Groups and workshops are powerful tools for growth and change. Many students participate in our large group program each semester, and CSU Health Network has one of the largest group programs in the country. In addition, many students participate in skill-building workshops to build knowledge and increase coping skills in certain areas of their lives.
Whether you want to overcome challenges, improve relationships, connect with others, or learn how to manage stress, anxiety or depression, there is a place for you.
Registration is required.
If you are interested in participating in any CSU Health Network group or workshop, please call (970) 491-6053.
Skill-Building Group Workshops
Increase your knowledge of resources and build coping skills in certain areas of your life.
Click here to learn more about Group Workshops, including Mindfully Managing Stress.
Theme Groups
Connect with other students who share common experiences, identities and concerns.
Interpersonal Process Groups
A safe, supportive space to explore your feelings, connect with others, and practice new behaviors that can ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships.
Group Workshops
Workshops are designed for those who want the opportunity to be educated, increase knowledge of resources, and building coping skills in certain areas of their lives. Registration is required. If you are interested in participating in any CSU Health Network Groups and Workshops, please call (970) 491-6053.
Mindfully Managing Stress
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Need to get a handle on your stress? This 4-session workshop will cover 10 mindfulness practices to support your well-being. Mindfulness is a way to train ourselves to be in the present moment with awareness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Practicing mindfulness can help us cope with difficult experiences, cultivate meaning, and boost positive emotions. In this series we will delve into mind-body techniques which can strengthen our skills for dealing with life. We will also have time to practice these new skills. We meet once a week and attending all 4 sessions is encouraged. We will meet on zoom for our first session and have the opportunity for in person and/ or zoom sessions for the remainder of the workshop. Registration is required; space is limited. Register here.
| Session | Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfully Managing Stress 2 | Fridays, March 3 - 31 (does not meet during spring break) | 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Viviane Ephraimson-Abt, MsEd, LPC and Emily Schaad |
| Mindfully Managing Stress 3 | Tuesdays, April 4 - 25 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm | Viviane Ephraimson-Abt, MsEd, LPC and Emily Schaad |
Anger Management
This one-on-one workshop will help students take a deeper dive into understanding anger, including when it is appropriate or useful, and when does it cause harm to ourselves, others, or our relationships. Students will learn to better understand triggers and physical cues that enable us to know we are experiencing anger as well as deepen our understanding of the true feelings that are underneath the anger. With all this awareness we also learn Cognitive Restructuring and other coping strategies to regulate our emotions and develop healthier relationships without blowing up or shutting down. Cost: There is no cost for this one-on-one workshop
CannaBiz
This 2.0-hour workshop is held in a small group, nonjudgmental format that includes lively and stimulating discussion challenging social, interpersonal, and academic influences cannabis has in our culture. Topics include but are not limited to interaction cannabis has on the brain and body, current laws and policies, effect on relationships, academics, and mental health. Cost: $65 for mandated students and no cost for voluntary students
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Pam McCracken, LCSW, MAC |
Understanding Gender Socialization (Male-Identified Students Only)
Messages about gender are everywhere we look. Music, movies, our friends, and families. They are pervasive and powerful. So how do these messages change how we act, feel, and relate to one another? “Bro-culture” and “toxic-masculinity” are talked about a lot these days, but what do these terms mean? This one-on-one workshop will focus in on the messages we experience in society about male-identified people. We will also develop strategies to “break free” from the constraints of the “gender box” so we can minimize the harm to men and the people around them. Cost: There is no cost for this one-on-one workshop.
*Not Available Spring 2023
Live Safe
This is a one-time, 2.5-hour session open to both mandated and voluntary students and primarily focuses on Alcohol. Topics covered include: the glamorization of alcohol, media influences, addiction vs. abuse, myths and reality about substance use on college campuses, information on how substances affect the brain and body, and various interactive exercises used to generate discussion on the social, interpersonal and academic influences substances have in our culture. Students leave the workshop with a better understanding of alcohol’s role in society and in their own lives. Cost: $65 for mandated students and no cost for voluntary students.
