Group & Skills Clinic
Group is one of the most effective tool for addressing the issues commonly faced by college students. For many students, the hands-on nature of group can be more effective than individual therapy.
CaPS skills clinic, support groups, and group therapy provide a safe place for students to come together in small groups, share the personal issues and concers they have in common, and learn new coping skills. Most students find that groups exceeded their expectations and helped them deepen self-understanding, cope with challenges, and practice social skills.
How to Join or Learn More:
There are several ways to begin your group experience. You can email a group facilitator, listed below, to schedule a short information session and see if the group is right for you. If you are already seeing a CaPS therapist, you may also ask them about joining the group. Finally, you can contact CaPS during business hours at 412-268-2922.
Skills Clinics
Executive Functioning
Virtual, 3-day Skills Clinic
Thursdays, 11am - 12pm
Starts September 28, October 5, and October 12
This skills clinic is ideal for students with concerns related to attention/concentration, time management/planning, procrastination and motivation. We will identify goals, strengths and areas for growth for each student. Those diagnosed with ADHD might benefit from the executive functioning training provided, but a diagnosis of ADHD is not required. In fact, many people who struggle with executive functioning impairment may not have ADHD. Contact Erin Unkefer, Ph.D. for more information.
Tools to Manage Anxiety
Virtual, 4-day Skills Clinic
Thursdays, 11:30am - 1:00pm
October 5, 12, 26, and November 2
At this 4-week skills clinic you will learn the purpose of anxiety and develop your own toolbox of skills to manageanxiety through practice. Contact Sara Troupe, Psy.D. for more information.
Fall 2023 Support Groups
Ph.D. Student Support Group
Virtual
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
The PhD Support Group offers space to confidentially discuss the stressors and challenges of navigating relationships with advisors and peers, academic milestones, academic hazing, low motivation, struggles with self-confidence, and efforts to lead a more balanced life. Group members typically share their experiences, offer and receive support and connect with others during group meetings. The group is able to accommodate no more than one student per program/lab. Feel free to email Kym Jordan Simmons, PhD to schedule a 30-minute pre-group meeting to discuss the group and answer questions.
Invisible Fight: Surviving and Thriving with Chronic Illness
Virtual
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm
Living with a chronic illness/medical condition can be an isolating experience. This support group is an opportunity for students who experience chronic conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and others) to gather in community for support and validation. It is a space to explore the challenges of navigating various aspects of our world (health care systems, academic environments, personal lives, etc.) while also caring for the self. Contact Erin Unkefer, Ph.D. or Kym Jordan Simmons, Ph.D. for more information.
Black Women's Support Group
Virtual
Mondays, 4:00-5:15pm
Undergraduate Students
Fridays, 3:30-5:00pm
Graduate Students
A supportive, virtual space for students who identify as Black women, facilitated by a Black, female therapist. This unstructured group provides an opportunity to discuss the complexities of navigating spaces within and outside of CMU as a Black woman. Group members identify the weekly discussion topics depending up what is most salient for them. Students discuss and explore feelings and experiences; give and receive advice related to stress and coping, misogynoir, oppression and privilege, intersectional identities, self-esteem, relationships, colorism, family, internalized racism and other topics of interest. Meetings tend to have approximately 6 or 7 group members in attendance. It is a weekly meeting (vs. a drop-in space), so consistent attendance is expected. Everyone’s agreement to maintaining the confidentiality of other members is essential! Contact Kym Jordan-Simmons, Ph.D. or Ife Sinclair, Ph.D. for more information.
Women's Embracing Your Body Support Group
In-person
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30pm
This support group is perfect for those who want to further their journey towards body acceptance. In this group, you will learn how to become aware of societal body ideals, how to challenge negative body talk, and how to change your relationship with your body. The group provides a safe and confidential space to receive multipleperspectives, feedback, and support from other women. Contact Sara Troupe, Psy.D. for more information.
Fall 2023 Processing Groups
Thursdays, 4:00-5:30pm
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm
A supportive space for students to deepen their awareness and acceptance of themselves while also having the opportunity to practice new, more satisfying ways of connecting with others. This group can help you: overcome fears and doubts in social situations, develop a better understanding of how others perceive you, identify your feelings and express yourself to others, increase assertiveness and deal with conflict effectively, and understand the connection between your interpersonal style and your emotional well-being. Contact Abigail Cruz, Ph.D. or Grace Wei, Ph.D. for more information.
Fall 2023 Affinity Groups
Neurospicy: Neurodivergent Support Group
In-person
Mondays, 4:00-5:00pm
Neurospicy is a neurodivergent therapeutic community and support space housed within CaPS. It provides a safer space for students across the neurodiverse umbrella to discuss their experiences traversing neuro-typical and allistic landscapes, the CMU experience, family relationships, and more. In this group, you will practice relating to others, forming connections within a non-judgemental and supportive environment. A pre-group consultation is required. Contact Jayme Jenkins, Ph.D. for more information.
Thriving as CMU BIPOC Students
Restorarive Lunch Series, Lunch provided
In-person
Thursdays,12:00-1:00pm
Being directly impacted by racism, discrimination and/or systematic oppression can feel like an added pressure that you are having to deal with on top of the stress of being a student. If you are feeling that way, know you are not alone. Join this restorative lunch series to understand how racial and ethnic discrimination impacts your mind, body, and feelings, and find ways to work through them in a supportive and healing space. A brief pre-group orientation is required. Contact Mengchun Chiang, Ph.D. or Dareen Basma, Ph.D. for more information.