Current Group Offerings

When: Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Who's leading: Crystal Najebat, LCPC

This six-week group is open to University students who want to learn skills for recognizing and reducing anxiety. Topics covered in this 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 the University 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.

When: Tuesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Who's leading: Susan Chamberlain, Ph.D.

This is a 5-week group open to University student of all genders and identities who want to feel better about their bodies. The group uses proven methods to help build kindness and confidence in how you see your body.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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:

• Book by Sonya Renee Taylor “The Body is Not an Apology” available at the University library.

When: Bi-weekly on Mondays 3-4 p.m. (Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 17 instead of spring break, Apr 7, Apr 21)
Who's leading: Ryan Polka, CPC and Lexi Clowers
Where: Counseling Services Annex, Great Basin Hall

Drop-in support meetings for the University students struggling with any type of breakup. During group meetings, students can process what happened to each other and share ways of coping and moving on.

Interested? Come to the Counseling Services Annex in Great Basin Hall at the time of the group. For questions, email Ryan at rpolka@unr.edu.

When: Bi-weekly on Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. (Feb 4, Feb 18, Mar 4, Mar 18, Apr 1, Apr 15, Apr 29)
Who's leading: Ryan Polka, CPC and Lexi Clowers
Where: Counseling Services Annex, Great Basin Hall

Drop-in support meetings for the University students struggling with any type of breakup. During group meetings, students can process what happened to each other and share ways of coping and moving on.

Interested? Come to the Counseling Services Annex in Great Basin Hall at the time of the group. For questions, email Ryan at rpolka@unr.edu.

When: Mondays 4-5:30 p.m. on Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7, and Apr 28
Who's leading: Christina Cendejas, Ph.D. and Angelica Castro Bueno, M.S.
Where: Multicultural Center (Joe Crowley Student Union, 3rd Floor)

Café con Pan is a monthly drop-in support group that aims to foster community among Latino/a/x students at the University. 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:

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

When: Thursdays 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
Who's leading: Nicole Woodard, LCSW and Liya Levanda, Psy.D.

This 6-week group is open to University graduate and undergraduate students and focuses on skills to recognize depressive symptoms and use coping skills to reduce the intensity or duration of the symptoms. Each session includes an activity aimed at increasing positive emotions and covers topics such as what is depression, thoughts, emotions, and unhelpful coping. If you do this group, you will be asked to participate in the weekly activities, which could include: going for a walk, listening to music, doing an art project, and playing a board game.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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.

When: Wednesdays 5-7 p.m.
Who's leading: Monique Normand, LCSW and Amy O’Brien, LCSW

This six-week group is intended for students who want to increase their self-awareness and their ability to tolerate distress, and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. This group is structured like a class where group leaders 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 Christina Cendejas at ccendejas@unr.edu

When: Fridays 2-4 p.m.
Who's leading:Christina Cendejas, Ph.D. and Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I

This six-week group is intended for students who want to increase their self-awareness and their ability to tolerate distress, and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. This group is structured like a class where group leaders 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 Christina Cendejas at ccendejas@unr.edu

When: Mondays 4-5:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Susan Chamberlain, Ph.D. and Negar Fazeli Dehkordi, M.S., M.Ed.

Embody is a body image-focused therapy group for women and femmes. 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 students are eligible.

Related resources:

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

When: Thursdays 5-7 p.m.
Who's leading: Kseniya Zhuzha, PhD, CGP and Anna Lujan-Sondgroth, Psy.D.

In this group, 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 the development of emotional acceptance/resolution and healthy communication skills. Each group will revolve around a topic or an activity that will provoke introspection.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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.

When: Tuesdays 2-3:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Liya Levanda, Psy.D. and Shiane Rene

This is a 6-week group for University students who struggle with being hard on themselves, being too harsh/mean to themselves, or wishing they spoke to themselves with more kindness. Group members will first learn to identify thought and behavior patterns that contribute to their self-criticism and will then learn ways to show themselves kindness and compassion.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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.

