As of March 18, all mental health services are being provided via telebehavioral health service modalities (secure video conference or telephone sessions). No students or clients will be seen in-person at the UCI Counseling Center on-campus location. At this time we are only able to provide services to students who are in the state of California due to state laws and regulations.
If you wish to initiate services, please call us for appointment information and availability. Please call us at 949-824-6457 to speak to one of our front office staff members who will assist in setting you up for telebehavioral health services.
Research shows that group therapy is one of the most effective and efficient tools for addressing concerns common to people seeking counseling services. A significant benefit of group therapy includes not feeling as alone since others in the group will likely have experienced similar concerns. Most participants, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.
What can I expect from being in drop-in/support groups?
Support groups are spaces where people with similar concerns can encourage, understand, validate, and comfort one another. Support groups do not emphasize dynamics occurring between members, nor do they emphasize change. Our drop-in/support groups do not require contact or screenings with the Counseling Center. These are open-ended and are availble to students to join at their leisure.
What can I expect from being in therapy groups?
Therapy groups go beyond providing a space for sharing feedback and support. They encourage participants to deepen multiple perspectives, practice skills, experiment new behaviors, and learn how to have more satisfying relationships. Interpersonal dynamics occurring between members may be emphasized, often leading to enhanced personal growth.
In order to participate in group therapy services you will need to complete an Initial Assessment appointment with the Counseling Center. You can inform the Iniatial Assessment clinician that you are interseted in therapy groups. Your Initial Assessment therapist may also suggest or refer you to group based on your presenting concerns and treatment needs and/or goals. After you have completed an initial assessment and have been referred to a group you will complete a Group Screening with the leader(s) of the group. This is a brief appointment to help the leader(s) learn more about you and to inform you about what you can expect from group therapy.
Due to the Counseling Center operating remotely, group therapy services will be offered via telebehavioral videoconferencing for the Winter 2021 quarter. At this time only currently enrolled UCI students who are currently located in the state of California will be able to participate in group therapy services.
For a list of our current group (drop-in/support and therapy group) listings please see information listed below.
Group Therapy and Common Myths
“I will be forced to tell my secrets to the group or do something I don’t want to.”
- You control what, how often, and when you share with the group
“Group therapy is less effective than individual therapy.”
- Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy. You can learn from other’s experiences and support each other.
“It is too difficult to get groups organized in a quarter system.”
- Time limited groups have increased efficiency of group work, and often more appropriate for college students who are in the quarter system. Groups are often the most effective method to treat concerns that university students are facing.
“My problems are not as bad as others, or they are worse than others.”
- Students benefit from knowing that they are not alone in situations, regardless of what they are struggling with. While supporting others, you are also improving yourself. Additionally, you will be supported when you need it
“People outside of the group will hear what I discussed.”
- Members of the group are highly encouraged to maintain the privacy of other group members. Only the group leaders are bound to confidentiality.
Workshops are offered routinly through the UCI Counseling Center. Workshops can be a great place for students to learn about skills, information, and resources around a variety of topics. Workshops also allow students who may feel isolated, disconnected, or alone to connect with others in a non-clinical setting.
The great thing about our workshop services is that no prior contact or screenings with the Counseling Center is required to attend these drop-in workshops. Just go to the workshop of your choice and click on the listed zoom link to connect to the online workshop (Workshops are being conducted via a HIPAA compliant zoom). You can attend multiple workshops through out the quarter.
Due to the Counseling Center operating remotely, group therapy services will be offered via telebehavioral videoconferencing for the Winter 2021 quarter. Workshops are intended for currently enrolled UCI students who are currently located in the state of California. See the full listing of virtual Workshop Series below. We hope to see you soon!
Please note, workshops begin 5 minutes after the start time listed below and are closed 10 minutes past start time.
Spring 2021 Virtual Therapy Groups and Workshop Series Listings
Drop-In Groups and Workshops are intended for currently enrolled students who are currently located in the state of California. For more information about Counseling Center Drop-In groups and Workshops, please contact the Counseling Center at (949) 824-6457.
Mondays
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Surviving to Thriving in 2021 Workshop Series
Counseling Center Staff
Mondays, 1:00pm -2:00pm
Surviving to Thriving in 2021 Workshop Series
Join the “Surviving to Thriving in 2021” support group to connect with others, receive support and learn practical skills for managing the many feelings (anxiety, frustration, loneliness, sadness) and life challenges (isolation, procrastination, decreased focus, difficulty with sleep) that have impacted all of us. Each week we will focus on a particular challenge and explore healthy coping strategies to reduce the uncomfortable impact(s) the pandemic lifestyle has had on our lives and manage potential stress related to sociopolitical climate.
