We offer a variety of groups...
Undergraduate Student Therapy Group
College can be an overwhelming experience. Therefore, each week, we provide time for undergrad students to freely discuss concerns or challenges they may be having. Some of these concerns may include unsatisfactory relationships (family, friends, or romantic), isolation, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and academic pressures. Members will help each other better understand their difficulties and will support each other through the process of positive change.
Tuesdays 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Group Leader: Jodi Pendroy, Psy.D.; Tanisha Joshi, M.A.
Graduate Student Therapy Group
Being a graduate student can be stressful, therefore, we provide time each week for members to discuss concerns or challenges they may be struggling with. This might include (but is not limited to) themes such as developing more satisfying relationships (romantic, friendships, or familial), coping with the demands of academic life, adjusting to life transitions, self-identity, etc.
Tuesdays 1:00pm - 1:50pm
Group Leaders: Matt Torres, Ph.D.; Jamie Grisham, MPH, M.A.
Mondays 10:00am - 11:30am
Group Leaders: Eric Rose, Ph.D.
Dissertation Group
Working on a dissertation can sometimes feel lonely, overwhelming, and can seem never-ending. Join with other advanced graduate students to share suggestions, encouragement, and support. Topics discussed include motivation, time and workload management, self-doubt, perfectionism, dealing with faculty, and balancing dissertation with other things in your life.
Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:30am
Group Leaders: Barbara Baum, Ph.D.
Anxiety & Stress Managment Group
A 5-week psycho-education and skill based group that teaches members about the nature of anxiety and the different ways in which it affects us; as well as teaches coping skills to reduce anxiety, decrease stress levels and improve overall emotional well-being.
Tuesdays (6 weeks) 2:00pm - 2:50pm (March 26th - April 30th)
Group Leaders: Rosemary Nicolosi, M.S.; Jamie Grisham, MPH, M.A.
Substance Use Harm Reduction Group
This confidential group is designed for undergraduates and graduates who have experienced negative consequences with substance use and want to reduce the likelihood of future harm, are questioning whether or not substance use is a problem, or are considering changing their relationship with alcohol or other drugs. The goal of this group is for members to gain insight into their relationship with substances and to make decisions about substance use change.
Date and Time TBD
Group Leader: Fred Gager, Psy.D.
International Student Support Group
Due to changes in cultural values, communication patterns, academic standards, and general lifestyle differences, adjusting to college can be a difficult process for many international students. These changes can potentially bring about confusion, loneliness, and stress. We are planning to start a support group on Mondays from 1 to 2:30 pm where you can come and talk with other international students who are experiencing similar issues and learn effective coping strategies. We will also talk about American culture and norms. For more information, please contact Dr. Garima Lamba @ 410-516-8278.
Not Running This Semester
Group Leader: Garima Lamba, Ph.D.
LGBTQ Support Group (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered & Questioning)
Are you a member of the LGBTQ community? Are you questioning whether you might be? Join this confidential, weekly support group to share with people like you - in a safe space. Topics will be at your discretion but might include: coming out to family and friends; exploring your sexual and gender identity with mindfulness about one's intersectionality; negotiating challenging social interactions; sharing your emotions about your general state of mind; or exploring the world of dating and relationship building. Come gain and give support, knowledge, and experience.
Wednesdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Group Leader: Rosemary Nicolosi, M.S.
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Being 'mindful' means directing attention towards one's experience of the present moment, in a non-judgmental way. Meditation has long been used as a tool for cultivating a more mindful awareness. In recent years, research has shown that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. This semester, we are offering an introduction to the practice of mindfulness meditation. This group will meet for one hour a week, over a six week period during the Fall, 2012 semester. There will be an experiential (meditation) component each week. No previous experience with meditation is required. Enrollment is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Interested students should contact Dr. Eric Rose to schedule a brief screening to determine if meditation is right for his or her needs.
Here is an example of weekly offerings (subject to change):
Week 1 - Stepping out of auto-pilot: how mindful awareness differs from routines as usual
Week 2 - Radical acceptance: learning to practice self-compassion
Week 3 - Everything changes: learning to accept change and get through the present moment
Week 4 - Body and mind: attending to the wisdom of the body, and listening to thoughts as 'stories'
Week 5 - Avoiding experience and obsessing over experience: mindfulness as healthy middle ground
Week 6 - Review: making use of tools from group in everyday life
Thursdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm (Starting March 7 - April 18) **NO Meeting on March 21st**
Group Leader: Eric Rose, Ph.D.; Heidi Mattila, M.A.
Students of Color Support Group
The focus of the Students of Color (SOC) Support Group is to provide a safe and supportive place to assist students of color in navigating the academic and social pressures involved with being a student of color at a predominantly White institution. If you'd like a place to meet other students of color, talk about your experiences, and find encouragement to reach your goals, this group is a great place for you to get and give support. Discussion topics can include loneliness, racism and discrimination, family, peer, and academic relationship struggles, academic issues, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, low motivation, health problems, and other concerns. SOC Group leaders are Dr. Leslie Leathers and La Toya B. Smith, M.S., Ed.S., two women of color (who have both attended predominantly White institutions). Group sessions are free and confidential and open to JHU students. Call the Counseling Center at (410)516-8278 to ask any questions or to set up an screening appointment.
Thursdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm (Starting 4/4)
Group Leaders: Leslie Leathers, Ph.D.; La Toya B. Smith, M.S., Ed.S.
What Does It All Mean?
This group is designed for graduate and undergraduate students who are actively seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. The springboard for discussion will be Viktor Frankl's book entitled Man's Search for Meaning; in time, group members will be invited to suggest other books, movies, television shows, works of art, etc., that we might discuss together to inspire further exploration of how we define ourselves, and find meaning and direction in our lives. Though there are no strict expectations or requirements about contributing to the discussion, group members (as well as leaders) are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings and lives freely with each other in order to facilitate growth.
Date and Time TBD
Group Leaders: Fred Gager, Psy.D.; Michael Varhol, Psy.D.
If you are interested in joining a group or want more information about these or other groups, please contact our group leaders at 410-516-8278, or email Jodi Pendroy, Psy.D., Group Therapy Coordinator, at jpendroy@jhu.edu.
Counseling Center staff members may also be available for single session programs on topics such as dealing with depression, stress management, grief and loss, or other issues that you may have interest in. For more information, contact Garima Lamba, Ph.D., Outreach Coordinator, at 410-516-8278 or glamba1@jhu..edu