Groups and Gathering Spaces

We offer in-person and virtual groups and gathering spaces.  These are spaces for skill-building and support. Group facilitators can connect students to therapy at Counseling Services or in the community, should that be appropriate. While the expectation is that participants maintain privacy, we cannot guarantee confidentiality. Groups offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and deepen self-awareness regarding a variety of issues such as relationships, transitions, loneliness, anxiety, trauma, and identity. Please see below for a current listing of our group offerings.

Thriving at the Margins

Underrepresented communities experience many forms of exclusion that make life challenging, including in higher education settings. Thriving at the Margins is a support space for CUIMC students who belong to such identity groups, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, AMENA, Latinx, LGBTQ+, low-income students, students belonging to minority faith groups, and students with disabilities. Topics such as discrimination, bias, prejudices, and structural/systemic racism will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to come together to share and gain insight into their experiences, learn from and with each other, and move towards radical healing. 

First Gen

This is a weekly gathering space offering a community for students who identify as the first member in their family to pursue higher education in the US. Conversation topics may include: family expectations, generational/cultural differences, fear of failure/disappointment, financial stressors, and impostor syndrome.  

Relationship with Food and Body

This group offers a safe space for students who are impacted by an eating disorder, disordered eating, or those who are seeking support in recovery. Students will explore their current patterns, discuss challenges, and consider opportunities for change. Participants will discuss the intersectionality of self-esteem, body image, and relationships as they relate to achieving recovery. Students will be provided with tools to assist in their recovery including identification of coping strategies.

Creating Fulfilling Relationships

This weekly group is open to students who are interested in learning more about their relationships in order to create healthy, meaningful connections. This group will be a safe space to process changes in relationships, explore challenges, and gain insight in order to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and resolve conflicts. Participants will gain support, develop self-awareness, and improve their interpersonal effectiveness. 

Connecting Through Loss

A bi-weekly support space hosted every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for CUIMC students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Topics for discussion may include: reluctance to burden others with feelings of grief and isolation, managing the demands of a graduate program while grieving, experiencing intense feelings of missing the loved one, and feeling isolated. Interested students must participate in a confidential screening.