Groups and Workshops

Group therapy is an opportunity for students to join with others to discuss similar concerns or experiences. A typical group has 4 – 8 students and meets for 60 – 75 minutes weekly or every other week, facilitated by a CMHS staff clinician.

Participating in a group can help you:

• Feel understood and supported by others with similar experiences.
• Deepen your self-awareness.
• Learn to effectively express your thoughts and feelings to others.
• Enhance interpersonal skills and improve relationships.
• Develop more effective coping strategies.

Group facilitators are skilled in creating a safe space where everyone can feel supported to participate and benefit from the group. You get to decide what and when to share; that said, you will find group most helpful when you can open up about the concerns that bring you there.

All groups are confidential, and each member must commit to maintain confidentiality in order to participate in a group. This is a critical aspect of creating a safe, respectful and trusting environment, which allows group members to discuss their concerns and engage with others.

Please schedule a 30 minute meeting with the group leader in one of these ways:

• Speak with your CMHS clinician
• Contact the CMHS office at 617-627-3360
• Log into the Patient Portal. Click the "Forms" tab and complete and submit the "Counseling Groups Interest Form".

Wednesdays, 12:00-1:15 PM at CMHS Somerville
Facilitated by: Candyce Burke

A safe and supportive environment in which to explore challenges and opportunities related to race, culture, and the unique experience of higher education. Join with others around topics like the impact of power and privilege, experiences of marginalization, identity development, and understanding intersectionality. Gain skills for healthy self-care and a sense of community.

Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:45 PM at Health Service
Facilitator: Jamie Graceffo

This is a group in which students can discuss and reflect on the interpersonal dynamics present in their relationships with others. The group will help students increase their understanding of their own interpersonal style and how people impact one another. Students will explore new ways of relating within the group and within their personal lives.

Thursdays 3:00pm - 4:30pm at CMHS Somerville
Facilitated by: B. Francis Chen and Marussia Role

Fridays, 1:15 - 2:30 PM at CMHS Somerville 
Facilitators: Marilyn Downs and Anna Maria Baldauf

Sexual assault or unwanted sexual experiences can affect one’s sense of physical, emotional, and relational well-being and safety. This group provides a supportive space where you can connect with others, feel understood, learn about common responses to trauma, and develop tools for healing.

Fridays, 3 - 4:15 PM at CMHS Somerville
Facilitator: Xuhua Qin

This is a confidential and supportive group for students who have experienced the death of a family member, partner, or friend. Group members will have an opportunity to talk about their current lives and the impact of loss while juggling the demands of being a student.

Tuesdays, 4:45 - 6:00 at CMHS Somerville 
Facilitators: Michelle Chen & Chelsea Levy

A supportive group for students who have a family member with addiction and/or mental illness.  Connect with others around common struggles and challenging dynamics.  Explore frustrations, anxieties and fears related to the impact of mental illness and/or addiction on your family.  Navigate complex relationships and build on healthy coping strategies.