Counseling Groups and Workshops

We offer two main types of groups. Counseling Groups involve a commitment to attend all sessions and require an individual pre-group conversation with the facilitator. In counseling groups, relationships and conversations deepen as members share and process concerns. 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. 

CMHS groups and workshops are open to undergraduate and graduate students on the Medford-Somerville and SMFA campuses. There is no limit to the number of groups you can attend while enrolled at Tufts. All groups and workshops are confidential. Our workshops are free for all undergraduate and graduate students; our groups are free for all full-time students as well as for part-time students who have paid the Health and Wellness fee. Unless otherwise noted below, Fall 2024 Groups and Workshops will be held in person at CMHS at 120 Curtis Street on the Medford campus. 

Fall 2024 Counseling Groups and Workshops

Counseling Groups

"Fresh" Start: Adjusting To Life In College 

• Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30pm starting September 25
• Facilitators: Sage Garcia and Jennifer Granquist

Are you a Freshman at Tufts? Looking for an opportunity to meet other students who are also looking for support with adjusting to their first year in college? This group will offer support and new skills to help you manage the changes that come along with your "fresh" start to young adult life. Topics in this group will include relationships, coping with perfectionism/imposter syndrome, self-care, goal setting, and more. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Sage.Garcia@tufts.edu or Jennifer.Granquist@tufts.edu.

Coping with Loss 

• Fridays from 3-4:15pm starting October 11 
• Facilitators: Stefan Jadaszewski and Vicky Dong

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 Xiaoxiao.Dong@tufts.edu.

Understanding Relationships 

• Fridays from 1-2pm starting September 27
• Facilitators: Xi Bi and Ellen Yang

Are you looking to improve your relationships and better understand yourself? Join this group space to cultivate relational well-being. Through thematic discussion and sharing and receiving feedback, members explore their feelings, connect with others, and practice new behaviors that can ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Xi.Bi@tufts.edu or Ellen.Yang@tufts.edu.

TRANScend

• Every other Tuesday from 5-6pm starting September 24
• 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. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Xavier.Quinn@tufts.edu. 

First Gen Group  

• Thursdays from 3-4pm starting October 3 
• Facilitator: Cristy Urton

First Gen Group is a supportive therapy group specifically for first-generation college students. Our weekly meetup is a safe and inclusive space where students can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Through guided discussions, peer support, and professional guidance, we hope to empower first-gen students in navigating college life. Join us to connect with others who understand your journey. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Cristina.Urton@tufts.edu.

Living With Family Mental Illness and Addiction 

• Tuesdays from 3-4pm starting October 1
• Facilitator: Deborah Siegel

This group is designed for students who have a family member or loved one living with mental illness and/or addiction. Through shared experience with others, students make connections and become more confident telling their own story. We will also cover information about resources, common challenges, and strategies for setting healthy boundaries. For inquiries and to schedule a required pre-group meeting, contact Deborah.Siegel@tufts.edu.

Discussion Groups and Workshops

Therapy 101: What is therapy and how do I get connected? 

• Choose ONE:
  In person: Tues 10/29 at 4pm
  In person: Wed 12/4 at 2pm 
• Facilitator: Courtney Nugent

Have you thought about meeting with a therapist but have questions about what therapy entails? You're not alone. Join me for a workshop to help demystify the process of starting therapy. The first half of the workshop will include a discussion of what therapy is, what it isn't, and what it can be. Past conversation topics have included how to navigate discussions with family members about starting therapy, different types of therapeutic offerings, and how to learn more about your insurance benefits and coverage. The second half will be a tutorial on how to connect to therapy, both on and off campus depending on your needs and interests. To RSVP or for inquiries, contact Courtney.Nugent@tufts.edu.

From A to Zoloft: Mental Health Meds Q&A Workshop 

• Monday, September 30 at 3:30pm 
• Facilitator: Lily Motta 

This workshop for the meds-curious, led by prescribing staff, is an opportunity to learn about how to connect with Psychiatry services at CMHS or in the community as well as a brief overview of commonly used medications. Questions that will be answered include What are the side effects?, Will I have to take meds forever once I start?, and Can I drink alcohol or use cannabis with meds? 
This group will be educational, and the group leader is not responsible for prescribing medications or providing individual consultation. Participation in the discussion is voluntary, and students are not required to share any personal or medical information. To RSVP or for inquiries, contact Lily.Motta@tufts.edu.