Support Groups

Fridays
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
1/31 - end date TBD

Facilitator: Debra Domenech, Ph.D.

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. This is further complicated during a pandemic and times of transition. If you would like a space where you can share with peers who are also going through this, you are invited to attend. This will be a weekly space for graduate and undergraduate students to meet and support each other.

To join, email Dr. Debra Domenech at [email protected].

Wednesdays
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
1/29 - 4/30

Facilitator: David Hittson, Ph.D.

Getting Things Done is a group that focuses on helping students to improve their productivity and their relationship to work/working. The group employs a mixed approach of psychoeducation, skill building, accountability and process therapy to tackle problems of procrastination and work avoidance. Members are expected to attend weekly and to engage with a process of trying new strategies and processing their experiences with other group members. Group participation will require a brief screening appointment and interested students are asked to reach out to the facilitator to be screened if they are interested.

To join, email Dr. David Hittson at [email protected].

Mondays
2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
3/10 - 5/5

Facilitators: Sherina Persaud, Ph.D. and Qurat-ul-ain Gulamhussein, Ph.D.

This is a group for students who are ready to process their experience of sexual abuse. The group leaders will meet with interested students to discuss fit for the group and answer any questions prior to joining. Ideally a student in this group will have some previous experience in therapy and/or currently be in individual therapy.

The group will provide a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse to heal and support one another. This is a group for individuals who identify as female or non-binary. In this group, we will discuss the ways in which trauma has impacted the body and mind, and learn coping skills for feeling safe and connected. Group members will share their experiences and bear witness to one another. We will process how to incorporate past experiences of trauma with hope, empowerment, and making meaning for the present and future. The group incorporates elements of art therapy, movement, and processing through discussion.

To join, email Dr. Sherina Persaud at [email protected] or Dr. Qurat-ul-ain Gulamhussein at [email protected].

Wednesdays
3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
2/19 - 4/30

Facilitator: Marina Mazur, Ph.D.

Tolerating Distress and Managing Emotions is an experiential psychotherapy group that is designed to help individuals manage and endure emotional distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. Group participants will learn and practice skills to tolerate and cope with difficult emotions. Key components of the group will include mindfulness techniques, practical tools to handle acute distress, and reality acceptance skills.

To join, email Dr. Marina Mazur at [email protected].

In-person
Mondays
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5

Facilitator: Yaniv Phillips, Ph.D. and Marina Mazur, Ph.D.

Have a strong foundation for your committed relationship, but want to make it even better? This might be the workshop for you. This hands-on, sequential 4-session workshop will provide practical tools for couples who wish to strengthen their relationship.

Topics include:

1. Understanding Relational Expectations and Beliefs
2. Nurturing the Positives in the Relationship
3. Improving Problem-Solving Ability
4. Communication Skills.

The workshop is open to all Columbia students and their partners.

To join, email Dr. Yaniv Phillips at [email protected] and Dr. Marina Mazur at [email protected].

Fridays (except 3/7 and 3/21)
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
2/21 - 4/25

Location: In-person

Facilitator: Manali Roy, Ph.D.

After we experience a traumatic event or a series of significant adverse life events, our views of ourselves, others, and the world around us tend to shift and can be excessively and unfavorably influenced by the difficult life experience(s). In this 8 week, in- person workshop, we will focus on identifying, exploring, and getting unstuck from these unhelpful beliefs that originated in the traumatic past experiences, that affect the way we think, interpret, feel, and act in our day to day life. We will explore themes of safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy. We will discuss and practice coping strategies and exercises that are based in gently challenging unhelpful thoughts, exploring alternative explanations, noticing related feelings, cultivating self-compassion, and
mindfulness practices.

To join, email Dr. Manali Roy at [email protected].

In-person
Mondays
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14

Facilitator: Yaniv Phillips, Ph.D. 

This 4-session in-person workshop may be what you need to turn the dial down on procrastination and finish the semester strong. This workshop will help you figure out how to let go of self-regulation problems and learn to take the necessary steps toward achieving your goals. We will look at underlying causes of procrastination, and introduce techniques such as use of goal setting, time management techniques, and how to use accountability to achieve what matters to you most. The workshop focus will be on the concerns of the Columbia University student, but all community members are welcome to participate. Come have fun and work on getting things done.

To join, email Dr. Yaniv Phillips at [email protected].

Fridays
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
2/7 - end date TBD

Location: Virtual

Facilitator: Andrew Colitz, Ph.D.

Cancer not only affects the person diagnosed but ripples through families, reshaping roles and family dynamics. This psychoeducational workshop is designed to help students impacted by cancer in their family navigate the emotional, psychological, and challenges they face during this difficult time. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of cancer on families and practical coping tools to better support both their family members with cancer and themselves during this challenging time. This workshop is open to students who have a family member currently undergoing cancer treatment as well as those who have supported a family member through a cancer journey. Participants will also have opportunities to share their experiences and ask questions in a supportive, non-judgmental space. 

If you are interested in joining the workshop, please email Dr. Andrew Colitz at [email protected] with “Supporting Loved Ones Through Cancer” in the subject for the zoom link.