Current Group Offerings

• Wednesdays, 3 - 4 p.m. (January 31 – May 8)
• Christina Cendejas, PhD and Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I

In-person at the Disability Resource Center (DRC)

This group is for University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate and graduate students who wish to gain support and discuss strategies to: 

• Improve concentration and focus 
• Combat procrastination
• Increase motivation
• Reduce academic distress
• Take study habits to the next level
• Improve organization and school-life balance 

Interested? Come to the Disability Resource Center (Pennington Student Achievement Center 230) at the time of group. For questions, please email Christina at ccendejas@unr.edu and Brooke at btousley@unr.edu.

• Mondays, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• Mariam Halstead, LCSW, Christina Cendejas, PhD and Ryan Polka, CPC

In-person
This 6-week group is open to University of Nevada, Reno students who want to learn skills for recognizing and reducing anxiety. Topics covered in group may include self-care, boundary setting, communication skills and thoughts that fuel anxiety.  Group sessions are structured and focus on learning a skill, concept or tool.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of UNR Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

• First Monday of the month 2 - 3 p.m. (Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May 6)
• Christina Cendejas, PhD

In-person at the Multicultural Center (Joe Crowley Student Union, 3rd Floor)
Cafe con Pan is a monthly drop-in support group that aims to foster a sense of community among Latino/a/x students at the University of Nevada, Reno. This group discusses topics such as acculturation, adjustment to college, family, imposter phenomenon, mental health stigma, resilience, self-compassion and events impacting the Latino/a/x community. Join us to connect with Latino/a/x students! Food provided.

Interested? Come to the Multicultural Center (Joe Crowley Student Union, 3rd Floor) during the time of group. For questions, please email Christina at ccendejas@unr.edu.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• University of Nevada, Reno Latino Research Center – Resource Guide for the Latinx Community of Northern Nevada
• The Racial Healing Handbook by Dr. Anneliese A. Singh

• Third Wednesday of the month, 5:30 - 7 p.m. (Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 17)
• Amy O’Brien, LCSW and Scott Allen, PhD

In-person at Fleischmann Agriculture 219
Climates Cafes are an informal, open and respectful space for University of Nevada, Reno students to share emotional responses and reactions related to the climate and environmental emergency. The goal is to reflect and process the emotional impact of climate and ecological change. It is not designed to lead participants to any conclusion or toward action. Originally developed by the Climate Psychology Alliance, Climate Cafes at the University is a collaboration of the Counseling Services and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Interested? Come to Fleischmann Agriculture 219 at the time of group. For questions, please email Amy at aobrien@unr.edu.

• Tuesdays, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Nicole Woodard, LCSW and Savannah Walker, MA

In-person

This group is for University of Nevada, Reno students who experienced trauma of any kind evaluate how trauma has shaped their thoughts and behaviors and work on ways to reclaim their life. Trauma-related issues addressed in this group will include trust, feeling of safety, one’s relationship with power and control, self-esteem and intimacy. NO traumas will be explicitly discussed in this group to prevent others from being triggered and create a safe space to do this work. In each session, a new skill, concept, or tool is presented and participants discuss how the material applies to them and help one another with the skills.

Interested? Please email Nicole at nguyette@unr.edu and ask about a consultation. Only current University of Nevada, Reno students are eligible.

• Mondays, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Christina Cendejas, PhD and Ryan Polka, CPC

In-Person

This 6-week group is intended for University of Nevada, Reno students who want to increase their self-awareness and ability to tolerate distress and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. This group is structured like a class where group leaders will teach skills and provide handouts to assist with the development of coping skills. Students must be referred by a mental health professional to this group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

If you are a mental health professional interested in referring a student to this group, please contact Dr. Francesca Kassing at fkassing@unr.edu.

• Tuesdays, 3 - 5 p.m.
• Amy O’Brien, LCSW and Manije Irani, LMSW, CSW-I

In-person

This 6-week group is intended for University of Nevada, Reno students who want to increase their self-awareness and ability to tolerate distress and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. This group is structured like a class where group leaders will teach skills and provide handouts to assist with the development of coping skills. Students must be referred by a mental health professional to this group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

If you are a mental health professional interested in referring a student to this group, please contact Dr. Francesca Kassing at fkassing@unr.edu.

• Mondays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (February 5 - May 6)
• Susan Chamberlain, PhD and Renee Bauer, MS, RDN

In-person at JCSU (The Joe), Room 317

Disordered Eating Meal Support Groups are hosted by an eating disorder dietitian and therapist, and provide an accepting space for students striving to nourish their bodies consistently. If you struggle to eat, feel out of control when you eat, avoid eating in front of others, exercise or purge after eating, or need to expand your “safe foods” you are welcome here! Please bring your own food if you can, and we’ll have food available for anyone who needs it. It’s ok if you need to come late or leave early, we’ll be happy to see you whenever you can make it.

