Understanding Self and Others
This group meets weekly and provides a supportive environment for students to discuss the meaningful and challenging aspects of their lives. Students get to explore and be curious about how they build relationships, and learn to observe and identify what relational patterns work and do not work for them. Students often gain insight into their identity and self-concept, improve their self-esteem, approach relationship and/or communication patterns in new ways, and explore difficult feelings and how to resolve them. Everyone works together toward their goals by providing encouragement to one another, giving and receiving feedback, experimenting with new ideas and behaviors, and connecting in deep ways. Facilitated by staff counselor Allyson Black-Foley, LICSW and post-graduate fellow Bryna Cofrin-Shaw.
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Grief Group
If you are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one, we invite you to join this facilitated weekly group, in which we will create a warm, supportive space for dealing with the emotional impact of your loss. Facilitated by Cailin Qualliotine PsyD, staff counselor, and Britt Billmeyer-Finn LICSW, staff counselor
Time: Wednesdays 3-4pm
Location: Hitchcock House
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Managing Anxiety through Art
This group will draw upon art-making practices such as painting, drawing, collage-making, and crafts to support students as they manage anxiety. Each week, students will engage in creative approaches designed to help them to feel calmer and more connected to themselves and others. No artistic ability or experience is required to join and participate in this group. Facilitated by staff counselor Cailin Qualliotine, Psy.D and post-graduate fellow Jason Hopkins, MSW.
Time: Tuesdays 3-4pm
Location: Hitchcock House
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
ADHD Support Group
This group meets weekly on zoom. This group offers space for students with ADHD to share their experiences with one another, learn from and connect to each other, notice their strengths and how ADHD impacts their life, sense of self and relationships. Facilitated by staff counselor Britt Billmeyer-Finn LICSW and Senior Clinical Case Manager Meg Kroeplin LICSW
Time: Tuesdays 4-5pm
Location: via zoom (link to be provided)
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Wise Mind DBT Group
This group meets weekly and offers a space to students who might be experiencing traumatic stress, anxiety/panic, intrusive or difficult thoughts as well as emotions or physical experiences that are dysregulating. This group uses mindfulness techniques and distress tolerance skills to support students in deepening their understanding of what is happening, how to slow down the process and be able to make choices about how to care for oneself. Facilitated by staff counselors Cassiel Owens LICSW and Britt Billmeyer-Finn LICSW
Time: Mondays 3-4pm
Location: Hitchcock House
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Eating Disorder and Body Image Therapy Group
This is a weekly therapy group that is open to students struggling with disordered eating, body image concerns, diet culture, and controlling behaviors around food and weight. We will work towards reclaiming body acceptance through exploring what is underneath these thoughts and behaviors. We will develop connections with one another and practice adaptive coping. Facilitated by Senior Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Kirstin Ritchie and staff counselor Britt Billmeyer-Finn LICSW
Time: Tuesdays 1-2pm
Location: Scott House
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Sober Network
This group is for students who are navigating sobriety on a college campus and looking for connections. This group is geared towards students who, for any reason, are not using substances. This group will offer support, connection, education and strategies for those engaging in sobriety on a college campus. Facilitated by Program Director of Mental Health Promotions, Garrett Fitzgerald and Clinical Case Manager Lisa Jaffee LICSW
Time: Fridays 3-4pm
Location: Hitchcock House
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Mindfulness Strolling Group
This group offers students the opportunity to experientially learn mindfulness through a facilitated mindful stroll on Norwottuck Rail Trail. We will explore ways to connect to our bodies and surroundings, ground ourselves in the present moment, and find accessible ways to cope with stress of our busy schedules. Further we will learn to integrate mindfulness into the day to day. Facilitated by Post-Graduate Fellow Tanner Glen, LCSW and staff counselor Britt Billmeyer-Finn LICSW
Time: Wednesdays 10/4, 10/11, 10/25, 11/1, and 11/8 from 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Meet @ Scott House, group takes place on Norwottuck Rail Trail
This group requires a 30 min pre-group meeting to join. Please contact CCMH at (413) 542-2354 or ccmh@amherst.edu to schedule this meeting.
Finding Balance: An Athletic Therapy Group Series
Throughout the fall semester we will offer a support group for student-athletes. There will be three group topics that will each include two groups over two weeks. We hope to provide a space for students to connect with one another regarding their experiences as athletes on campus and beyond. You do not need to be on an athletic team to attend. Facilitated by staff counselor Britt Billmeyer-Finn, LICSW and Director of Mental Health Promotions Garrett Fitzgerald
NO Prescreen Required, sign up required here.
Series 1: Transitioning to Campus
This group will meet over two weeks to discuss transitioning back to campus for returning students and the transition to college for new students. We will discuss the experience of landing at Amherst for the school year, establishing routines, identifying personal goals and challenges, and ways to balance athletics, academics, work, and social life at Amherst. To attend this group please sign up here.
Time: Monday, September 18th and Monday, September 25th 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Conway Classroom, Alumni Gym
Series 2: What Role Does Athletics Play in Your Identity
This group will meet over two weeks to discuss what being an athlete means to you. How athletics impacts your sense of self and how others view you. We might explore questions like How long have you been an athlete, what does that mean to you? How does being an athlete contribute to your emotional and interpersonal strengths? How does it intersect with other interests, passions, and social identities? Does it contribute to your values and your community? And more. To attend this group, please sign up here.
Time: Monday, October 16th and Monday, October 23rd 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Conway Classroom, Alumni Gym
Series 3: Athletic Ups and Downs
This group will meet over two weeks to discuss the many ups and downs, wins and losses, personal bests and disappointments that come with being an athlete. Being an athlete requires commitment and hard work and is full of you, surprise and success, as well as uncertainty and change. Come discuss the ups and downs of being an athlete by signing up here.
Time: Monday, November 6th and Monday, November 13th 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Conway Classroom, Alumni Gym