Group Counseling
Spring 2025 Groups
Facilitator: Abigail Jensen, LMSW
Location: CMHC
Transformations is a process group for LGBTQ+ students to discuss topics/issues (e.g., family, friends, culture, policies and laws) that affect them. The group is also focused on helping members understand their experiences as LGBTQ+ and find community with other students who may understand how they feel.
- No pre-group screenings required
- Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- January 28 – March, 18 (8 sessions)
Facilitator: Lynn Koenig, LMSW
Location: CMHC and Zoom
Expressive Arts Therapy tools allow us to express what is difficult to express in words, process feelings, assist with regulating emotions and discover new tools for managing stress. Through drawing, journaling, music, mindfulness and movement participants will have an opportunity to build stress management tools and gain an increased understanding of how we respond to stress. All tools shared in each session are easy to use and accessible to anyone. No artistic skill or experience with expressive arts necessary.
- Pre-group screenings required
- Thursdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
- 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27 (4 sessions)
Facilitator: Nhu Mai, Ph.D.
Location: CMHC
Information, skill-building and support to strengthen emotional resilience. Topics include: emotional, rational and wise minds; the practice of vulnerability; and the practice of connection.
- No Pre-group screenings required
- Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- 03/18, 03/25, 04/01 (3 sessions)
Facilitator: Nhu Mai, Ph.D.
Location: CMHC
This support group offers a space for students to discuss issues of racial/cultural identity, systemic or cultural mistrust or biases. It also provides a community of support for students to connect through individual and shared experiences and to gain practical strategies in navigating challenges that they face due to identity factors.
- Pre-group screenings required
- Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03 (6 sessions)
Groups Counseling Provides:
- A community of social and emotional support
- Connections with others who share similar concerns
- Different perspectives and ideas
- Increased insight about self and others
- Adaptive coping skills
To join a group please call us at 208-885-6716 or stop by in person. We are located on campus on the third floor of Mary E. Forney Hall at 1210 Blake Ave.
Considering Group?
All U of I group counseling sessions are free and confidential and serve as a great place to:
- Experience a community of social and emotional support
- Explore your identity
- Hear different perspectives and ideas
- Learn coping skills
- Gain insight
- Feel a sense of belonging
- And much more!
If you are interested in attending group, check out our upcoming sessions calendar to explore current group offerings.
What is unique about Group Counseling?
Group offers a safe, confidential space for students to help each other get support, validation, normalization, diverse perspectives and adaptive skills to navigate challenging situations. Oftentimes, students feel empowered to make changes in their own lives after listening to other members in the group because they learn that they are not alone in their struggles.
Research has also shown that Group Counseling is as effective as individual counseling and, when appropriate, could be used in conjunction with individual counseling.