Group therapy is helpful for many students in meeting their goals and supporting their growth. RIH offers a variety of therapy groups depending on the semester, availability of group leaders, and student interest (e.g., undergraduate and graduate process groups, support groups, and skill-development groups).
Groups typically involve 1-2 counselors with 8 to 10 students, and they usually meet weekly for 60-90 minutes and students may participate in group therapy across an academic year. You control what and how much you share with the group, and we encourage you to share when you are ready. Group counseling provides unique opportunities to:
- relate with others in a way that can increase self-awareness
- experiment with different ways of interacting
- connect with peers who have similar experiences
- improve interpersonal relationships
A commitment to maintaining confidentiality is required for participation in group counseling.
Students might feel nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of joining a group. This is normal. Pursuing or confronting the things that cause us to feel uneasy can sometimes be the most beneficial way to facilitate change. RIH staff recognizes this; thus, efforts are made to ensure group environments are supportive and safe.
The first step to joining any group is to complete an Initial Consultation appointment. Please visit our appointments page for information about how to schedule an appointment.
For general group questions, please use your student health portal to send a secure message to our Group Coordinator, Lauren Mirzakhalili, LCSW-C.
Reflecting Retrievers: Undergraduate Student Process Group
This group provides a safe, confidential space for students to find a sense of connection, shared understanding, and an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. Members will also learn how to make new relationships and/or improve existing ones. The goal is for members to gain greater self-knowledge and develop more meaningful connections with friends, family, partners, etc. The group requires a semester-long commitment.
In-person Wednesdays from 1 – 2:15 p.m. beginning February 14
Graduate Student Support Group
Pursuing a graduate degree/Ph.D. can be one of the most challenging phases in an individual’s academic career. The road to earning the diploma can be long and lonely. The Graduate Student support group is composed of graduate/Ph.D. students who want to come together to share the challenges and struggles of their academic experience. The group will focus on discussing ways to balance school & personal life, relationships with advisers and peers, and how to deal with the stress and anxiety of academic pressures while defining and pursuing career goals.
Virtual Thursdays from 3 – 4:15 p.m. beginning February 22
Support Group for International Students
This is a semester-long group intended to serve the mental health needs of international students. It provides a safe space for students to discuss the unique challenges of moving to a different country, such as homesickness, acculturation, and academic and interpersonal issues. The goal is for members to develop meaningful connections with others, find community, and get support regarding their challenges.
In-person Fridays from 10:30 a.m. – noon beginning March 1
Transitions: A Support Group for Graduating Students
While graduation can be an exciting experience, transitioning from undergraduate or graduate coursework to the next phase of life can also be challenging. Engaging in the world of work, moving away from friends and family, and rediscovering a sense of self away from academia are only some things that graduating students face as the semester winds down. RIH’s Transitions support group creates a space for those moving on from UMBC to share their anxiety, sadness, and joy while learning skills to support mental well-being as they continue their life’s journey.
Virtual Mondays from noon – 1 p.m. beginning February 26
Skills Training in the Application of Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR)
STAIR group helps persons who struggle with relationship dynamics and emotion regulation. High-stress experiences overwhelm the emotional system, creating both emotional chaos and numbing, undermining our ability to think and act effectively, and disturbing our sense of self and relationships. The skills training and practice introduced in this program are designed to help you leave behind old patterns and develop new interpersonal behaviors and emotion management skills more consistent with your current life goals.
In-person Fridays from 1:30 – 3 p.m. beginning February 9
In-person Tuesdays from 1:30 – 3 p.m. beginning March 5
In-person Tuesdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m. beginning April 2
Support Group for Men
This is a semester-long group intended to serve the mental health needs of students who identify as men. It provides a safe space for students to discuss the unique challenges of navigating the norms and expectations of being perceived as male. These norms and expectations can be highly enforced by society, but there’s rarely any guidance on how to enact them or understanding of why they are enforced. This group can be a space where men and masculine presenting students can ask questions they’ve otherwise been afraid to, acknowledge challenges living up to expectations, and support one another in finding ways forward. The goal is for members to develop meaningful connections with others, find community, and get support regarding their challenges.
Virtual Tuesdays from 2 – 3:15 p.m. beginning February 27
Dungeons and Dragons Therapy Group
Embark on a fantastical journey! We’re leading a supportive Dungeons and Dragons campaign designed specifically for queer, questioning, or allied college students. This group provides a unique blend of therapeutic engagement and imaginative roleplay, creating a safe and inclusive space for self-exploration and community building. Through collaborative storytelling and character development, members will explore themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, all while enjoying the fun and creativity of a custom-designed D&D campaign. Our sessions, led by experienced facilitators, foster a sense of belonging, understanding, and pride. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of tabletop roleplaying, our group welcomes you to join this magical adventure.
In-person Wednesdays from 3 – 5 p.m. beginning February 28
RA Support Group
This group is available to all Residence Life RA’s on a drop-in basis. This group creates a safe space where RA’s can gain support from a licensed mental health professional on how to handle difficult student situations on their floor and get support from other RA’s. Attendees can explore challenges such as: identifying students in distress, responding to disruptive behaviors, finding effective ways to intervene, enhancing self-care, as well as, finding a balance between one’s professional, personal and academic life.
In-person Mondays from 3 – 4:30 p.m. beginning March 4