Group Therapy Offerings: 2024

If you are interested in joining a group, please call 203-432-0290 and schedule an initial appointment in our department. The therapist you see will be able to answer your questions about group therapy and the group therapy options being offered. If you already see a clinician in Mental Health & Counseling, you do not need to schedule a separate appointment. Your current clinician can answer your questions and refer you to a group if appropriate.

As the semester progresses, some groups may fill up. If you are interested in joining a group that has already started or has already been filled, we may be able to start another section of the same group.

The following are descriptions of groups that we may offer in any semester:

CBT for Anxiety

This 60-minute group meets for 8 weeks and will focus on developing strategies for managing anxiety through cognitive behavioral techniques. The goal of the group is to offer an overview of how to identify triggers and maladaptive ways of thinking that contribute to anxiety and then change either thoughts or behaviors to help reduce anxiety. The format of the group will be largely didactic and will require both in group exercises as well as weekly take-home exercises to practice what has been discussed in group.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression

This 2 hour and 15 minute group meets for 8 weeks and is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program that teaches skills to develop a different way of relating to one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that are frequently present when mood is low. MBCT is specifically designed to help people who suffer repeated episodes of depression and chronic unhappiness, and it combines principles of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes that cultivate mindfulness. Participants become acquainted with the modes of mind that often characterize mood disorders while simultaneously learning to develop a new relationship to them. MBCT format is a combination of structured class format and experiential mindfulness practices.

DBT Coping Skills

This 90-minute group will meet weekly for approximately 10-12 weeks, depending on the start date and group member preferences. The DBT skills group is a behavioral skills training group intended to help individuals learn how to purposefully and non-judgmentally attend to the present moment, get through distressing situations without making things worse, understand and manage emotions, accept painful events and emotions, assert their needs, improve relationships, and maintain self-respect. These reflect a balance of both acceptance skills (i.e., mindfulness and distress tolerance) and change skills (i.e., emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness). This group will be helpful to those who struggle with chronic emotion dysregulation as well as those who engage in ongoing impulsive and harmful behaviors.

Thriving at Yale w/ ADHD

This semester-long, weekly, 50-minute, neurodiversity-affirmative group focuses on understanding the diverse ways in which ADHD can show up in your life; developing academic success strategies and accurate self-understanding; navigating a neuroptypical world; how neurodiversity and ADHD intersects with other lived identities; effective self-advocacy; and managing anxiety and social concerns. Group is a great format to connect with others who “get it,” and you don't need a formal ADHD diagnosis to attend. Undiagnosed students, newly diagnosed folks, as well as long-time ADHDers are welcome. Group is open to graduate and undergraduate students.

Making Peace with Food

This is a 60-minute weekly group that will address eating issues that frequently come up for students, such as binging, purging, and restricting. The focus of the group will be to develop permanent healthy eating habits and to develop healthier ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions. The group aims to be a supportive place for those interested in better understanding their relationship with food and their body.

Sleep Health

This 60-minute group will meet for 8 weeks. We all know how important sleep is for our wellbeing and health. Sometimes, the things we do to make the most of our sleep end up making it worse. In this group, we will review the basics of sleep, identify what can go wrong, and develop individual plans to achieve optimal sleep and circadian health. The group is based on the principles of sleep and circadian physiology, with behavioral and acceptance-based strategies to help you feel well rested.

Grief/Loss Group

This 60-minute weekly group is open to both graduate and undergraduate students who have experienced the death of an immediate family member or caregiver. The group will offer a space to connect with other students who have experienced significant loss with the intention of providing support and to allow exploration of thoughts and feelings associated with bereavement.

Coping with Medical Issues

This is a 60-minute semester-long group that meets weekly for students managing chronic medical conditions or with a history of serious medical issues. The group offers a space for members to support each other and explore topics such as: how our illness affects our relationships with loved ones, how we cope with pain, how to get the support we need, and how to manage anxiety around our health.

Intersectional Identities Group

This group runs weekly for a counseling hour all semester long. We have successfully run various identity-based groups that capture race, sexuality, gender, socioeconomic status, and ability status, and we recognize that many of us function in the intersection of many important identities. This group is for those of us who identify with one or more marginalized identities and aims to provide a supportive and enriching environment to help navigate the unique experiences that you face. We are welcoming, friendly and offer tools to support you on your journey here at Yale.

