- Connect with others facing similar issues
- Learn and practice new skills in a safe space
- Share experiences and gain perspective from talking with others
- Improve self-awareness, self-confidence and social skills
- Enhance acceptance of self and others
Counseling Services at Sindecuse Health Center offers several groups open to current Western Michigan University students. Most groups meet weekly and are open to new participants. Please call Counseling Services at (269) 387-1850 or register with the button below if you are interested in participating. Prior to engaging in group therapy, all participants will be asked to complete a pre-screening with a counselor.
Groups offered Spring 2024
Please call (269) 387-1850 to see if a group is active. If participation is low, a group may not continue to the end of the semester. Groups meet weekly for the duration of the session.
Art Therapy
Emotional Survival Skills
Session 1 starts Feb. 2, 10–11:30 a.m.
Session 2 starts March 22, 10–11:30 a.m.
Emotional skills crash course. Learn emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills in a supportive environment.
Facilitator: Vanessa Marr, Ph.D, LLMSW and Patrick Hanlin, M.Ed, LPC.
Finding Connection, Thriving in Relationships- Interpersonal Process Group
Session 1 starts Feb. 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m
Session 2 starts Mar. 21, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m
Friendship, romantic partnership, associations, acquaintances, family, professional relationships. Participants will explore connection within various kinds of relationships; how connection is formed, and what makes connection and relationships meaningful. Ways to establish, maintain and navigate relationships as they evolve will be explored. This group is open to all enrolled students interested in exploring ways to thrive within relationships.
Facilitators: Melissa Plair, MA, LPC and Tatyana Smith, DGA.
Graduate Students of Color Support Group
This group offers support to students of color navigating the experience and challenges of graduate school at a predominantly white institution.
Know Thyself! This is Me
Session 2 starts Mar. 20, 2–3:30 p.m.
Self-discovery group for all individuals who want to know more about themselves. Explore your personality, values, & interpersonal styles.
Facilitators: Mary Z. Anderson, PhD. and Grace Orlando, LMSW.
Level Up
Therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons Group: Get creative. Build skills. Explore new worlds as well as yourself. Train your dragon.
Mindful Meditation – In Person
Session 1 starts Feb. 9, 10–11:30 a.m.
An experiential mindfulness / relaxation group.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Kim Berning, LMSW.
Project Calm: Practical Coping Strategies for All the Things
Session 1 starts Feb. 7, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Learn and practice practical and evidence-based techniques useful for coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and test anxiety and more.
Facilitators: Kim Berning, LMSW and Suzanne DeGraves, LPC.
T-Break: A Cannabis Reset
If your relationship to cannabis is causing problems in your life, a T-break might be worth your time. A T-break, or tolerance break, is an intentional break from cannabis use for a set period to prevent or interrupt the development of tolerance (needing to use more to get the same effect). This workshop provides support and education for those considering or already navigating a tolerance break. We also provide space to gain perspective regarding whether or how one might maintain a healthy relationship with cannabis after their break.
When Parents Have Problems
Session 1 starts Feb. 6,10–11:30 a.m.
Session 2 starts Mar. 16, 10–11:30 a.m.
For students struggling with mentally ill and/or addicted parent(s).
Facilitators: Ariane Combs, LPC and Patrick Hanlin, M.Ed, LPC.
Women of Color
Session 1 starts Feb. 9, 2–3:30 p.m.
All women who identify as a visible minority are invited to join this support group. Participants will explore the intersection of race, gender, orientation, socioeconomic status, and relationships in a safe and supportive environment.
Facilitators: Danielle Standish, Ph.D., and Tatyana Smith, DGA