| Date | Time | Location | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, April 3rd, 2023 | 2:30 - 5:00 pm | 3404A | Devon Bortfeld, BS and Jesselyn DeFilippo, MA |
| Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 | 5:00 - 7:30 pm | 3404A | Jorge Rubio, BA/Carly Girnun, BS |
| Monday, April 24th, 2023 | 12:30 - 3:00 pm | 3404A | Melissa Rosenberg, BS/Jorge Rubio, BA |
Exploring Relationships After Trauma (5-week series)
For people who have experienced interpersonal trauma, relationships can often be associated with feeling unsafe, anxious, fearful, and uncertain. Trauma can strain existing relationships and/or make it difficult to form new ones. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to learn about common impacts of trauma on relationships, explore your view of relationships, what you want from them, and gain skills to connect with others in meaningful ways. You deserve healing and connection! Exploration of all relationships is welcomed (romantic, intimate, partnership, friendship, familial, professional etc.). Please note: This workshop is for people who have experienced interpersonal violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, stalking, childhood sexual abuse, sex trafficking, etc.). All genders and relationship orientations welcome! Topics for each workshop will build on the previous week and students are welcome to join at any time. To register, contact Counseling Services at (970) 491-6053.
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| February 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Karen Eichel, LPC |
Reclaiming Intimacy After Trauma (5-week series)
Sexuality, connection, and/or intimacy belong to anyone who wants them. People who have experienced interpersonal violence often face unique challenges when it comes to reclaiming or engaging in intimacy with others. This workshop is an opportunity to explore your unique relationship with intimacy and gain skills for how to approach relationships while centering your healing. Please note *This workshop is for people who have experienced interpersonal violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, relationship violence, sexual harassment, stalking, childhood sexual abuse, sex trafficking, etc.). All genders and relationship orientations welcome! Topics for each workshop will build on the previous week and students are welcome to join at any time. To register, contact Counseling Services at (970) 491-6053.
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| March 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Karen Eichel, LPC |
Creating Change
There comes a time for all of us when, either through self-reflection or experience, we decide we must change something in our lives. Quitting a “bad” habit, ending a relationship, building new skills, improving the way we feel. But change is hard, and we often try several times to make a change happen (if it ever happens at all). This workshop will help unravel the mystery of change. Students will learn about the process of change, identify barriers, and begin building a plan to make a change and make it stick. Cost: There is no cost for this workshop
| Date | Time | Location | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, March 9th, 2023 | 3:30 - 5:00 pm | 3399 | Jessie Pauley, Psy. D. |
| Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 | 3:30 - 5:00 pm | 3399 | Carly Girnum, MA |
Exploring Substance Use
This workshop focuses on the way alcohol and other drugs work in the mind and body. We will discuss dopamine reward pathways and the relationship between substances and our physical bodies. Students will learn to evaluate and assess potential consequences associated with substance use and learn tools to reduce or remove these variables in the future. Students will be able to understand the continuum of substance use and will also be given resources to assess their own use on this continuum. Cost: There is no cost for this workshop
| Date | Time | Location | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 | 10:30 am - 12:00pm | 3399 | Melissa Rosenberg, BS |
| Monday, April 24th, 2023 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm | 3401 | Devon Bortfeld, BS |
Self-Exploration
The Self-Exploration Workshop invites you to examine your values and identity so you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of self. Knowing and accepting our self improves self-esteem, communication, and our relationships with others. This workshop covers theories of development, values clarification, and decision-making skills. Students will be exposed to concepts and language that fosters insight and understanding of how identity is impacted by the college experience. The workshop will help students clarify values and then understand how to use those values to make decisions. We will use a mix of teaching and hands-on activities (always challenge by choice) to encourage self-reflection. Students will leave the workshop with a better understanding of themselves and how to reach their dreams. Cost: There is no cost for this workshop
| Date | Time | Location | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 1st , 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm | 3401 | Jorge Rubio, BA |
Strengths
This one-on-one workshop is designed to help students identify and build upon their natural strengths to work towards personal growth. From a young age, we devote a lot of brain space to our shortcomings rather than our assets and natural abilities. Focusing on building upon the innate strengths we already have, rather than spending time on our deficits, allows us to grow and develop more effectively and intentionally. We often describe strengths on a surface level, such as being “smart”, “hard working”, or a “good person”. The goal of this workshop is to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of our strengths to use them more effectively in relationships, school, or work. When we spend time fostering our strengths it can help to improve confidence, direction, hope, and kindness towards others. Cost: There is no cost for this one-on-one workshop
- Instructions Prior to Strengths Appointment:
- You are required to complete an online survey prior to scheduling your Strengths appointment. Please go to: https://www.viacharacter.org/. Click “take the free survey” at the top. You will be prompted to create an account in order to access the survey. When you receive your results, please record them and bring them to your appointment. It can be helpful to print off the PDF provided at the end of the survey, however, taking a screenshot or writing down at least your top 5 strengths is necessary for your appointment.