When: Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Kseniya Zhuzha, Ph.D., CGP and Alex Rendahl

This interpersonal process and support group focuses on helping participants improve relationships and receive support around being a graduate student at the University. 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 the 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 the University 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:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability”

When: Tuesdays 3-5 p.m. (Required Attendance: 3-4 p.m., Optional Coaching: 4-5 p.m.)
Who's leading: Mariam Halstead, LCSW and Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I

In Focus is a five-week group that offers education and peer support for students who experience difficulties commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Group meetings are interactive and help students develop skills for succeeding in school, career, and daily life. Group topics include goal setting, procrastination and time management, mood management, self-care, and relationships. During the second optional coaching hour group leaders and participants will work together to problem solve and develop strategies for group member’s individual challenges related to inattention and/or hyperactivity.

Interested? Email Mariam at m.m.halstead@unr.edu and Brooke at btousely@unr.edu before October 18 to sign up. Space is limited.

When: Tuesdays 2:30-4 p.m.
Who's leading: Jodi Thomas, Psy.D. and Kristen Reyes

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 forming and 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 notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in the group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability”

When: Mondays 3-4:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Kseniya Zhuzha, Ph.D., CGP and Yohannes Habtemicael

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 forming and 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 notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in the group.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability”

When: Fridays 1-3 p.m.
Who's leading: Hilary Son, Psy.D., Amy O’Brien, LCSW and Fitness Center Coaches
Additional exercise times: Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. (two exercise times required each week in addition to the Friday group therapy time). Equipment not required.

College life can be stressful, draining, and overwhelming. This exercise and therapy group meets in person three times a week. It is designed to help participants increase coping through exercise, develop awareness of themselves, and address symptoms of anxiety and depression. The group offers a safe, supportive space to exercise, process feelings, develop coping skills, and connect with peers. Group members have the 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 students are eligible.

When: Tuesdays 5-6 p.m.
Who's leading: Susan Chamberlain, Ph.D. and Negar Fazeli Dehkordi, M.S.
Where: Counseling Services Annex, Great Basin Hall

The group provides 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 okay if you need to come late or leave early. We’ll be happy to see you whenever you can make it.

Interested? Come to the Counseling Services Annex in Great Basin Hall at the time of the group. For questions, email Susan at susanchamberlain@unr.edu.

Related resources:

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

When: Thursdays 3-4:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Marquez Wilson, Psy.D. and Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I

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 overthinking, and dive into painting, sculpting, and improvisation by embracing the beauty of the imperfect brushstroke, the asymmetry in sculpture, and the 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 Marquez Wilson, PsyD at marquezw@unr.edu and Mariam Halstead, LCSW at m.m.halstead@unr.edu and ask about a consultation. Only current University students are eligible.

When: Thursdays 3-4 p.m.
Who's leading: Hilary Son, Psy.D., Amy O’Brien, LCSW

This five-week skills group focuses 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 the University 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:

• New York Times article “How to Have Close Friendships (and Why You Need Them)”
• TED Talk by Brené Brown “The Power of Vulnerability”

When: Tuesdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Christina Cendejas, Ph.D., Geoff Kettling, CRC and Lexi Clowers

This group is for any student who struggles in social situations, has difficulty making and sustaining friendships, and wants to learn or enhance social skills. The group is based on PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated young adults interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends.

Topics covered include:

• Starting and maintaining a conversation
• Finding common interests
• Entering and exiting conversations between peers
• Finding a source of friends
• Using electronic communication skillfully
• Making phone calls to friends
• Using humor appropriately

This group is offered in collaboration with the Disability Resource Center (DRC).

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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:

• Book by Elizabeth Laugeson, PsyD “The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults” available through the University Library
• Book by Steve Silberman “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” available through the University Library
• Book by Devon Price, Ph.D. “Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity”

When: Thursdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Who's leading: Kseniya Zhuzha, Ph.D., CGP

This group focuses on skills for recognizing trauma responses 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 and 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 six sessions.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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.

When: Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m.
Who's leading: Mariam Halstead, LCSW and Ryan Polka, CPC

STAIR Emotion Regulation is an evidence-based treatment that teaches skills to manage emotions after experiencing trauma. This group is comprised of 6 sessions that will focus on increasing understanding and awareness of emotions and learning coping skills to tolerate distress and manage difficult feelings.

Interested?

• If you are a current client of the University 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.

When: First Friday of the month 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2)
Who's leading: Hilary Son, Psy.D., Brooke Tousley, LMSW, CSW-I, Negar Fazeli Dehkordi, M.S., M.Ed. and OISS staff

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 international students and is run by therapists from Counseling Services along with OISS staff. The 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 a supportive conversation! Pizza provided.

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