.edu).
Facilitators: Sarah Keiser, LADC