Counseling Groups and Workshops
All groups are open to undergraduate and graduate students on the Medford-Somerville and SMFA campuses, unless otherwise indicated. You can participate in multiple groups in a given semester, and there is no limit on the number of groups you can attend while enrolled at Tufts. All groups are confidential. Fall 2023 groups will be held in person at CMHS, 120 Curtis Street, Medford.
Counseling groups and workshops aim to enhance coping strategies, share resources, and foster connection among students in a confidential and supportive space.
We offer two main types of groups:
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Counseling Groups typically meet weekly for up to 8 weeks, involve a commitment to attend all sessions, and require an individual pre-group conversation with the facilitator. As members share and process concerns in counseling groups, relationships and conversations deepen.
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Workshops typically are either drop-in or require a simple sign-up to join. They offer a more informal opportunity to connect with others and build skills.
Fall 2023 Counseling Groups and Workshops
Counseling Groups
Coping with Depression
- 7 Tuesdays, 3:45 – 5pm, October 17 – December 5 (no meeting November 21)
- Facilitator: Bela Skorska
This group aims to provide a safe and supportive space for students who struggle with low mood and symptoms of depression. Group members will have an opportunity to process their thoughts and feelings and acquire new ways of coping with the aid of therapeutic guidance and the support of fellow students who are experiencing similar challenges. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Izabela.Skorska@tufts.edu.
Coping with Loss
- 8 Fridays, 3 – 4:15pm, October 6 – December 8 (no meetings November 10 & 24)
- Facilitators: Stefan Jadaszewski and Jane Paar
This is a support 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. Participants will form a connection with each other as a community on this shared journey. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Stefan.Jadaszewski@tufts.edu or Jane.Paar@tufts.edu.
Interpersonal Process Group
- 6 Wednesdays, 1 – 2pm, October 25 – December 6 (no meeting November 22)
- Facilitators: Xi Bi and Crysti Kotsiopoulos
This interpersonal process group offers students the opportunity to gain understanding about how they present and are perceived by others. The group will explore relational themes such as authenticity, trust, confidence, assertiveness, inclusion/exclusion, and navigating discomfort. Members will have the opportunity to try out new ways of relating. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Xi.Bi@tufts.edu or Crystimaria.Kotsiopoulos@tufts.edu.
Graduate Students Group
- 7 Thursdays, 1 – 2pm, October 19 – December 7 (no meeting November 23)
- Facilitator: Andrew Yuen
This 7-week group offers graduate students a space to process their academic, professional, and personal experiences. Through mutual encouragement and support, attendees will build community, connection, and resilience. Possible topics include challenging perfectionism, mitigating burnout, and reducing imposter phenomenon. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Andrew.Yuen@tufts.edu.
TRANScend: For Trans, Non-binary, and Gender Diverse Students
- 5 Mondays, 4 – 5pm, biweekly; October 2, 16, 30, November 13 and December 4
- Facilitator: Xavier Quinn
This support group is a drop-in space for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse undergraduate and graduate students. Topics vary weekly and are related to gender identity exploration, transition, coping with transphobia, and resource sharing. Students may join Transcend anytime during the semester. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Xavier.Quinn@tufts.edu.
Retrain Your Brain: Tools for Managing Anxiety (for undergraduates)
- 7 Thursdays, 3 – 4:15pm, October 19 – December 7 (no meeting November 23)
- Facilitator: Lucia Andrade
If you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, join this group to learn skills that may help you find relief. You will learn basic principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and be able to practice new skills in a supportive space. The group combines education and skill-building to help you build your “tool-kit” of coping strategies and also has opportunities to build connection with others. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Lucia.Andrade@tufts.edu.
Finding Balance: DBT Skills for Coping, Feeling, and Relating
- 4 Thursdays, 11am – 12pm, biweekly; October 19, November 2, November 16 and November 30
- Facilitators: Jen Granquist and Lingyue Lu
Do you struggle with your emotional reactions to situations or in relationships? Join us for this 4-session group that can help you learn coping skills focused on topics such as stress, mindfulness, personal values, understanding and managing emotions, handling distress, and building strong relationships. Group meetings involve education, resource sharing, discussion, and experiential practice. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Jennifer.Granquist@tufts.edu or Lingyue.Lu@tufts.edu.
Discussion Groups and Workshops (please RSVP facilitator to join)
Mixed Feelings: Multicultural and Mixed Racial/Ethnic Identity Workshop
- Friday, October 27, 2 – 3:30pm
- Facilitators: Xi Bi and Lingyue Lu
This workshop invites multiracial/multiethnic/multicultural identified students to become curious about your “mixed feelings” as a possible result of the interactions among your identities, family compositions, and cultural clashes experienced internally and externally. You will have an opportunity to share experiences of how you are perceived in different spaces, feel connected with others despite different backgrounds, and affirm feelings of pride and compassion toward your whole self. To RSVP or for inquiries, contact Xi.Bi@tufts.edu.