Group Counseling
Because we live our lives in relationship to others, and because these relationships are integral to our health and well-being, group therapy is the recommended treatment of choice for many of the issues college students face. The Wellness Center offers a variety of virtual and in-person group treatment options.
While it is normal to feel nervous about joining a group, many of our students report feeling very helped by the group therapy experience. Group therapy represents a special kind of relationship to others that is different from our social relationships. This has many advantages, such as the freedom to ask for feedback at any time, to try out new behaviors, to talk about topics that may be difficult to raise, or to share sensitive concerns.
Some groups will be offered virtually and some are in person, please read the descriptions carefully.
Groups for Improving Relationships with Self and Others
Grief Support Group (In-Person at the LSC)
Wednesdays from 4-5pm in Damen
Group will run September 25th-November 20th
This is a peer support group for students experiencing grief and loss that is co-facilitated by the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry. This eight week group will cover psycho-education around grief, give students space to process with each other, and explore ways to ritualize and honor grief. Meetings will be held from 4-5pm in Damen Student Center. Please contact Gloria Feliciano Feltman at 773-508-2629 or gfeliciano@luc.edu for questions and to join.
Understanding Self and Others (Undergraduates, In-Person)
Tuesdays, 3-4:30pm, LSC
This semester-long group is open to undergraduate students and offers a safe space for you to explore your emotions more deeply and to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors in relationships.
Email Cassy Firkins, LCSW at cfirkins@luc.edu to learn more information.
Understanding Self and Others Group for Graduate and Professional Students (Virtual)
Group starts: Thursday, Sept 26 via zoom, time TBA
This semester-long interpersonal process group provides a safe space for graduate and professional students to share experiences, learn new perspectives, and experiment with new ways of relating to others. The goal is to help decrease a sense of isolation, increase self-awareness, and improve relationships. In the group, you will give and receive support and feedback and learn to communicate your emotions and needs in effective ways. The group is only open to students who are currently in the state of Illinois.
Please contact Nisha Kumar, PsyD at nkumar5@luc.edu for more information or to set up a pre-group interview.
The Art of Belonging: Connecting to Yourself, Others & the World
8-week course meets Thursdays 3:00pm-4:15 at LSC Wellness Center
* Required information session: Sept 12 or Sept 19 (attend one)
Based on research we know that belonging is essential for greater wellbeing. This program is an eight-week exploration of belonging. Learn about the science of connection, engage in mind/body practices and integrate what you learn with time during the sessions for art making (no skills needed). Connect to yourself, others and the environment. (Free art journal provided). To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Groups for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Calming the Anxious Mind
Mondays, 3-4pm
This 8-week group uses evidence-based strategies to help you better understand how anxiety impacts your daily life and learn helpful skills to effectively manage stressors.
Contact Gloria Feliciano Feltman, LCSW at gfeliciano@luc.edu
Take a Deep Breath: Meditating Alone Together (in-Person)
Mondays 3:30 – 4:30 pm at Information Commons’ Quiet Reading Room (317)
First session starts on Monday Sept 9 & ends on Dec 2
Now more than ever we realize the importance of connection with others. The combination of connecting with others and the benefits of meditation is what this group is about. It’s much easier to meditate with the support of a group & certified teacher as you connect with others! Learn how to meditate & incorporate it into your daily life OR support an existing practice. See why this group has been going since 2002! Sessions are ongoing, newcomers are always welcome (no perfect people allowed- come as you are). To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Peaceful Mind: Mindfulness Group to Better Manage Stress, Anxiety & Depression (In-Person)
Meets Wednesdays 3 pm- 4:30 pm at LSC Wellness Center
Information sessions held 3 pm- 4:30 pm on Wed. Sept 11 or Sept 18 (attend one)
* Required attendance of ONE information session before joining the group
An 8-week mindfulness- based group designed to help you better manage feelings of stress & improve mood. Quote from a past participant: ‘… a program such as this one can make a huge difference!’ You will receive a free e-handbook & recordings to help you with your at-home practice. To register or ask questions - email Dianna Stencel, LCSW at dstence@luc.edu
Thesis/Dissertation Support Group (Virtual)
Fridays at 1pm
This group is open to graduate students at any stage of completing the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Join us for tips and support for maintaining progress on your research project. We will discuss writer's block, staying motivated, isolation, stress management, and more. This warm and welcoming space can help you achieve your goals! Contact Andrea Boyd, PhD at aboyd2@luc.edu to request group membership. Group starts 9/20/2024.
This group meets on Fridays at 1pm, via Zoom. Contact Andrea Boyd, Ph.D., 773-508-2534 or aboyd2@luc.edu for additional information.
Food For Thought: An Intuitive Eating Support Group
Thursdays, 11am
Starts: September 19th
In this 10-week group you will learn the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating and build a better relationship with food and your body. Group screening required to participate. If interested, please complete this form before September 19, 2024.
Contact Alexa Ross, MS, RDN, LDN (aross15@luc.edu) or Gloria Feliciano-Feltman, LCSW (gfeliciano@luc.edu) for more information
Groups for Managing Identity-Based Stressors
Black Grad Support Group (Virtual)
Wednesdays at 4pm
This group centers on the experiences of graduate and professional students whose identity includes Black/African ancestry. It is a welcoming space for students to find community and encouragement through the Loyola experience from a culturally sensitive lens. We may discuss stress management, navigating challenges, career planning, identity-related concerns, relationships, work/life balance, and self-care. This group is open to all LUC students and meets on Wednesdays at 4pm, via Zoom. Contact Andrea Boyd, Ph.D., 773-508-2534 or aboyd2@luc.edu for additional information. Group starts 9/18/2024.
