Groups and Workshops
We offer free groups and workshops for all current Tufts students. Students can participate in multiple groups in a given semester, with no limit on the number of groups while enrolled at Tufts.
- Support and therapy groups are an opportunity to receive multiple perspectives, encouragement, and feedback in a safe and confidential environment. The experience can deepen your self-awareness, enhance your relationship skills and allow you to experiment with new ideas and ways of being.
- Workshops and Discussion Groups offer a more informal opportunity to connect with others regarding particular experiences or for a shared activity. Most workshops are either drop-in or require a simple sign-up to join -- see specific descriptions for details.
Groups FAQs
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.
Speak with your CMHS clinician, contact the group facilitator, or contact the CMHS office for more information at 617-627-3360 or go.tufts.edu/groups.
Counseling Groups
Wednesdays, 12:00-1:15 PM beginning in October
Facilitated by: Candyce Burke
A weekly process-oriented space open to African, Caribbean, and Black identified students navigating campus life. This will be an opportunity to share and connect with others in a safe and supportive environment. Openly explore frustrations, 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. In addition to processing, gain skills for healthy self-care and a sense of community.
Bi-Weekly on Wednesdays 12:00pm - 1:15pm
(9/12, 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 11/28, 12/12)
Facilitated by: B. Francis Chen
A safe, private, and supportive space to openly explore the complexity and impact of an undocumented status in the U.S. and at Tufts. This group is for students who identify as undocumented, DACA-mented, and/or come from mixed status households. Lunch will be provided: to nurture your mind and body.
Wednesdays, 12:15 - 1:15 PM, September 12, 19 and 26
Facilitator: Marilyn Downs
This group is for students who are returning to studies at Tufts after a leave of absence to address concerns about mental health or well-being. The group provides a supportive, confidential place where students can connect with other returning students about how to navigate the academic and social challenges of returning to life at Tufts.
Wednesdays, 3-4:15 PM beginning in October
Facilitator: Megan Tucker
Open to any student who identifies as trans, gender non-binary, and/or gender expansive in any way. Seek support for experiences of oppression, discrimination, and microaggressions. Discuss stress, interpersonal relationships, and mental health struggles in a confidential and gender affirming space.
Tuesdays, 12pm - 1:15 PM beginning in October
Facilitator: Jamie Graceffo
This is a weekly 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 work towards feeling empowered to explore new ways of relating both within the group and within their personal lives.
Wednesdays, 4:45 - 6 PM at Health Service
Facilitator: Michelle Chen
This is a weekly 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 work towards feeling empowered to explore new ways of relating both within the group and within their personal lives.
Thursdays 3:00pm - 4:30pm at CMHS, October 11 to December 6
Facilitated by: B. Francis Chen
A weekly group for undergrad and graduate students who are interested in improving their mood through connecting with others and mutual support. A confidential, supportive space where all identities are welcome.
Fridays, 1 - 2:15 PM beginning in October
Facilitator: Marilyn Downs
Sexual assault or unwanted sexual experiences can affect one’s sense of physical, emotional, and relational wholeness and well-being. This group provides a safe and supportive place where you can connect with others, learn about common responses to trauma and develop tools for healing.
Fridays, 3 - 4:15 PM beginning in October
Facilitator: Xuhua Qin
This is a confidential weekly group for students who have experienced the death of a significant family member, partner, or friend. Group members will have an opportunity to talk about their current lives and the impact of loss while trying to juggle the demands of being a student in a university setting.
Discussion Groups and Workshops
10/5 Friday, 3-4:30PM at CMHS
Facilitator: Xuhua Qinbr /> A one time meeting to connect with other students who have experienced a loss of a significant family member, partner, or friend.
Monthly on Mondays, 10/1, 10/29, 12/10; 12-1:30pm, Cabot Center 702
Facilitator:: Xuhua Qin
Drop in groups for all international students regardless of the length of stay in the U.S., native language, or country of origin. Share experiences and resources, get support, and build a network. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to, adjustment, culture shock, homesickness, academic concerns, making American friends, acculturation issues and gender issues. Light refreshments will be provided.
Meets monthly at the Tufts Latino Center, 9/17, 10/15, 11/19, 12/10
All Tufts students welcome, no sign-up needed.
Health Promotion and Prevention Groups On Campus
When/Where: Session 1: Wed, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. at Tisch Library Room 310 OR Session 2: Sun, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m. at Tisch Library Room 310
Facilitated by: Jennifer Earls (Session 1) and Ashley Norwood (Session 2)
Manage your stress. Learn mindfulness and meditation in a 4 week class.
For more information and to join, please email: Ian Wong.
Dates: March 9 - May 18, 2018
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Olin 103
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 7pm
Location: Clarendonhill Presbyterian Church 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville, MA, 02144 Directions
Date: Sundays
Time: 6pm (18:00)
Location: Tufts University East Hall
Ian.wong@tufts.edu 617-627-5495