Group Counseling

What do students say about CAPS groups?

In a recent survey of group counseling participants ...

  • 96% said they would recommend CAPS groups to other Cornell students.
  • 93% said that participation in their group helped them function better in daily life.
  • 91% said they gained skills related to the concerns that brought them to the group.

Group counseling

Group counseling is one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among college students. For many students, group counseling can be as effective or more effective than individual counseling. Learn more about the documented benefits of group counseling.

CAPS groups offer a safe environment to discuss problems with others who are dealing with similar concerns. Most students report that they find the group experience to be helpful far beyond their expectations. 

  • Group counseling is FREE and available to:
  • Each group is led by one or more CAPS counselor
  • Groups usually meet weekly for a 90-minute session; some meet in person and some by Zoom
  • Groups are private and confidential; all members must agree that what is disclosed in sessions cannot be shared outside of the group
  • Most groups require a group orientation; learn more below about how to join a group

Group Counseling Schedule (Spring 2026)

See groups meeting on ...

== MONDAYS ==

The Eating and Body Image Skills and Support Group

  • Mondays, 4:15 – 5:30 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, March 2 to April 27
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Penny Krainin, PhD and April Campanelli, LCSW

Do you think about eating, your body, or exercise often? Are these patterns negatively impacting your academic performance, social life, or physical health? This group will provide a safe and empowering space to talk about disordered eating habits, notice patterns, and identify individual goals. This group is for students who are considering taking steps towards recovery or who are curious about reducing the harm associated with their behaviors and have little or no previous treatment experience. This group will aim to support students in gaining increased insight into their personal values and to discover ways of using those values to motivate change. This group is open to students of all identities and backgrounds. Most of the content will be based on ideas and questions raised from those in attendance. Group leaders may share education or skills as it pertains to the group discussion and needs. [How to join]

Life Altering Illness Support Group

This group is for students who are dealing with medical illnesses that are ongoing/chronic and have a significant impact on their life. These illnesses do not have to be visible, and individuals can be in any stage of their illness (recently diagnosed, struggling with figuring out a diagnosis, in remission). This is an opportunity for group members to connect with peers around the realities associated with living with a chronic illness, while being a student at Cornell, and share support, comfort, and coping strategies in a friendly, welcoming environment.  [How to join]

Moving Forward: A Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Students of all genders who have experienced unwanted and/or non-consensual sexual contact and/or other forms of sexual trauma are encouraged to consider whether this private and confidential support group may be helpful to them. The group will be a space for those who have experienced sexual violence in recent months or years to gain support from one another and explore ways to heal in the aftermath of an assault. Discussion topics to include: Myth-busting, coping, managing triggers and flashbacks, trust and safety, fear, anger and sadness, grief and shame, body image, self-esteem, intimacy, sexuality and self-care, and identifying ongoing support. [How to join]

Write it OUT: Healing & Working Through the Past

  • Mondays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm, via Zoom, February 23 to May 4
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Lex Santi, MFA, LCSW and Shinong Ji, LMHC

Write It Out is a therapeutic creative writing group for students carrying unresolved emotional experiences, navigating identity or family transitions, or feeling stuck in stories from the past. Through guided prompts, mindfulness practices, and supportive discussion, the group helps participants explore the narratives shaping their lives and develop new pathways toward clarity, compassion, and resilience.

Grounded in principles of narrative therapy, mindfulness, and expressive writing, the group creates a structured, culturally responsive space where students can process experiences at their own pace. Rather than focusing on trauma exposure, the emphasis is on meaning-making, regulation, and discovering more empowering ways to understand one’s story.

Students often share that the group leaves them feeling more centered, more connected to themselves, and better equipped to navigate relationships, stress, and internal challenges.

No writing experience is needed—only openness and curiosity. [How to join]

== TUESDAYS ==

ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) for Anxiety & Depression

  • Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 24 to May 5
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop ins; group orientation required with Cory Myler
  • Facilitators: Cory Myler, PhD and Karen Williams, PhD

This group will focus on "getting better at feeling" rather than "feeling better," how to best have pain rather than get rid of pain, and how to accept internal experiences (e.g., thoughts and emotions) rather than control them. We will work on the identification of personal values and how to engage in action/behavior that is congruent with those values, even while uncomfortable internal experiences persist.