Click to Join on Mondays 1pm-2pm: https://uci-hipaa.zoom.us/s/97295561072
April 5: Spring Into Action! Get Motivated
April 12: Social Media and Mood
April 19: Procrastination
April 2h: Connection
May 3: Healthy Coping
May 10: Zoom Fatigue and Daily Routine
May 17: Focus, Concentration, and Procrastination
May 24: Sleep
May 31: NO Workshop-Memorial Day
June 7: Connection
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Authentic Connections (Mandarin Speaking Only) Therapy Group
Counseling Center Staff
Monday 3:00pm-4:30pm
Authentic Connections (Mandarin Speaking Only)
Monday 3:00pm-4:30pm pre-group screening required
This group is for students interested in better understanding themselves and their relationships with others. It offers an environment where members can express their thoughts and feelings and provide support and feedback to one another especially being in a different cultural context. This group will be provided in Mandarin and intended for Mandarin speaking students only.
Tuesdays
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Graduate Student Therapy Group
Counseling Center Staff
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm
Graduate Student Therapy Group (intended for graduate and professional students only)
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm, pre-group screening required.
This is a process-oriented therapy group for graduate and professional students who would like to receive/provide support, learn about self and others, share their experiences, and discuss possible ways to cope with struggles in a safe space. The focus of the group will be determined by the members; possible topics may include academic distress, personal growth, relationship concerns, and work-life balance.
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Overcoming Social Anxiety Therapy Group
Counseling Center Staff
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm
Overcoming Social Anxiety Therapy Group
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm, pre-group screening required.
This skills-focused group is designed to help students overcome anxiety in a variety of social situations including public speaking, meeting new people, initiating and maintaining conversations.
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EmPower in Words: Healing Wounds
Counseling Center Staff
Tuesday 3:00pm-4:30pm
EmPower in Words: Healing Wounds
Tuesday 3:00pm-4:30pm pre-group screening required
This process-oriented therapy group is for students who identify as female and have experienced trauma and would like to connect with others, receive/provide support, and establish hope in their journey. A component of this group will involve writing to foster healing and empowerment
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Graduate Student Workshop Series
Counseling Center Staff
Tuesdays, 4pm-5pm
Graduate Student Workshop Series (intended for graduate and professional students only)
This is a four-week workshop series for graduate and professional students and each week would have a topic such as: stress management, imposter syndrome, time management, and navigating academic relationships. This workshop series aims to help graduate and professional students understand their concerns related to each topic and develop skills to improve them.
Click to Join on Thursdays 4:00pm-5:00pm: https://uci-hipaa.zoom.us/s/92694712840
Stress Management: April 6, May 11
Imposter Syndrome: April 13, May 18
Time Management: April 20, May 25
Navigating Academic Relationships: April 27, June 1
Wednesdays
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Wellness Workshop Series
Counseling Center Staff
Wednesdays, 1:00pm- 2:00 pm Every Week
Wellness Workshop Series (Weekly)
Join us for this weekly workshop series where you can learn skills, information, and resources about a variety of topics that impact college students today.
Click to Join on Wednesdays 1pm-2pm: https://uci-hipaa.zoom.us/j/92719651532
March 31st: Compassion for the Inner Critic
April 7th: Be a Warrior not a Worrier
April 14th: Healing Through Writing
April 21st: Beating Test Anxiety
April 28th: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
May 5th: Mindful Living
May 12th: Relaxing Your Mind
May 19th: Body Neutrality
May 26th: Talking to a Loved one About Mental Health
June 2nd: Beating Test Anxiety
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Authentic Connections
Counseling Center Staff
Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm
Authentic Connections
Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm pre-group screen required
This group is for students interested in better understanding themselves and their relationships with others. It offers
an environment where members can express their thoughts and feelings and provide support and feedback to one another.
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One Foot Out Drop-in Group
Counseling Center Staff and LGBT Resource Center Staff
Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm
One Foot Out Drop-in Group
Wednesday 4pm-5pm (no pre-group screen required)
Counseling Center Staff & Partnership with LGBT RC.