Interested? Come to JCSU (The Joe) 317 at the time of group. For questions, email Susan at susanchamberlain@unr.edu.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• What is an eating disorder?
• A Beginner’s Guide to Intuitive Eating

• Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (February 8 - May 2)
• Susan Chamberlain, PhD and Renee Bauer, MS, RDN

In-person at JCSU (The Joe), Room 317

Disordered Eating Meal Support Groups are hosted by an eating disorder dietitian and therapist, and provide an accepting space for students striving to nourish their bodies consistently. If you struggle to eat, feel out of control when you eat, avoid eating in front of others, exercise or purge after eating, or need to expand your “safe foods” you are welcome here! Please bring your own food if you can, and we’ll have food available for anyone who needs it. It’s ok if you need to come late or leave early, we’ll be happy to see you whenever you can make it.

Interested? Come to JCSU (The Joe) 317 at the time of group. For questions, email Susan at susanchamberlain@unr.edu.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• What is an eating disorder?
• A Beginner’s Guide to Intuitive Eating

• Fridays, 2 - 3:45 p.m. 
• Marquez Wilson, PsyD and Amy O’Brien, LCSW 

In-person

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a role-playing game where participants take on the personas of fictional characters and go on adventures in a fantastic world. D&D group uses these elements to challenge you to role play as a fantasy version of yourself. Your ultimate goal is to develop desired relationship and communication skills and use them in the game to tackle challenges and interact with others. Along the way, you and your fellow players will work as a team to navigate dungeons, complete quests, find treasures, slay beasts and discover ways to express meaningful parts of your fantasy characters in the real world! No previous D&D experience required.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful the book by McKay, Davis and Fanning “Messages: The Communication Skills Book.”

• Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
• Susan Chamberlain, PhD & Manije Irani, LMSW, CSW-I

In-person

Embody is body image-focused therapy group for women and femmes who are University of Nevada, Reno students. Through education, skills practice and vulnerable dialogue, members work together to create a more peaceful, safe and affirming relationship with their bodies. The group is trauma-informed and assumes that body stigma and shame grow out of natural needs for safety, empowerment and connection.

Interested? Please email Susan at susanchamberlain@unr.edu and ask about a consultation. Only current University of Nevada, Reno students are eligible.

Related resources

• Book by Sonya Renee Taylor “The Body is Not an Apology” available at the University of Nevada, Reno library.
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability”

• Thursdays, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Kseniya Zhuzha, PhD, CGP & Jen Leach

In-person

In this group University of Nevada, Reno students will build awareness of how their family dynamics have impacted the way they feel about themselves and navigate relationships with others. The group will also facilitate healing, including development of emotional acceptance/resolution and healthy communication skills. Each group will revolve around a topic or an activity that will provoke introspection.

Interested? Please email Kseniya at kzhuzha@unr.edu and ask about a consultation. Only current University of Nevada, Reno students are eligible.

• Thursdays, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Michael Pauldine, PhD and Rich Warmke, BS, MBA

In-person

This interpersonal process and support group focuses on helping participants improve relationships and receive support around being a graduate student at University of Nevada, Reno. In sessions, participants will explore how they approach relationships with other group members and practice new interpersonal strategies with each other, which then can be used outside of group. The group is open to graduate and medical students who experience interpersonal difficulties and would benefit from support from other students pursuing advanced degrees. While the specific focus of each session will be determined by group members' needs, some of the issues addressed may include communication styles, boundaries, emotional vulnerability, self-awareness, academic stressors and other relationship and graduate school challenges.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• Book by Glover “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability"

• Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
• Jodi Thomas, PsyD and Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I

In-person

This group focuses on building awareness of self in relationships with others and practicing new ways of interacting with others within a safe and therapeutic environment. Common issues addressed in this group include but are not limited to forming and/or maintaining relationships, communication styles, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional expression, intimacy, assertiveness, empathy and trust. Group sessions generally have little to no structure and students have freedom to bring up concerns pertinent to their lives. In the process, they are encouraged to explore and express their emotions, practice effective ways of communication and to notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• Book by Glover “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability"

• Wednesdays, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Amy O’Brien, LCSW and Bryce Scottron, MA, ME

In-person

This group focuses on building awareness of self in relationships with others and practicing new ways of interacting with others within a safe and therapeutic environment. Common issues addressed in this group include but are not limited to forming and/or maintaining relationships, communication styles, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional expression, intimacy, assertiveness, empathy and trust. Group sessions generally have little to no structure and students have freedom to bring up concerns pertinent to their lives. In the process, they are encouraged to explore and express their emotions, practice effective ways of communication and to notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• Book by Glover “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability"

• Fridays, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
• Hilary Son, PsyD, Julia Le Grande, MA and Fitness Center coaches

*Additional Exercise Times: M/T/W/Th at 11 a.m. (two exercise times required each week in addition to the Friday group therapy time)  *Equipment not required.

