Group therapy is a space to connect and build community while learning new coping skills in a safe, supportive, accepting space. Through group engagement, students develop increased self-insight and skills to help navigate life. Benefits of group include:
- Connectedness
Having a safe place to talk to others about your concerns. A place that supports acceptance. - Universality
Feeling you’re not alone and realizing that others share the same problems, challenges, fears. - Feedback
Group is a safe place to learn how you’re perceived by others and a chance to practice being assertive communication by giving others feedback. Group can help you find your voice! - Insight
A place to learn new perspectives and experiment with new skills and ideas
All groups are facilitated by SHAW Counseling providers. Participation in any group is entirely voluntary.
General Groups
General therapy groups are a powerful form of therapy to help facilitate growth and change. Students gather to work through life challenges common to most individuals.
Fridays 10:30 am – 12 pm starting 9/18
SHAW, 8th Floor
Groups consist of 5-9 students who meet weekly to share their concerns, receive feedback/ support, and provide feedback to other group members in a safe and confidential environment. Common issues discussed in group include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and family stressors.
To join, contact Lynn Mucha, LCSW or
Thursdays 1 pm – 2:30 pm starting 9/16
SHAW, 8th Floor
Are you from a family with substance abuse, poverty, mental illness or physical/sexual abuse? You are not alone! This is a weekly therapy group for students with difficult family issues. Come join a healing environment where you will get support from peers with similar backgrounds, learn coping skills, learn ways to counter feelings of shame and isolation.
To join, contact Carrie Fleider or
Topic Groups
Topic-based groups bring together students who are going through or have gone through similar experiences or life circumstances. Sharing common experiences helps members focus on specific life areas or concerns and provide peer support, connection, and understanding.
Fridays 1 pm – 2:30 pm starting 9/18
SHAW, 8th Floor
This therapy group is for students who have experienced any form of sexual violence, which includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, non-consensual sexual contact, childhood abuse, and stalking.
Group members can expect to: receive and offer support, identify common reactions to trauma, process feelings, develop skills for coping with symptoms of PTSD, and address common concerns related to experiences of sexual violence. Group members will be encouraged to claim time to process their thoughts and experiences as they move through the healing process.
To join, contact Carrie Fleider, LCSW or
Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, times TBD
SHAW, 8th floor
PULSE – Physiological Understanding & Lifestyle Enhancement – is a group that uses technology to teach mind and body techniques that improve mental and emotional well-being.
- Four structured weekly sessions
- Groups of 2-4 participants
- Gain understanding of anxiety and your body’s stress response
- Use technology to develop breathing and mindfulness skills that balance your nervous system
To join, contact shaw-biofeedback@uwm.edu or
Tuesdays 1 pm – 2:30 pm starting 9/15
SHAW, 8th Floor
The group supports positive mental health and social connectedness among students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, including allies. Topics discussed include: sexual orientation, gender identity, community, belonging, relationships, family dynamics, “coming out,” “being out,” and navigating multiple identities. The group will also explore the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and other systems of oppression, rejection, and discrimination.
Co-sponsored by the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center.
To join, contact Nathan Shepard, LCSW or
Tuesdays 12 pm – 1 pm
10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10
SHAW, 8th Floor
In the Intro to Mindfulness course, you’ll discover simple, effective tools for managing stress while also building a supportive community. Over four weeks, you’ll develop skills to bring more calm and focus into your day-to-day life. To make the most of this experience, check your schedule and ensure you can attend each session—it’s all about learning and connecting together. Save your spot, and get ready to build skills and connections that can truly impact your life.
To join, contact Tom Garcia or
Wednesdays, 1 pm – 2:30 pm
9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21
SHAW, 8th Floor
This class is for you if you: feel pushed around by your emotions, have a difficult time coping with unwanted thoughts and feelings, work hard to avoid or ignore your problems, act in ways that aren’t in line with who you are or want to be.
To join, contact Jex Ebben, LCSW, or
Tuesdays 3 pm – 4:30 pm starting 9/29
SHAW, 8th Floor
Learn strategies to improve cognitive process, procrastination, and motivation. This group will help students learn how to regulate, control, and manage thoughts, actions, and emotions. Students must attend one workshop to participate in group.
Workshop dates:
- Sept. 15, 3 pm – 4:30 pm
- Sept. 22, 3 pm – 4:30 pm
To join, contact Amanda Mentjes
Drop-in Groups
Drop-in groups provide a flexible way to connect and participate. Students may join at any point during the semester and attend one session or return weekly. Whether you stay for a few minutes or the entire group, you can participate in a way that fits your schedule and needs.
Thursdays 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Meets weekly 9/10 – 12/17. No meeting 11/26.
Sandburg Flicks
Free snacks and resources provided!
The Anti-Crash Out Club is a drop-in space to learn individualized coping strategies to deal with any life stressor. Each week features a different wellness and mental health theme, covering a wide range of topics including: group therapy, basic needs, sustainability, healthy relationships, and more.
Each session incorporates:
- A structured activity, discussion or event
- Low-stakes, self-directed self-care time
- Opportunities to connect, build community, and learn practical wellness skills
- Helpful resources and information
No registration is required. Come when you can and stay as long as you’d like.
Wednesdays 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Meets weekly 9/16 – 12/9. No meeting 11/25.
Sandburg C168
You aRe not Alone is a mental health support space for Resident Assistants facilitated by SHAW counselors who previously worked in Residence Life. Potential topics include perfectionism, staff dynamics, burnout, compassion fatigue, balance and boundaries.
To join, contact Tom Garcia, LPC or