Theme Groups
Theme therapy groups help students connect with others who share common experiences, identities and concerns. To register for one of these groups, call (970) 491-6053.
Trauma Skills Group
This structured trauma-informed skills group is a six-week experience that provides members grounding understanding of how trauma impacts our brains and bodies as well as skills for how to cope while working toward healing. Members will participate in experiential grounding exercises, discuss key elements of trauma coping and recovery, and complete homework assignments. Importantly, this is not a group to discuss or process traumatic experiences in detail as the focus will be on discussing responses to trauma, coping skills, and paths toward healing. Trauma is a word often used and perhaps not always understood. For this group, trauma is defined as anything that is overwhelming to you and leaves you feeling helpless and out of control. This could be a single traumatic incident or a series of experiences. Responses to trauma (symptoms you may experience) can get in the way of everyday life and healing. This group hopes to provide space for learning, recovering, and connecting with others. A screening meeting with the facilitators is required.
| Date | Time | Facilitator(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 pm | Jeff Paulez, PhD and Vanessa Magro |
Taming the Anxious Mind
This structured group employs strategies from mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies to better manage and relate to anxiety. This group will support members in accepting anxiety and transforming their relationship to anxiety. The ultimate goal of the group is to assist members in freeing themselves from the pull of constant struggle with anxiety so they can focus on living a more rich and meaningful life. Members will participate in experiential exercises and complete homework assignments. Group is a six-week commitment. The group accepts members throughout the semester. Screening is required.
| Session | Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taming the Anxious Mind 1 | Wednesdays | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Krista Nyce, M.Ed |
Coming Out, Being Out and Questioning Support Group
The Coming Out Group is a place to meet and gain support while discussing your sexual, romantic, and/or gender identities in a confidential setting. This group is for folks who are coming out, considering coming out or may already be out. Topics might include using labels (or not), celebrating and pride, deciding to tell others, family relationships, intimate relationships, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, and finding community, support and resources. Members are welcome to attend just one semester or both. Questions and referrals can be directed to Jeff Paulez, (970) 491-6053.
| Date | Time | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Jeff Paulez, PhD and Kyrie Lampert, MA |
Transgender and Gender Fluid Support Group
Do you identify as trans* or gender non-conforming and are looking for more support and more sense of community surrounding your gender identity? This group will provide a confidential forum to meet others who identify as trans* or gender non-conforming, and to share experiences related to gender identity. Topics may include transitioning, coming out, physical health, family and social relationships, and dating/sexuality. However, discussion will primarily be guided by group members’ current interests and experiences. The group emphasizes group participation, mutual respect, and inclusivity. The group welcomes FTM and MTF spectrum individuals, genderqueer persons, intersex folks, and those questioning their gender identity. Screening is required.
| Date | Time | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Beit Gorski, LPC and Maddie Egli, BS |
BIPOC Support Group
The BIPOC Support Group is a supportive space for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Together we will cover various topics including, but not limited to, mental health, social relationships, and cultural experiences. This group is an opportunity for CSU undergraduate and graduate students to come together to receive support, opportunities for reflection and connection, and education on a variety of topics of concern.
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Ivis Carrera-Valdes, MA, Taewon Kim, MA |
DBT Tools for Success
This structured DBT-informed skills group employs strategies from mindfulness and acceptance based therapies, and is an excellent fit for anyone feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or simply having difficulty enjoying life. Skills focus on learning to be more present, self-compassionate, and able to handle intense emotions effectively. Members will participate in experiential exercises and complete homework assignments. Group is an eight week commitment. After the completion of the group, members will have a toolkit to pull from whenever difficult life circumstances arise. The group accepts members throughout the semester. Screening is required.
