All Current Groups
Counseling Groups Winter 2025
CAPS offers two types of groups: 1) Weekly groups, which require students to sign up for a quarter and attend weekly sessions after a brief screening meeting with the counselor(s) leading the group, and 2) Drop-in groups, which students can attend at any time without a screening appointment. For more information about a specific group, call the counselor(s) listed.
The schedules posted on our CAPS GOOGLE CALENDAR are updated at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters.
The groups offered each quarter vary, but typical groups provided by CAPS may address the following topics: anxiety, grief and loss, self-relationship and interpersonal dynamics, LGBTQI identity and concerns, mindfulness and meditation, sexual trauma, student of color identity and concerns, and support/discussion around general issues for women.
Weekly Groups
| Topic | Description | Contact |
|
Connections Group Mondays |
A group for undergraduate students interested in better understanding themselves, practicing new ways of relating to others, and to receive feedback and support from peers. |
Jess Magallanes-Evans, Psy.D. (831) 459-2109
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Eating Disorder and Body Image Support Group Tuesdays |
A supportive group for students of all genders and identities to explore eating and body image issues through sharing, psychoeducation, mindfulness, expressive arts, and journaling activities. |
Susan J. Gulbe Walsh, Ph.D. (831) 459-2377 |
|
DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions Tuesdays |
A group for students who are struggling with emotions that are so intense or overwhelming that they lead to problems like self-harm, thinking about suicide, or instability in relationships. DBT skills group can help you learn new, evidence-based ways of handling intense emotions, and reduce the troubling behaviors and other struggles that go with them, so that life feels more worth living. |
Richard Enriquez, Ph.D. (831) 459-4799 James Katz, MA (831) 459-2620 |
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DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions 2.0 Tuesdays |
A subsequent group for students who have completed the DBT skills group and want to review skills, apply DBT principles to real-life situations, reduce troubling behaviors, and improve coping with distress and relationship issues. High participation, regular attendance, and individual therapy are expected. |
Tara Cryderman, Psy.D. (831) 459-2753
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Thriving After Trauma Tuesdays |
A trauma-informed therapeutic group for students who have experienced interpersonal violence, including sexual abuse, assault, dating/domestic violence, child abuse, or stalking. Survivors can connect with others in a healing setting, with an emphasis on safety, self-compassion, and empowerment. |
Danielle Smith, Ph.D. (831) 459-5388 Camara Chea, Ph.D. (831) 459-5704 |
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Living With Loss Tuesdays |
A supportive environment where students can connect through learning about honoring grief and loss issues while managing academic demands. |
Susan J. Gulbe Walsh, Ph.D. (831) 459-2377 |
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First-gen Support Group Wednesdays |
Does being a first-generation student ever make you feel different from others—more stressed, less supported, or with fewer resources to navigate college life? You are not alone. This weekly, confidential group provides therapeutic and peer support for the unique challenges (and great opportunities) that come with being first-gen. |
Niki Severson, LCSW (831) 459-3630 |
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Colorful Slug Connection Group Wednesdays |
A confidential space for undergrad students of color to connect, share experiences, and build support networks. The group will focus on equipping participants with supportive tools, self-care practices, and strategies to integrate their diverse identities. |
Ehsan Falasiri, PsyD (831) 459-4038 |
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DBT-Based Skills For Managing Intense Emotions Wednesdays |
A group for students who are struggling with emotions that are so intense or overwhelming that they lead to problems like self-harm, thinking about suicide, or instability in relationships. DBT skills group can help you learn new, evidence-based ways of handling intense emotions, and reduce the troubling behaviors and other struggles that go with them, so that life feels more worth living. |
Danielle Smith, Ph.D. (831) 459-5388
Bita Roshannia, MA (831) 502-7220 |
| Undergrad Support Group
Wednesdays |
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, stuck, and/or scattered? This is a weekly space to connect with others about how we're managing. Whether social or academic stresses, global or community concerns - let's talk about how these all impact us, and how we can take care of ourselves and of each other. |
Julia Ragen, PsyD (831) 502-8029 |
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Graduate Women’s Group Wednesdays |
A supportive place for female-identifying graduate students to talk about the stressors of being a grad student, both personal and professional. Common topics include relationship with faculty and peers, Imposter Syndrome, procrastination, and how to have a life outside of grad school. |
Audrey Kim, Ph.D. (831) 459-1373
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Graduate Men’s Group |
A support group for male-identifying graduate students who wish to come together to discuss the challenges of being a grad student. This group is participant driven, with the goal of fostering a deeper sense of community while exploring personal, academic, and professional concerns. |
Richard Enriquez, Ph.D. (831) 459-4799 Mitchell Rees, MS |
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Trans and Non-Binary Therapy Group Fridays |
An in-person process group for students who share these identities with the idea of creating intentional community, safe space, learning and exploring more about ourselves, and supporting each other. The Trans and Non-Binary therapy group is facilitated by a queer trans masculine therapist of color. |
Dean Khambatta, LMFT (831) 459-5346 |
Drop-in Groups
|
No sign-up required—come any week! Group will be offered by ZOOM – please see CAPS Calendar for Zoom invitation. |
||
| Topic |
Description |
Contact |
| So, You Think You Have ADHD: Now What?
|
ADHD Information: For students who suspect they have ADHD, have never been diagnosed, and want to explore options for treating their symptoms. |
Christine Merriman, MSW, LCSW |
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Daily Case Management Drop-In Groups
(See Caps Calendar) |
Brief confidential check in with a case manager to discuss topics such as off campus referrals, insurance, resources on and off campus, or psychological testing. No appointment needed. |
Case Management Staff |
| Mindfulness and Compassion Tuesdays 3:15–4:00 PM Location: Social Sciences College 9, Room 261 |
Group members will gain a foundation in mindfulness, compassion and nature connection practices through guided meditations and group discussion. Additionally, members will receive resources to learn how to integrate mindfulness practices into daily life and to cope with stress non-judgmentally, with increased self-compassion.
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Tara Cryderman, Psy.D. (831) 459-2628
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Psychiatry 101
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For students who have never taken psychiatric/psychotropic medication and have questions and/or concerns about seeking psychiatry care. |
Christine Merriman, MSW, LCSW (831) 459-2649 *Requires referral from a Clinician, then you can pick a day that works for you to attend. |
To get started with most of our groups, contact the CAPS main office or the counselor facilitating the group. They will discuss the group with you to ensure it meets your needs and prepare you for the experience. This contact gives you the opportunity to decide if the group is a good fit. Most groups require you to sign up at the beginning of the quarter and attend weekly sessions. For drop-in Zoom or in-person groups, you can attend any week without prior sign-up.
For more information or if you need a disability accommodation, please call CAPS at (831) 459-2628.