In-person

College life can be stressful, draining, and overwhelming.  This is a 10-12 week exercise and therapy group which meets in person 3x/week.  It is open to University of Nevada, Reno students, designed to help participants increase coping through exercise, develop awareness of themselves and address symptoms of anxiety and depression. The group will offer a safe, supportive space to exercise, process feelings, develop coping skills and connect with peers.  Group members will have freedom to bring up concerns pertinent to their lives and have the opportunity to practice new ways of interacting with fellow group members.

Interested? Please email Hilary at hjson@unr.edu and ask about a consultation. Only current University of Nevada, Reno students are eligible.

• Wednesdays, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Kseniya Zhuzha, PhD, CGP and Monique Normand, LCSW

In-person

This evening group is a mix of graduate and undergraduate University of Nevada, Reno students and focuses on building awareness of self in relationships with others and practicing new ways of interacting with others within a safe and therapeutic environment. Common issues addressed in this group include but are not limited to forming and/or maintaining relationships, communication styles, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional expression, intimacy, assertiveness, empathy and trust. Group sessions generally have little to no structure and students have freedom to bring up concerns pertinent to their lives. In the process, they are encouraged to explore and express their emotions, practice effective ways of communication and to notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

Related Resources
If this group sounds interesting to you, you may also find helpful:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• Book by Glover “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability"

• Thursdays, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Marquez Wilson, PsyD and Mariam Halstead, LCSW

In-person

Welcome to "Perfectionist No More”, a therapy group where passion meets imperfection! Learn how to use coping skills to break the cycle of perfectionism, communicate effectively without over-thinking and dive into painting, sculpting and improvisation by embracing the beauty of the imperfect brushstroke, the asymmetry in sculpture and spontaneous brilliance of improv. Let your creativity flow freely without the chains of perfectionism holding you back! Ready to embark on an adventure where the only rule is to break the rules? "Perfectionist No More" invites you to redefine your artistic boundaries, challenge perfectionist tendencies and let your creativity soar. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just eager to explore, join us in embracing the beautiful chaos of creativity. It's time to liberate yourself and discover the magic within the imperfections!

Interested? Please email Dr. Marquez Wilson at marquezw@unr.edu and Mariam Halstead, LCSW at m.m.halstead@unr.edu by February 15, 2024 and ask about a consultation. Only current University of Nevada, Reno students are eligible.

• Thursdays, 3 - 4 p.m.
• Hilary Son, PsyD and Itzel Granados Dominguez

In-person

This 6-week skills group for University of Nevada, Reno students will focus on 1) increasing awareness of emotions 2) learning strategies for maintaining emotional safety in relationships and 3) practicing deepening relationships through learning to express emotions vulnerably.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.

• 2nd Thursday 4-5 p.m. (February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9)
• Ashley Darbey, MS, LADC

In-person at Counseling Services Annex, Great Basin Hall

This group is for University of Nevada, Reno students who would like to focus on moderating substance use and changing use patterns. This space will be utilized to support one another and gain new insights on some beneficial adjustments that can be made in relation to substance use. This will also be a space to explore your relationship with your substance of choice.

Interested? Come to Counseling Services Annex at Great Basin Hall during the time of group. For questions, please email Ashley at adarbey@unr.edu.

• First Friday of the month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Feb 2, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3)
• Hilary Son, PsyD, Brooke Tousley, CSW-I, Savannah Walker, MA, Manije Irani, CSW-I, and OISS staff

In-person

College life can be stressful. This can be made more difficult when adjusting to a different culture and other factors that come with being an international student. This support group is open to all University of Nevada, Reno international students and is run by therapists from Counseling Services along with OISS staff. Group offers a safe and supportive space to discuss your experiences with fellow international students. Manage the stress of college life and adjustment better! Join us for supportive conversation! Pizza provided.

Interested? Please contact Adilia Ross at adiliab@unr.edu to register.

• Mondays, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Nicole Guyette, LCSW, Kseniya Zhuzha, PhD, CGP and Christina Cendejas, PhD

In-person

This group is open to University of Nevada, Reno students and focuses on skills for recognizing trauma response or symptoms and coping to reduce their intensity or duration. Topics include: symptoms of trauma and stress response, dealing with reminders, understanding thoughts, relaxation, anger/irritability and sleep. Group sessions are structured and focus on learning a skill, concept or tool (NOTE: this group does NOT involve talking about trauma or trauma details). Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
• If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.