Groups
Therapy groups are welcoming & confidential spaces to share experiences, learn from others, and support your mental health.
Why join a group?
Participating in a group can be just as effective as individual therapy. Sometimes it can be the best option for certain mental health challenges. Groups are confidential spaces that can help you:
- Feel less alone by connecting with others who share a similar experience
- Improve relationships and communication skills
- Learn effective strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and more
Types of groups at SHS
Groups are led by mental health providers and vary each semester depending on student interest and demand. Generally, groups fall into these categories:
- Identity-based groups that connect you with others who share an identity or experience.
- Process-based groups that help you explore emotions and feel understood and less alone.
- Skills-based groups that teach you coping skills for specific mental health challenges.
How to join a group
Sign-up online using Patient Connect:
- Log into Patient Connect
- Send a message to Groups & Workshops
- Select Groups
- In your message, include the name(s) of the group you are interested in joining
You can also call (617) 353-3569 during business hours and ask to speak with the Group Coordinator. If you’re seeing a healthcare provider at SHS, ask them about joining a group. Not sure which group is right for you? Make an appointment to discuss the options with the Group Coordinator.
Spring 2026 Groups
Groups begin the week of February 2, 2026, and run weekly through May 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted.
Building a Stronger You
This group is for students who want to develop more effective ways of coping with strong feelings. The group follows a class-like format by teaching skills and inviting students to discuss ways to apply them. Students are encouraged to practice these skills and apply them between group sessions.
Participants will learn and practice:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills related to mindfulness
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills related to distress tolerance and emotion regulation
📅 Date: Thursdays (in-person)
🕗 Time: 1:30 – 2:30PM
📍 Location: SHS, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, SHS Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
Crafts & Connection
This workshop invites students to use creativity as a form of expression. With various prompts for guidance, students are encouraged to participate in the process of crafting to help de-stress and connect with themselves and others. No previous crafting/art experience is needed. Materials provided. No registration required.
📅 Date: Thursdays
🕗 Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM
📍 Location: Howard Thurman Center, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, MLK Room 211.
First Generation Support Group
Located in the Newbury Center, this group offers a safe and supportive space for students who identify as first generation in their families to attend college/graduate school. The group emphasizes building community and sharing resources. Topics discussed may include:
- Navigating unfamiliar situations
- Balancing academics with social life
- Managing responsibilities and finances
- Processing feelings, such as excitement, guilt, shame, confusion and pride
📅 Date: Tuesdays
🕗 Time: 5:00 – 6:00PM
📍 Location: Newbury Center, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite B04.
Graduate Students Support Group
Graduate students often struggle to have a space where they can authentically share their feelings and concerns about life as a graduate student. This support group is designed to provide a safe place where you can receive support and feedback from your peers. Topics discussed may include:
- Adjusting to and leaving graduate school
- Academic and career concerns
- Coping with stress
- Relationships
- Identity development
📅 Date: Fridays, ongoing
🕗 Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM
📍 Location: SHS at 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
Grief Group
This group is for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Members are invited to share their experiences of grief in this safe space. In doing so, students will have the opportunity to obtain support from other students who have experienced similar losses, process their feelings in community, and create a sense of hope for the future.
📅 Date: Mondays, every other week (Feb 9, Feb 23, no group Mar 9, Mar 23, Apr 6, and Apr 20, 2026).
🕗 Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM
📍 Location: Zoom. Directions to access the group will be sent via Patient Connect the night before.
LGBTQ+ Support Group
This support group provides a safe space to explore and discuss the joys and challenges of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning. This affirming group is an opportunity to connect with each other and offer emotional support. Themes explored might include:
- Relationships with family, friends, and partners
- Coming out/ being out
- Embracing identity
📅 Date: Mondays, meets every other week (Feb 2, no group Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 16, Mar 30, Apr 13, and Apr 27, 2026).
🕗 Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM
📍 Location: Zoom. Directions to access the group will be sent via Patient Connect the night before.
Managing Anxiety
Do anxious thoughts interfere with your daily life? Do you struggle with worry or avoid social situations because of fear of judgment? This group helps students learn techniques to manage anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies. In this group, students can:
- Learn and practice coping skills
- Share experiences in a supportive space
- Discuss ways to apply these skills in daily life
📅 Date: Tuesdays (virtual)
🕗 Time: 5:00 – 6:00PM
📍 Location: Zoom. Directions to access the group will be sent via Patient Connect the night before.
OR
📅 Date: Fridays
🕗 Time: 1:30 – 2:30PM
📍 Location: SHS at 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
Mindfulness Meditation
This group, based on the Koru program, is designed for emerging adults to explore mindfulness meditation. Students are encouraged to share experiences and offer support to each other as they learn to integrate and practice mindfulness skills in their lives. Practicing mindfulness helps to:
- Reduce stress
- Increase mental and physical wellness
- Improve your ability to make decisions guided by your inner wisdom
📅 Date: Mondays
🕗 Time: 5:00 – 6:00PM
📍Location: SHS, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
Nourish & Flourish
This group is a safe, supportive space for students to share their experiences, seek support from peers, and work to overcome the challenges that come along with eating disorder recovery and body image issues. Through education, mindfulness, conversation and connection, students will learn to honor their body and improve their relationships with food and exercise.
📅 Date: Tuesdays, meets every other week (Feb 3, Feb 17, Mar 3, Mar 17, Mar 31, Apr 14 and Apr 28, 2026).
🕗 Time: 3:30 – 4:30PM
📍 Location: Zoom. Directions to access the group will be sent via Patient Connect the night before.
OCD Group
This group is for students struggling with OCD, obsessions, and/or compulsions. The group focuses on understanding these challenges, building skills, and creating a safe space for students to share strategies in navigating college and life with OCD-related challenges. Topics covered will include:
- This group is for students struggling with OCD, obsessions, and/or compulsions. The group focuses on understanding these challenges, building skills, and creating a safe space for students to share strategies in navigating college and life with OCD-related challenges. Topics covered will include:
- Managing intrusive thoughts
- Introduction to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Skills to address body-focused repetitive behaviors such as skin-picking and hair-pulling
📅 Date: Thursdays
🕗 Time: 4:30 – 5:30PM
📍Location: SHS, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
Sharpen Your Focus
Do you struggle with concentration issues? Maintaining focus with so many distractions can be challenging. This skills-based group is designed for students who want to learn strategies and address behaviors to improve attention, productivity, organization, time management and self-care. All students, regardless of having been diagnosed with an attentional disorder, are welcome to attend. Students are encouraged to practice and apply these skills between group sessions.
📅 Date: Mondays, every other week ((Feb 2, no group Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 16, Mar 30, Apr 13, and Apr 27, 2026).
🕗 Time: 4:00 – 5:00PM
📍 Location: SHS, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Group Rooms A & B.
* Many groups are created in response to students’ requests. If you want to request group topics that are not currently offered, please contact Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) via the Patient Connect Portal (Send a message to Groups & Workshops, Select Groups) or by calling 617-353-3569 and asking to speak with the Group Coordinator.
The following groups are examples of offerings that are paused due to lack of student attendance.
– Arab & Muslim Support Group
– Asian Students Support Group
– Black Students Support Group
– Chronic Conditions Support Group
– International Students Support Group
– TRANScendence Group