A drop-in group for individuals needing support around topics such as: coming out, chosen family, PRIDE, and QTIPOC related concerns, relationships, and Queer History. This is a partnered event with the LGBT RC-please go to their website for more information.
Thursdays
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Journey to Befriending Your Body
Counseling Center Staff
Thursdays 3:00pm-4:30pm
Journey to Befriending Your Body
Thursday 3:00-4:30pm (Pre-group screening required)
This is a process-oriented therapy group for students of ALL genders and sizes who would like to work on their concerns, discomfort, and discontent about their own bodies, shapes, weight, and appearance. This group will help members to begin or progress their journeys to healthy relationships with their bodies through exploring relevant feelings and thoughts, receiving/providing support, and discussing ways to cope in a safe space. Possible topics may include self-esteem, interpersonal insecurity, perfectionism, and cultural and familiar influences.
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Academic Boot Camp Workshop Series
Counseling Center Staff
Thursdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Academic Boot Camp Workshop Series
This workshop series 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.
Click to Join on Thursdays 1pm-2pm: https://uci-hipaa.zoom.us/s/93659588226
April 15: Maintaining Motivation
April 22: Reducing Avoidance
April 29: Improving Time Management
May 13: Maintaining Motivation
May 20: Reducing Avoidance
May 27: Improving Time Management
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Mindful Self-Care
Counseling Center Staff
Thursdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
Mindful Self-Care Workshop Series
This workshop series includes three different and unique ways that you can engage in Mindful Self-Care including deep breathing, stitching, and body movement.
Mindful Breathing: “Through guided meditation, we will center together, let go of stress, learn to observe our thoughts and breath, and search for greater compassion and acceptance of ourselves. Each workshop will include brief instruction and guided meditation practice. No previous meditation experience needed. Those new to meditation are welcomed!
Mindful Stitiching: Learn to practice mindfulness while engaged in simple embroidery projects. No previous experience with sewing or stitching is needed, but you will need a few supplies, including a needle, fabric to stitch on (repurpose something like a dish towel or old clothing), an embroidery hoop, scissors, and embroidery floss (thread). Each session will focus on learning different stitches while we engage in mindful practice and explore the relationship between mental health and crafts.
Mindful Body Movement: Come and engage in dance movement that seeks to inspire your inner gratitude and self-love. It is an inclusive space to express what you need and feel through your body and embrace your authenticity. No dance experience needed. Can expect integration of ZUMBA®
Click to Join on Tuesdays 4pm-5pm: https://uci-hipaa.zoom.us/j/96599386790
Mindful Breathing: April 1, April 22, May 13, June 3
Mindful Stitching: April 8, April 29, May 20
Mindful Body Movement (incorporates Zumba ® Movement): April 15, May 6, May 27
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Cultural Connections Workshop Series
International Center and Counseling Center Staff
Thursday April 15th and April 29th 5:00pm-6:00pm(see times below)
Cultural Connections
A drop-in discussion group that provides a safe and private space for students to share their cross-cultural experiences, to discuss their concerns and to support each other throughout the adjustment.
Cultural Connections Series: Burnout/Exhaustion: How to Finish the Year Strong
Week 3, Thursday, April 15th 5:00pm-6:00pm: Sign-up link: https://www.tinyurl.com/ConnectionsS21
Cultural Connections Series: Stress and Anxiety Workshop
Fridays
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Finding Peace in Family Chaos Therapy Group
Counseling Center Staff
Fridays 10:00am-11:30am
Finding Peace in Family Chaos Therapy Group
Fridays 10:00am-11:30am, pre-group screening required.
This support group aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for participants to increase awareness of how their family dynamics impact their relational patterns and overall functioning during COVID and beyond. Through the interactive nature of the group members may engage in discussion and exploration of diverse topics including family and cultural expectations, spirituality, academics, career goals, and romantic relationships. Giving and receiving of interpersonal feedback is also an important component of this group.
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International Coffee Hour Drop-in Group
UCI International Center and Counseling Center Staff
Fridays 11:00am-12:00pm weeks 1-10
International Coffee Hour Drop-in Group
International Coffee Hour is an opportunity for international and domestic students to engage in conversation, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect wit hteh UCI community in a casual and comfortable environment.
Click to join every Friday from 11:00am-12:00pm: https://www.tinyurl.com/ICHSP21
Group and Workshop Services