The format of the group is a mixture of "didactic" and "process"; the group will start out very class-like, with facilitators using slides and a book, "The Happiness Trap", to explain concepts and principles. As the group progresses, it will become more like a traditional therapy group, with more opportunity for interaction between group members and sharing personal experiences. [How to join]

Belonging Beyond Borders

  • Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm in-person at Cornell Health, February 24 to May 5
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitator:  Elizabeth Jonas, LMSW-LP

A community-based group supporting international graduate students in building connection, psychological safety, and belonging. Through guided discussions and activities, participants explore cultural identity, emotional well-being, communication skills, and strategies for thriving in a new academic environment. [How to join]

== WEDNESDAYS ==

AOD Substance Use Strategies and Support

  • Wednesdays, 3:15 – 4:45 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 25 to May 13 (no group April 1)
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group, orientation required; open enrollment
  • Facilitators: Jacob Parker Carver, LCSW and Joy Mushabac, LCSW-R

So maybe you smoke, maybe you drink, and maybe you do other drugs... but you're noticing some drawbacks. Some people might benefit from reducing their use of Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD), some might want to stop altogether, and others might just be more intentional about how and when they use. Let's talk about it and find what works for you.

This group will provide a safe and empowering place to talk about substance use (or other addictive habits), notice patterns, and identify individual goals. Discussion will revolve around values and motivations, exploring behaviors that support the life you want to have and the person you want to be. Most of the content will be based on ideas and questions from those in attendance, each session will include a theme to anchor group discussion with space for reviewing important topics and developing practical skills. Participants are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, encouraged to search for the wisdom in each other’s experiences. [How to join]

Grief Support Group

  • Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 25 to April 29
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Katherine Goldberg, DVM, LMSW and Janna Buckwalter, LMHC

A support group for undergraduate and graduate students who are significantly impacted by the death of someone important to them. Most group members have experienced the death of a close family member - parent or sibling. Some have experienced the death of another family member who has had a primary role for the student - i.e., someone raised by a grandparent. Other group members are grieving the loss of a close friend. The loss may have occurred very recently or many years ago. Topics explored will depend upon group member interests and concerns, but is support focused rather than educational. Common themes emerge around grieving as a young person and related impacts. Orientation required for all, and also available for any students who are unsure whether group would be a good fit for them. [How to join]

Queering Connection: LGBTQ+ Interpersonal Process & Support Group for Undergraduates and Graduates

  • Wednesdays, 3:00 – 4:15 pm, in-person at Cornell Health (room 501), February 25 to April 29
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly sessions – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Alison Bliss, LCSW and Dan Keenan LCSW

This group offers a safe space for exploration of queer identities (sexuality, gender identity, and relationship structure). We will engage in interpersonal processing, mindfulness, and psycho-education related to attachment styles and communication in relationships.

We will meet on a weekly basis in a confidential and affirming group to talk, connect with each other, and offer emotional support. We will explore relevant themes such as relationships with self, family and friends, dating (including navigating relationships on the ace/aro spectrum as well as non-monogamous relationship structures), coming out, being out, transitioning, and ways to embrace all of who you are. There is space to bring all of who you are and your intersecting identities to group. Group is also open to topics that are not exclusively identity related such as academics, depression, anxiety. [How to join]

Sip and Stim: A Group for Neurodivergent Students

  • Wednesdays, 4:45 – 6:15 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 18 to May 6
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Karen Williams, PhD and Em McClintock, LMHC-D

This group is open to undergraduate and graduate students who identify as neurodivergent (self-diagnosed is valid) and LGBTQIA2S+. We seek to provide members with a safe, judgment-free space to process our experiences at these intersections. We begin group sessions by pairing topics with activities and skill building.

