The Counseling Center offers support groups, process groups, and workshops for students. Each group below has a description of the type of issues or concerns are best addressed by that group. This is to help you determine the group that would be a good fit for you. There are no fees for any support group. All groups below are virtual until further notice. If you have an interest in another type of group we may provide or assist with, please contact us to discuss this with a counselor. Please note our group offerings are updated at the beginning of the fall and spring terms. Groups are only available to currently enrolled students.
The majority of our support groups will be virtual for the spring. If you are interested in a group, you can request to participate through the button below. Once completed, the group leader will reach out to you shortly. Note that not all groups may be on the sign up link. If the group you are interested in is not there, please call our center at 205-348-3863 and ask to speak to the group leader. All groups run for 1 hour unless otherwise indicated.
Group Leader: Fayth Hope
Group time: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 4:00 p.m.
Group Description: The aim of this support group is to provide a haven and sounding board for students to voice their experiences navigating the campus environment as well as life in general as a person of color. This group will also explore and discuss the emotional and social health, role expectations, and inter-/intrapersonal relationships as a member of the Black community on campus while facing the challenges of anti-Blackness/Racism.
Group Leader: Patrick Lewis
Group time: Fridays at 3:00 p.m. This group will be held virtually through Zoom
Group Description: This group will provide support for students and explore issues related to maintaining healthy relationship with self and others, feeling overwhelmed due to COVID-19, and other general areas of concern.
Group Leader: Carey Marsh
Group time: Thursdays at 3 p.m. To participate, please call 205-348-3863 and speak to the group leader. The group takes place over zoom and the group leader will provide information on how to join.
Group Description: This group is specifically offered to provide space for students to talk with a counselor and their peers for the purpose of gaining and providing support.
Group Leader: Nahree Doh
Group Location: 011 BB comer hall
Group time: Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Complete the group request above for information about the application process.
Group Description: An 11 week workshop designed to facilitate international students’ adjustment, academic success and personal growth. This workshop will be done as a closed group of 5-8 members. Members will have opportunities to learn useful skills for successful life in America, to develop understanding about American culture and life, and to explore their experiences of living and studying in America.
Group Leader: Deirdre Gilligan
Group time: Thursday at 7:15 p.m. This group will meet on Zoom from April 6 through April 27.
Group Description: This is four session workshop to help students understand strengths and challenges that come with ADHD brain and to figure out ways to thrive with ADHD. This workshop will run as a closed group of up to 6 members and It is important to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the workshop. Advanced registration required ask your therapist or call the Counseling Center for details. Topics covered include 1. Understanding ADHD Brain, 2. Regulating Attention, 3. Regulating Emotion, and 4. Improving Time Management and Organizational Skills.
Group Leader: Leigh Ann Henneke
Group time: Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Group Description: This group is educational and experience based group on how to deal with the day to day stressors that can impair our ability to function at a comfortable and productive level. We will explore visualizations, grounding techniques, meditation, breath work and yoga to build a toolkit to pull from when we are feeling overwhelmed or unmotivated.
Group Leader: Julie Vence
Group time: Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
Group Description: This group is to help first-year female students and incoming second-year students attending classes on campus for the first time to address common issues such as homesickness, stress & time management skills, building relationships, and self-care. Learn helpful skills and get support from other students experiencing similar issues.
Group Leader: Michelle Moss
Group time: Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. This group will be held virtually through Zoom.
Group Description: This is a support group to help students who strive to embrace a healthy self-image and desire to feel better about themselves and their bodies.
Group Leader: Catherine Howell
Group time: Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Group Description: This is a support group for students who have experienced loss and and are struggling with grief.
Group Leader: Holly Prewitt and Susan Clements
Group time/Location: Fridays from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Multi-Activity Room (MARS) room at the UA Recreation Center
Group Description: This workshop will focus on creative tools and strategies to help increase coping skills for stress.
Group Leader: Mitch Beavers
Group time: Thursday at 3:00 p.m.
Group Description: This group is designed for and limited to graduate students who want a space to discuss the stresses of grad school. Topics might include how to navigate relationships with colleagues, research team members, and advisers, and how to manage stress, balance work and self-care, and attend to relationships. Additional topics might include but are not limited to navigating difficult conversations, getting unstuck, managing perfectionism and the internal critic, impostor syndrome, and fostering resilience. The group is intended to provide members with support and affirmation while providing skills and strategies that can enhance well-being.
Group Leader: Jennifer Turner
Group time: Please call to speak to the group leader for more information.
Group Description: The TRANS Support Group is a space for individuals to share their experiences and create community in a welcoming, supportive environment. It is open to UA undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who identify as trans, transgender, gender queer, fluid, non-binary, FTM, MTF, Two Sprit, intersex, gender questioning and anyone who identifies outside their gender assigned at birth.