LGBTQIA+ Student Support Group
Fridays 1:30-3pm
Open to all students, this semester long therapy group supports and centers the experiences of undergraduate and graduate students who identify as LGBTQIA+. The group has three goals: 1) to provide a safe, supportive, confidential, and nonjudgmental space for LGBTQIA+ students to connect with one another; 2) to help LGBTQIA+ students discuss and examine their experiences as LGBTQIA+ people; and 3) to support students as they practice helping one another. Possible group topics: “coming out,” managing relationships, coping with cissexism, heteronormativity, and heterosexism; finding community at LUC and beyond, and addressing mental health needs.
Dr. Torres, a gay, cis-male, clinical psychologist at the Wellness Center, facilitates the group. A screening appointment with Dr. Torres is required for group participation. When full, the group will close to new members. Students wishing to learn more about the group, or to schedule a screening appointment, should email Dr. Torres at rtorres14@luc.edu
Cafecito Chat ( In-Person at LSC Wellness Center)
Tuesdays, 2-3 pm
Start Date: Tuesday, October 1st at 2PM
End Date: Tuesday, November 19th at 2PM
Where: Group Room at the Lakeshore Campus Wellness Center
Purpose of group: This support group centers the experience of Latine students who are looking for a space to connect with others and find community. Past group topics have been focused on finding support within a larger Loyola community, relationships, stress management, and managing transitions.
Questions should be directed to Beatriz Gonzalez, LCSW at bgonzalez6@luc.edu.
Monarca: Undocumented Student Support Group
Fridays, 9am-10:30am
Damen Student Center
Open to all students, this semester long therapy group is a student service partnership between the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Wellness Center. The group supports and centers the experiences of undocumented undergraduate and graduate students and has three goals: 1) to provide a safe, supportive, confidential, and nonjudgmental space for undocumented students to connect with one another; 2) to help group members discuss and examine their experiences as undocumented students; and 3) to support students as they practice helping one another. Possible topics for the group: the stress associated with xenophobia and racism, deportation fears, “survivors” guilt, imposter syndrome, employment issues, including the stress of working while a student; time management, finding connection at LUC and beyond, and addressing mental health needs.
Comment: Monarca is Spanish for monarch. Monarch butterflies have been used as a graphic representation of the migrant journey in art, literature and activism. The use of the word Monarca is purposeful and reflects WC’s commitment to serving the needs of LUC diverse students regardless of legal status. The word “undocumented” is used to capture students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or who do not hold a visa to reside in the U.S., as well as “Dreamers,” DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, and those of mixed status (i.e., a family in which at least one member is residing legally in the United States and at least one member is not). It is noted that no one term can be all encompassing and some individuals may use multiple, none, or other language when referring to their legal status. The use of the word “undocumented” is in keeping with inclusive language guidelines from the American Psychological Association (American Psychological Association, 2022).
Dr. Torres, an immigrant, bilingual (Spanish and English), clinical psychologist at the Wellness Center, facilitates the group. A screening appointment with Dr. Torres is required for group participation. When full, the group will close to new members. Students wishing to learn more about the group, or to schedule a screening appointment, should email Dr. Torres at rtorres14@luc.edu
Womxn of Color Group (In-person at the LSC Wellness Center)
Wednesdays, 2pm
Start Date: Wednesday, October 2nd at 2PM
End Date: Wednesday, November 20th at 2PM
Purpose of group: This support group is a group that centers the experience of womxn of color and are looking for a space to connect with others within this community. The focus of the group is to focus on processing race-related trauma related to oppression, identity issues, family of origin issues, trauma experiences, interpersonal relationship issues, academic stresses, and all forms of oppression. This group is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and will be held in person.
Questions should be directed to Beatriz Gonzalez, LCSW at bgonzalez6@luc.edu and Sofia Newaz, LCPC snewaz@luc.edu.
LOYOLA'S COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
As a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a mission to care for persons as a whole, Loyola University Chicago does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Loyola, we embrace the differences that make us unique and commit to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for all students and employees at our institution. For Loyola's complete Nondiscrimination Policy, please visit here.
Because we live our lives in relationship to others, and because these relationships are integral to our health and well-being, group therapy is the recommended treatment of choice for many of the issues college students face. The Wellness Center offers a variety of virtual and in-person group treatment options.
While it is normal to feel nervous about joining a group, many of our students report feeling very helped by the group therapy experience. Group therapy represents a special kind of relationship to others that is different from our social relationships. This has many advantages, such as the freedom to ask for feedback at any time, to try out new behaviors, to talk about topics that may be difficult to raise, or to share sensitive concerns.
Some groups will be offered virtually and some are in person, please read the descriptions carefully.
LOYOLA'S COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
As a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a mission to care for persons as a whole, Loyola University Chicago does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Loyola, we embrace the differences that make us unique and commit to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for all students and employees at our institution. For Loyola's complete Nondiscrimination Policy, please visit here.