Support Groups

Fridays
(no meeting on 7/14)
2:00 PM - 3:10 PM
6/30/2023 - 8/11/2023

Facilitators: Maggi Walker, Ph.D. and Laura Gonzalez, Ph.D.

Have you recently broken up with your partner? Or, has it been a while and you are having trouble moving on? Or, do you want to break up with your partner and are having trouble taking that step? In this support space, we will introduce you to coping mechanisms that will help you to deal with the complex feelings that arise around losing a romantic partner.

This support space is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

To participate in this workshop, email [email protected] with "Breaking Up" in the subject line.

Thursdays
(no meeting on 7/27)
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
7/6/2023 - 8/10/2023

Facilitators: Jennifer Liu, M.D. and Weiyen Chung, Psy.D.

This is a 5-week workshop for all Columbia students who are wondering whether or not they have an addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, etc. This workshop/group will focus on:

• identifying how this substance is impacting your quality of life,
• emotional and physical factors that contribute to cravings,
• how to overcome these vulnerable states and urges, and
• techniques to utilize to start implementing changes

The goal of the workshop is to start the process of recovery with ongoing connection to resources to continue this task. This group is not intended for students who heavily use cocaine, opioids, stimulants or other substances that are not prescribed.

Group leaders may ask participants appearing intoxicated during the session to leave and rejoin at a later date.

To participate in the workshop, email [email protected] and [email protected] with "Changing Behaviors" in the subject line.

Wednesdays, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
6/14/2023 - 7/12/2023

Facilitator: Maria Narimanidze, Psy.D.

A 5-week workshop to help participants understand and improve their relationships with others--friends, romantic partners, family, and others. The workshop will address areas like:

• Understanding boundaries
• Managing expectations
• Disagreeing/addressing conflict effectively
• Asking for what you want
• Active listening and validation
• Knowing when and how to end a relationship that is not working

To join, please email [email protected] with "Deepening Connections" in the subject line if you would like to participate in the workshop.

Tuesdays (6/20, 6/27, 8/4, 8/11)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
6/20/2023 - 8/11/2023

Facilitator: Andrew Colitz, Ph.D.

This is a 4-session virtual workshop that will help teach skills that can help regulate your emotions when feeling stressed. The focus of these skills is to learn how to cope with emotional distress and to help increase positive emotional experiences in your every day life. Strategies include learning:

1. How to identify and label your emotions
2. The purpose your emotions serve or the needs they fulfill
3. How to let go of painful emotions by being mindful of them and working towards accepting rather than avoiding them
4. How to increase positive emotions

If you would like to participate in the workshop, please email [email protected] with "Stress Regulation" in the subject line.

Wednesdays, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
6/14/2023 - 7/19/2023

Facilitator: Julianna Westinghouse, L.C.S.W.

This group will include orientation around breathwork for stress and anxiety, as well as a chance to practice these skills in a led mindfulness meditation. You are free to join for the full 6-week series or drop-in when it's needed!

If you would like to participate in the workshop, please email [email protected] with "Mindfulness Meditation" in the subject line if you would like to participate in the workshop.

Thursdays (6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6/22/2023 - 7/13/2023

Facilitator: Victoria Grosso, Ph.D.

Participants will learn and practice simple movement and breathing exercises from Mindfulness Meditation, Chi Kung, and Yoga. The aim is to facilitate relaxation, grounding, and concentration.

Topics discussed will focus on self-care and developing body awareness. Participants will gain an understanding of how awareness and increased self-regulation will lead to improved attention and cognitive function.

Open to all students.

To participate in the workshop, email [email protected] with "Listening to Our Bodies" in the subject line.

Tuesday (6/13, 7/11, 8/8)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
6/13/2023 - 8/8/2023

Facilitator: Weiyen Chung, Psy.D.

This is a monthly open space for graduate students from all schools within Columbia to discuss common themes that arise from being a graduate student. These themes may include but are not limited to navigating new roles/responsibilities, professionalism, pressure to publish and complete research, career development concerns, etc. Sessions will incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and ways of coping with these challenges

To participate in the workshop, email [email protected] with "Support Space for Graduate Students" in the subject line.