Joining a Group

Groups can be especially beneficial for students who learn from others or feel isolated, depressed, or anxious, or who are concerned about how they relate to other people.

During your initial appointment, your therapist will help you explore the options for group work. Even though some students are nervous at first about joining a group, many soon discover that it is the best approach for their particular concerns. Group counseling is often an effective way to experience growth and change in one’s life. In groups one can share common problems, safely interact with others, learn about oneself, and help others learn about themselves.

Some groups focus on specific concerns such as stress management, relationships, and depression. Other groups are designed to provide support for students with shared identities. Groups meet once weekly for approximately 1 to 1½ hours. A variety of group formats including psychotherapy, psychoeducational, support, and outreach groups are offered.

For some of our groups, prospective group members are required to attend a pre-group meeting. A pre-group meeting is a brief individual meeting with group leader(s) before the group begins. The pre-group meeting provides you with specific information about the group, and helps you and the group leaders determine if group therapy is the best way to work on your concerns.

Additional Group Information

Learn more about group therapy in university counseling centers:

American Group Psychology Association

For additional information about group therapy in general, as well as the ability to locate group therapists in the U.S., you can visit www.AGPA.org

Fall 2019 Groups

Groups marked with an ** require a pre-group meeting with the group leaders. For more information about Counseling Center groups, please contact: specific group leaders at (949) 824-6457

Mondays

  • Choices and Voices

    CONTACT: UCI CARE AT CARE@UCI.EDU, OR CALL MANDY MOUNT, PH.D AT 949-824-7273

    Mondays, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

    This group, for students who have experienced unwanted sexual contact, is a safe and secure environment to build support and discuss ongoing concerns.

Tuesdays

  • Decoding the Family Narrative**

    SAIMIR THANO, PH.D and JULIE WHIPPLE, M.A.

    Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 PM (pre-group screening required)

    This group aims to increase awareness of how family dynamics impact our lives. Members explore diverse topics including family and cultural expectations, spirituality, academics, career goals, and romantic relationships. Giving and receiving of interpersonal feedback is an important part of this group.

  • Cultural Connections

    Staff

    Tuesday 4:00-5:00 PM (Oct. 15th and Nov. 19th)

    Drop-in discussions for international students in a comfortable environment. Oct. 15th the topic is Adjust to My New Life at UCI and Nov. 19th the topic is Dealing with Homesickness.

Wednesdays

  • Authentic Connections**

    MALLORY BEHAR, Psy. D. and GREG ARBO, M.A.

    Wednesdays, 10:20-11:50 AM (pre-group screening required)

    This group is for students interested in better understanding themselves and their relationships with others. The group offers a safe environment where members can express their thoughts and feelings and provide support and feedback to one another.

  • Wabruda

    MILO DODSON, PH.D.

    Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 PM @CBCRR

    Wabruda (Swahili for Brotherhood) is a group for empowering and supporting African American/Black men.

  • Wellness Workshop Series

    STAFF

    Wednesdays, 1:00 - 1:50 PM Every Week

    Here is a list of the Fall Quarter Wellness Workshops! 

    Week 1: Oct. 2nd      Building Self Esteem
    Week 2: Oct. 9th       Perfectionism
    Week 3: Oct. 16th     Beating Testing Anxiety
    Week 4: Oct. 23rd     Overcoming Procrastination Week 5 Healthy Relationships
    Week 5: Oct. 30th     Healthy Relationships
    Week 6: Nov. 6th       Sleep Hygiene
    Week 7: Nov. 13th     Progressive Muscle Relaxation Week 8 How to Keep Your Cool!
    Week 9: Nov. 20th     Party Smart
    Week 10: Nov. 27th   Beating Test Anxiety
    Week 11:  Dec. 4th    Compassion for the Inner Critic

Thursdays

  • Authentic Connections **

    Ylena Parks Psy. D. and Assia Ghoul, M.A.

    Thursday, 12:30-2:00 PM (pre-group screening required)

    This group is for students interested in better understanding themselves and their relationships with others. The group offers a safe environment where members can express their thoughts and feelings and provide support and feedback to one another.

  • Academic Boot Camp

    CONTACT: Jonathan Flojo, Ph.D.

    Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Weeks 5-7, 8-10; Held in 3000 ALP

    This drop-in group will focus on increasing motivation to start and work towards completing academic tasks, reducing avoidance or difficult projects/assignments, and developing better time management and prioritization skills.

    Topics:

    Week 5 & 8: Improving Motivation

    Weeks 6: Approach, not Avoid

    Weeks 7 & 10: Improving Time Management

    **This group is held in ALP 3000 *Anteater Pavillion Building #605 ** NO Workshop on Nov. 28th due to Thanksgiving Holiday

Fridays

  • Overcoming Social Anxiety **

    CONTACT: Debbie Liu, Ph.D. and Mar Chung, M.A.

    Friday, 10:30-12:00 PM

    This skills-focused group is designed to help students overcome anxiety in a variety of social situations including public speaking, meeting new people, and initiating and maintaining conversations.