Living Your Best Queer Life at Yale

This semester-long weekly group runs for a counseling hour. It is a space for LGBTQIA+ and questioning students to make connections, build relationships, explore gender and sexuality, and find resources at Yale. This is an opportunity to share information and learn and interact with people who have shared experiences. Discussions often include understanding our identities, coming out, accessing medical care, navigating difficult conversations, gender identities, intersectionality, and more. The aim of this group is to support each other in realizing and living our best lives as queer people at Yale and beyond.

Chinese International Student Group

This group, which will be conducted in Mandarin, is a weekly 60-minute meeting tailored to the diverse needs of Chinese international students. These sessions address acculturation, academic and career stress, relationships, and community experiences. The primary goals of the group include fostering understanding of self and others, addressing life challenges, enhancing acculturation and support networks, and promoting overall well-being. This group will build resilience through dialogue and support.

Spanglish Soul: Identidad, Paz y Progress

This 60-minute group will meet weekly for 10 weeks. It is a dynamic and culturally rich group, where Latinx/Latine students can express themselves in a blend of languages while engaging in soul-searching conversations about identity, culture, and personal growth. In this group, we delve into the complexities of identity, drawing inspiration from our rich cultural heritage and the diverse stories of our peers. We explore what it means to be Latinx/Latine in a multicultural world, finding strength in our roots and inspiration in our shared experiences. As we navigate the challenges of life at Yale, Spanglish Soul provides a space to find inner peace ("paz") while making meaningful progress in all areas of life—academics, relationships, and personal development. Through a mix of thoughtful dialogue, cultural reflection, and supportive community, this group fosters a sense of belonging, balance, and empowerment.

Undergrad General Therapy Group

This 60-minute, year-long group is an opportunity for undergrads to improve their ability to open up to others and connect. It is a space where students can share what they are going through and hear how others have dealt with similar situations. In the process, students will come to understand more about how they come off to others and what their role is in groups, allowing them to change patterns that aren’t working for them. Above all, the group aims to be a supportive place for students interested in developing and maintaining healthy relationships of all kinds.

Grad Relationships Group

This 60-minute, semester-long group (with the option to continue the next semester) will focus on issues associated with interpersonal relationships, including communication, understanding, assertiveness, and connectedness. These weekly sessions will allow students to better understand and manage the complicated dynamics that inherently arise in relationships (romantic, familial, friendship, professional, etc.), and to process the thoughts and emotions that come up as a result. Above all, the group aims to be a supportive place for students interested in developing and maintaining healthy relationships of all kinds.

Healing Through Art

The art therapy group meets weekly for 90-minutes throughout the semester and is a safe and supportive space where individuals can expect each session to blend hands-on art projects with guided discussions and coping skill-building exercises. Each group will begin with a check in and review a coping mechanism or a therapeutic concept. Next, general instructions will be given for the art project to get the group started (creative freedom welcomed!). The remainder of class will offer ample time to work on the project with opportunities to engage in group discussion or to enjoy moments of mindfulness individually. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, this group welcomes everyone who is interested in embarking on a creative experience towards healing, self-discovery, and a supportive community.

Nature Group

This 60-minute semester-long group meets weekly rain or shine. Ecotherapy is a type of therapy that uses the natural environment to promote mental and emotional well-being. Ecotherapy can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. It can also help students to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. Each session will focus on a different aspect of ecotherapy. Some of the topics that the group will cover include, the benefits of spending time in nature, how to connect with nature in a meaningful way, using ecotherapy to manage stress and anxiety, as well as personal growth and development.

Healthier Lifestyles: Alternatives to Substance Use

Has substance use impacted your life in negative ways either in the past or currently? This support-style, ongoing 60-minute group will meet weekly. This group is designed to help individuals reduce substance use and/or maintain abstinence from substances by understanding triggers to use and benefitting from the support of the group in exploring healthier alternatives to substance use. Together we will develop a relapse prevention plan that meets your specific needs and work towards a healthier you!

90-Day Wellness Challenge

This group will go for 90 days (12 weeks) and meet for 60-minutes each week. Sign up now to start your own personalized 90-day wellness challenge and benefit from the support of the group in developing and meeting goals. Create individualized goals from one or more of the 5 main wellness areas in addition to including reduction of substance use as a goal. Five main wellness areas include: 1) Physical, 2) Mental/Intellectual, 3) Spiritual/Meditation, 4) Emotional, and 5) Financial. Let’s go time to achieve better wellness!