| Session | Date | Time | Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBT Tools for Success 1 | Tuesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 pm | Jesse Wolf, PsyD and Eileen Sun, M.Ed |
| DBT Tools for Success 2 | Wednesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 pm | Lisa Cline, LCSW and Allegra Lyon, PhD |
DBT – Taking Next Steps
The Advanced DBT group is a space for students with previous participation with DBT to gain support in continuing to use their DBT skills in navigating life’s ups and downs. Students will participate in mindfulness exercises each week and broaden their interpersonal and emotion regulation skills throughout the semester. Members often report that the skills are effective in decreasing feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and depression. Similarly, members often state they feel supported by one another and experience more joy and a sense of connectedness by attending group and using skills. This is a semester long commitment and screening is required.
| Date | Time | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Fridays | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Lisa Cline, LCSW |
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Support Group
This is an ongoing group for students who are ready to make changes in their substance use. Through discussion and self-exploration activities, we will process the role substances play in our lives and help students create goals and a pathway for change. Topics may include reasons for use, triggers, harm reduction, shame, replacement behaviors, coping techniques and other use reduction strategies. Members will be able to connect with one another on challenges they are facing and help hold each other accountable for goals they are working on.
This group has limited availability and will close once membership reaches maximum participation. A group screen is required. Participants are highly encouraged to participate in individual therapy.
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Dee Colombini, LPC |
Body Positive
Do you find yourself thinking a lot about your weight, body shape, or body size? Does planning around calories, food, and “making up” for what you eat seem to consume a lot of your time? Do you often find yourself feeling guilty, ashamed, or comparing your appearance to others and always seeming to fall short? Then the Body Positive group is right for you! In this group, you will be able to both give and receive support in a safe space from people struggling with the very same issues as you learn more about body image, begin to change unhealthy behaviors, and develop greater self-esteem. You are not alone!
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Helen Bowden, PhD, Eileen Sun, Med and Mary Powell, PMHMP |
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga
The Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga group will offer students to opportunity to practice meditation and gentle yoga postures as a means of increasing mindful awareness of the relationship between the mind and body. Students will learn how mindfulness can help them to engage with their own thoughts, feelings, and sensation without getting caught up into anxiety and striving. During the group, students will be offered tools to build presence and awareness, not only on the mat, but also as they live their day-to-day lives. By learning to pay attention to breathe, alignment, and internal reactions in a mindful way, group members will begin to cultivate patience, curiosity, kindness, and the recognition of the basic wholeness of the self and others.
| Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 2:00 - 3:30pm | Becka Ashcraft, LPC and Tami Anderson, MFTC |
Depression Skills Group
Are you having trouble getting out of bed and getting to your classes? Do you struggle to feel motivated and to focus on school work? Are you noticing that you would rather isolate yourself rather than hang out with your friends or roommates? Is it difficult for you to fall or stay asleep? Do you experience down moods that last for more than a few days for no apparent reason? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, check out the Depression Skills Group. Understand more about your experiences in a supportive environment; then learn skills and strategies for improving your mood and creating positive changes in your life. This group meets for 6 weeks.
| Session | Date | Time | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Skills Group | Tuesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 pm | Kim Wilcox, LPC and Cyndi Rehberg, LPC |
Harm Reduction Group
This ongoing group is for students who are considering making a change to reduce the negative impacts of their substance use on themselves, their lives, or their relationships. Each week we will discuss risks taken over the past week, engage in self exploration activities and discussions, and set goals for the coming week. Members will be able to connect with one another on challenges they are facing and help hold each other accountable for goals they are working on. This group is a good fit for those wanting to explore the role substances play in their lives whether or not sobriety is the goal.
| Date | Time | Leader |
Interpersonal Process Groups
Want to improve your relationships or feel better about yourself? Interested in connecting in a deep and meaningful way with other students? Are you noticing a pattern in your relationships that you’d like to change or understand better? Do you struggle or get anxious in social situations? Would you like honest feedback about how you relate to others? This group will provide a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings, connect with others, and practice new behaviors that can ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships. Click here to learn more about process groups.
| Group ID | Day | Time | Leader(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP-A | Tuesdays | 9:00 - 10:30 am | Taewon Kim, MA and Kyrie Lampert, MA |
| IP-B | Mondays | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Jesselyn DeFilippo, MA and Vanessa Magro, MA |
| IP-C | Thursdays | 3:00 - 4:30pm | Ivis Carrera-Valdes, MA and Jessie Pauley, PsyD |