Topics include: navigating neurodivergence and social dynamics; meaning making and purpose; structuring our lives (studying and time management); self-care; and balancing neurodivergence with other mental health challenges. Members are encouraged to propose topics and share tips that bring value to their everyday lives. Join us for a cup of tea and to discuss these important factors. Join us for a cup of tea and discuss these important experiences of life. [How to join]

What You Resist Persists: a Group for Those with OCD

  • Wednesdays, 3:15 – 4:45 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 25 to April 29
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Alex Julian, PhD and April Campanelli, LCSW 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be an isolating and persistent mental health condition. Often our perceptions of OCD are based on stigmatized representations in media, which are rarely accurate (although Monk is quite entertaining). This group will provide members with education on the sources and perpetuating factors of OCD as well as strategies to manage and confront unwanted thoughts. Group will be interactive and collaborative, with leaders and members providing support to each other in the difficult process of reducing the control of OCD. [How to join]

== THURSDAYS ==

AOD: Discover Recovery

  • Thursdays, 3:15 – 4:45 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, January 22 to May 14
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Orientation required; open enrollment
  • Facilitators: Jacob Parker Carver, LMSW and Brett Jakobson, LCSW

Recovery from Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) can mean a lot of different things. For many people it's about giving up a specific substance that has caused a lot of problems, for others it's a commitment to full sobriety. It's common to quit using for weeks or months at a time to improve physical and mental health, and some people decide that ongoing abstinence is an important part of their long-term wellness. Whether you're dropping one substance or many, planning short-term or long-term, this group is for you... because we believe you're in recovery when you say you are.

We know that AOD Recovery is about a lot more than sobriety... It's about understanding your values, enhancing motivation, and building a life you don't need to escape from. Each week we'll help identify common triggers, develop strategies for responding to cravings/urges, and explore experiences that provide genuine fulfillment - so you can lead your best life while maintaining abstinence from one or more substances. Most importantly we'll hold a safe space for each other, and work to establish a community of authentic mutual support. This is primarily a process group, with room for education and skill building as requested by participants. [How to join]

Finding Healing Through Art Therapy 

  • Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:45 pm, in-person at Anabel Taylor Hall, February 26 to April 30
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
  • Open enrollment; group orientation NOT required
  • Facilitators: Alex Julian, PhD and Dan Keenan, LCSW

Navigating the college experience can exciting but at times leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and isolated. While support can often be found from traditional talk therapy, alternate methods such as art therapy can be just as helpful or even a better fit for some. This support space will provide members with an opportunity to put their experience into a format that may express what they are feeling in a more helpful way. The support group will consist of eight sessions and include education on the benefits of art therapy, skill building, managing emotions, and verbal processing. We will be using clay, watercolor, colored pencils, and other mediums. [How to join]

Interpersonal Support Group for Undergraduates

  • Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, February 26 to April 30
  • Open to undergraduate students
  • Weekly semester group – no drop-ins; group orientation required
  • Facilitators: Joy Mushabac, LCSW-R and Qiana Watson, LCSW

This group offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to come together, listen, share, and support one another in working through a broad range of interpersonal issues that are commonly experienced in student life, including (but not limited to) academic and career stress, peer and romantic relationship issues, family challenges, loneliness, self-esteem, depression and anxiety, as well as the impact of racism, and various forms of marginalization. Additionally, this group offers a safe space for group members to process their feelings of insecurity and uncertainty in today’s ever-changing political and economic climate. Group members will have the opportunity to share and receive emotional support and feedback from group facilitators and other group members. Although this is not a skills-based group, group members often take away useful tips for help in navigating their short- and longer-term stressors and feel more empowered to take the steps necessary to make changes that support their well-being and self-identity. In brief, this is a group that aims to enhance greater understanding of self and others as well as promote a sense of belongingness and increased self-confidence in relating to others. [How to join]

**How to join (or learn more about) a group**

Most groups require potential members to have a brief group orientation with the group leader(s) to see if the group is the right one for you. (Group descriptions below indicate whether an orientation is required.)

Here's how to schedule a group orientation, or to learn more about a group you're interested in:

  • If you’re already seeing a counselor at Cornell Health, you may ask them about joining a group.
  • You can schedule a "group counseling orientation" directly by calling us at 607-255-5155, or by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Appointments>Mental Health Appointment>Group Counseling orientation.
  • You can schedule an "Access" appointment if you want to learn about group counseling as well as other options for mental health support at Cornell Health. 

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