Group Programs ~ General Information ~ ~ FAQ's about the Group Program~ ACADEMIC SUPPORT GROUP The academic support group is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their academic work such as time and stress-management, overcoming procrastination, managing test anxiety, problem-solving as it relates to challenges that may hinder academic progress and motivation, and learning how to optimize one’s functioning from a wellness perspective. Additionally, students have an opportunity to provide and receive support from their peers that can minimize a sense of isolation in dealing with academic challenges and introduce creative strategies for staying on their academic mission.     Contact: CAPS front office for more information. A GROUP FOR EVERY BODY This group is designed for students who have body image issues, over exercise, obsess about food and weight loss, overeat, binge, purge, or restrict food. The group provides the opportunity for members to give and receive support around struggles related to food, weight and body image, identify situations that trigger unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthy, effective coping strategies. The group also allows for the examination of underlying causes and provides an environment to help students improve relationships with others and develop greater self acceptance. Leader: Shauna Landis, Psy.D. GRADUATE STUDENTS GROUP This group will be facilitated through an experiential process of self-discovery that could help its members to improve their professional, romantic, familial, and personal lives. It is designed to refine group members’ interpersonal skills with respect to communication, intimacy, conflict resolution, assertiveness, social anxiety, and self-expression. By improving their interpersonal skills, group members may be empowered to overcome obstacles that pertain to the lives of graduate students, which might include social isolation, couples conflicts, career confusion, dissertation/thesis difficulties, and/or the stressors of multiple roles (e.g., parent, spouse, student, full-time employee, etc.). Leader: Juan Garcia, Ph.D.                                                                                                    RELATIONSHIPS GROUP Interpersonal group therapy is often the treatment of choice for students who experience troubled relationships. Group therapy offers many significant therapeutic benefits. Members learn about themselves and how to improve their interpersonal relationship skills. Group therapy offers peer feedback, self-awareness building, support and the unique opportunity to practice, in vivo, with other students who may be experiencing similar difficulties. In an interpersonal group therapy, students learn how to have close, meaningful and rewarding relationships. Contact: Juan Garcia, Ph.D. & Shauna Landis, Psy.D. MINDFULNESS AND YOGA FOR WELL-BEING Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Mindfulness of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, combined with cognitive interventions such as making changes to ineffective thought patterns, are useful tools for managing emotional and physical distress. This group draws upon the practices of mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive therapy to support participants who are dealing with anxiety, depression, managing stress, and/or handling physical problems. Group members will learn mindfulness practices, gentle yoga postures, and cognitive restructuring techniques designed to calm the mind and relax the body. No previous experience with meditation, yoga, or cognitive therapy is necessary. Leader: Kirsten Gabriel, Ph.D. ALCOHOL (Or other Drugs) GOT YOU THINKING This CAPS group focuses the student who is actively thinking about the effect substances may be having on them. The group generally has an orientation toward wellness and emphasizes intrinsic reasons to change behavior. The central focus is to help students make healthful decisions about the role substances may or may not play in the lives. The group has rolling admissions, and group members commit to a minimum of five group sessions. It is designed to cover specific modules in a set, rotating sequence. All members complete the sequence regardless of entrance date. Remember, great thinking is done in a group. Leader: Julio Espinoza, Ph.D. BEREAVEMENT GROUP Social support during bereavement is the most important element to help cope with loss. Many students’ support system is strong and loving in the beginning, but as time goes on they may feel alone in their grief. This group is designed to help students understand and cope with the feelings, physical sensations, thoughts, and behaviors associated with grieving. Leader: Vicky Genia, Psy.D. STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES In this workshop, you’ll learn how to assess your current stress level, reduce symptoms, and improve coping and stress reduction skills. You’ll also learn how to improve your assertiveness, communication, time management techniques; learn how to set boundaries and limits; and discover reasons and ways to say “no” without feeling guilty. In addition, members will participate in guided imagery, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The leader will also provide valuable nutritional and exercise information and offer a free body composition analysis. No pre-group appointment is required, but seating is limited. Leader: Arlene Maurer, LCSW. THE BALANCE: FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS SUPPORT GROUP First-generation college students often feel as if they are balancing two worlds: school and family. The college transition can be an especially distressing experience for first generation students because their academic goals and interests are often different from that of their parents. As a result, they may lack the support and guidance from an experienced role model in their immediate families. This, along with other challenges specific to these students, may result in feelings of guilt, confusion, anxiety, isolation, and ambivalence about their desire to continue their education. This group is offered to provide students with a safe place to explore and overcome the challenges of their experience. Contact: CAPS front office for more information. ALANA SUPPORT GROUP This group invites ALANA (African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native Americans) men and women who are seeking consult around issues of race, identity, biculturalism, and/or discrimination. Group discussions may involve issues such as stress due to racism, interracial dating conflicts, acculturation, and immigration stress. This group will focus on providing support, developing new insights, and building skills to help address the issues that are unique to these populations. Contact: CAPS front office for more information. SEXUAL ORIENTATION (LGBTQ) SUPPORT GROUP This is a support group that will explore issues of sexual orientation. In particular, this group may address identity issues related to coming out, dealing with family and friends, struggles with intimacy, and managing work relationships. The group welcomes participants who are questioning or exploring their sexual orientation or who are at various stages of the coming out process. Contact: CAPS front office for more information.     All groups are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL for UNLV students who have paid their health fee. Most groups require that participants meet with the group leader prior to attending the group for the first time. Workshops do not require a pre-group meeting. Other groups may be offered based on student needs and interests. For more information about the group program at CAPS, please contact the Group Coordinator, Juan Garcia, Ph.D. at (702) 895-3627. More Information For more information about the services at Student Counseling and Psychological Services, please call us at 895-3627. Our regular office hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m back to top