Group Counseling

  • "The tools I learned and the conversations or insights from other students made me feel less alone."
  • "I knew that one hour of my day was going to be me learning how to better myself."
  • "I liked that I got to make new friends and see other people going through the same thing as me."
  • "I thought I was the only one facing these problems, so it's nice to talk with others."

Any currently registered student may consider joining any counseling group.  Some groups may focus on specific experiences or identities; others require a consultation conversation with a counselor to ensure that the group is a good fit.  Please talk with a counselor if you have questions about which group is right for you.

To register for any group, students can go to , call (510) 885-3735, email shcscounseling@csueastbay.edu, or talk with a counselor. A facilitator will call you to discuss the group and answer any questions before your registration is confirmed.

To participate in a group session once confirmed, students can go to  at the time of their appointment to get the link.

To access handouts and materials from group sessions, visit our Counseling Group Handouts webpage.

Group Details

Groups for Fall 2025
Title Description Details
Healthy Relationships

An 8-week interactive group focused on building healthier relationships. Topics include: communication, dating, friendships, family dynamics, boundaries, consent, power and control and managing conflict. 
  • Wednesdays 11am, 9/24/25-11/12/25
  • Sessions held on Zoom
  • Led by Kathryn Kirkpatrick, LCSW and Naya Gordon, LCSW

     

     

Calming Anxiety, Living Mindfully (CALM)

 

A 6-week interactive group on skills to manage anxiety. 
  • Tuesdays at 11am, 9/16/25-10/21/25
  • Sessions held on Zoom
  • Led by Rosa Mora, Ph.D and Mariane Stimbra-Mora, LCSW
The Art of Self Discovery - In Person
An 8-week interactive and experiential group for students to use creative art activities and play to deepen their understanding of their identities, values, and emotions. We aim to help students notice, discover and tap into their genius within.
  • Thursdays at 12pm, 9/25/25-11/13/25
  • In person in SHCS Conference Room
  • Led by Erin Harrell, Psy.D and Joymara Coleman, ACSW

Think Less, Vibe More

An 8 week workshop to practice coping skills and make healthy changes in your life.  Participants can join mid-semester but are expected to attend consistently.
  • Mondays at 12pm, 9/22/25-11/10/25
  • Meets over Zoom
  • Led by Buny Ott, LMFT, LPCC and Colleen Arnold, LMFT, Ph.D

Home Away From Home: A Support Group for Housing Residents

A 10-week interactive group focused on building community and learning new ways to take care of oneself. Topics include managing transitions, homesickness, interpersonal relationships, identity, and more. Group is just for Housing residents.
  • Mondays at 4pm, 9/15/25-11/17/25
  • In person in El Dorado Hall Community Room
  • Led by Kathryn Kirkpatrick, LCSW and Shauna Olson Hong, LCSW

Understanding Self and Others - In person

A 10-week counseling group focused on personal and interpersonal growth. This is a safe space for learning, personal transformation, and empowerment. The group will touch on communication skills, identifying and expressing emotions, and reflecting on how we show up in relationships.

Referral from an individual counselor and consultation with a facilitator is required.
  • Wednesdays at 12pm, 9/17/25-11/19/25
  • In person in SHCS Conference Room
  • Led by Sophie De Pillis, LMFT and Joymara Coleman, ACSW

WEvolve - In person

A 10-week counseling group focused on personal and interpersonal growth. This is a safe space for learning, personal transformation, and empowerment. The group will touch on communication skills, identifying and expressing emotions, and reflecting on how we show up in relationships.

Referral from an individual counselor and consultation with a facilitator is required.  
  • Thursdays, 4pm, 9/16/25-11/18/25
  • In person in SHCS Conference Room
  • Led by Bunny Ott, LMFT, LPCC and Erin Harrell, Psy.D

The Black Diamond Collective: A Support Group for Black Women - In Person

Diamonds, like you, are strong, rare, and multifaceted. Sometimes diamonds are buried or hidden, but all diamonds are meant to shine. Come participate in an 8-10-week interpersonal counseling group discovering and discussing your shine. This group will create a safe space to come together for learning, personal transformation, and empowerment. We will focus on what it’s like to be a black woman at East Bay, aiming to bring connection and minimize the feeling of being the only or one of few.

Referral from an individual counselor and/or consultation with a facilitator is required.  Group will prioritize SEAS students and those referred by BSSC.
  • Thursdays at 3pm, 9/18/25-11/6/25
  • In person in SEAS
  • Led by Naya Gordon, LCSW and Roshawn Campbell, MS

Raza Elevando Together: Latin* Students Seeking Masters - In Person

A support program for LATIN* (Latina, Latino, Latinx, Latine) students who are currently in Masters Programs.   This group will be open to 8-12 students; RSVPs will be prioritized, drop ins are welcome if capacity permits. 

The group seeks to build cultural identity and community, create supportive space to encourage students retention and positive experience in graduate programs, and provide strategies for imposter syndrome, self-care, sustainability and resilience.
  • Wednesdays 11:45am-1:30pm, 10/22/25-11/19/25
  • In person in South Union Bayview Room
  • Led by Rosa Mora, Ph.D and Vanessa Varko Fontana, MM
  • RSVP link coming soon

Self-Care Workshops

 Counselors are available to run workshops on self-care for interested classes or student groups. These workshops are particularly useful for those in caretaking professions, or involved in activism. They can be tailored to any group’s needs and availability. Contact shcscounseling@csueastbay.edu or call (510) 885-3735 for more information.