Group Counseling

The Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) Series is designed for students interested in building leadership and relationship skills, self-esteem, communication, trust, respect and responsibility. Students interested in non-traditional and active methods of addressing emotional health and well-being are encouraged to apply.

• Application Opens: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
• Application Deadline: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
• Start Date: TBD
• Facilitators: Tara Del Rosario, Psy.D., Mykola Zubko, Psy.D. and Conor Miro, M.S., MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., location varies by week.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 15

Expectations

• Students are expected to commit to regular weekly participation, barring extenuating circumstances or illness communicated to facilitators in advance.
• Students are expected to submit a completed application to express interest. Students not selected may be placed on a waitlist for the current semester or encouraged to participate in a future semester.
• Group members will be oriented to facilitator roles, privacy limitations, safety considerations and equipment utilization during the first group meeting and at the onset of each new activity.
• Students can expect to participate in several indoor and outdoor adventure-based activities including, but not limited to, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, ice activities, esports, rock climbing, challenge course activities and zip lining.
• Transportation will be provided to meeting sites outside of the Barnes Center.
• Group members are expected to complete a post-evaluation at the end of the group experience.
• This is not a confidential therapy group. Staff from multiple disciplines are involved in facilitating the ABC Series. Students can expect that personally identifiable information will be protected and not shared with outside entities when possible.
• Water or other hydration is encouraged.
• Group members are recommended to dress in comfortable athletic clothing. However, students may be asked to wear more specific clothing depending on the activity of the week (i.e., dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes).
• Gear and equipment for each activity will be provided.
• While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
• Two (2) absences without communication to facilitators will require a meeting with one of the facilitators individually before continuing with the group. Missing two or more sessions and failure to communicate with group facilitators about absences will result in dismissal from the group.

This group is designed for students who would like to increase understanding of anxiety and develop new or strengthen existing skills to cope with anxiety, stress, chronic worry, fear, panic and related symptoms that may interfere with academic and interpersonal functioning. Students who participate in this group should be prepared to practice skills each week during and outside of group sessions. All Syracuse University students are welcome. This group may be more suitable for participants with limited understanding of anxiety or extensive prior treatment in this clinical area.

• Start Dates:
  • Section One: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
  • Section Two: Monday, March 23, 2026
• Facilitators: Dammy Ogun, MHC-LP, Yuchen Xing, M.A., M.Ed., MHC-LP, Lyric Tully, M.S. and Elisabeth P. Cabot, M.A., M.S.
• Group Meetings:
  • Section One: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
  • Section Two: Mondays, 2:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Each group session will cover one or more themes and approaches to anxiety management, with brief periods of reflection on how new skills may be used.
• Each week’s work will build upon the last, so it is important that students commit to attending all sessions and completing assigned homework.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group is designed for students who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors, and/or students who may be looking to navigate important relationships in their lives. In DBT, we will work to replace problem behaviors with skillful behaviors. Skills will be taught to help students experience a range of emotions without necessarily acting on those emotions.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Dates:
  • Section One: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
  • Section Two: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Facilitator: Emily LePage, MSN, PMHNP-BC and Qiuyi Wei, M.A.
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Each group session will begin with a mindfulness exercise connected to the skill being taught that day. We’ll then take time to answer any questions about the material from the previous session. Students who were absent will have a chance to check in, and those who attended can help review and explain what was covered. After that, we’ll go around and review the homework from the past week. Next, we’ll introduce the new skill for the week, summarize key points, have an opportunity to practice the skill and assign homework. To close, each group member will share one non-judgmental thought or observation from the session.
• The role of Skills Trainer is to teach and model the skills in a way that builds understanding and competency for group members each week.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group is designed for students who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors, and/or students who may be looking to navigate important relationships in their lives. In DBT, we will work to replace problem behaviors with skillful behaviors. Skills will be taught to help students experience a range of emotions without necessarily acting on those emotions.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026
• Facilitators: Chad Buske, M.S., LMHC and Catie Kobland
• Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• The beginning of each group session focuses on a mindfulness exercise that is tied to the specific skill being taught that day. Afterwards, we will discuss any questions about material covered in the previous session. There will be a check-in with students who may have been absent in the previous session, and an opportunity for students who were present to teach the previous session’s material to those who were absent. Then we will go around and review homework and diary cards. We will take a break prior to introducing that week’s skill. We will summarize skills, develop practice commitments and assign homework for the week ahead. The session will end with members going around and sharing one non-judgmental thought or observation they had from the day’s session.
• The role of Skills Trainer is to teach and model the skills in a way that builds understanding and competency for group members each week.

This is a process therapy group intended for students who need a space to reflect on behaviors that cause harm or negatively impact their lives. In high-stress, high-competition environments, it can be easy to develop coping behaviors to get by, but some behaviors also cause problems. These behaviors can be substance or alcohol use, gambling or risk-taking behaviors, including sexual activities. Other students might be unable to manage time they spend online with social media or gaming. Perhaps friends and loved ones have mentioned concerns about these behaviors or the students themselves have feelings of shame or guilt about them, but they’re struggling with how to reduce engaging in the behaviors. Whatever the motivation, Harm Reduction is a space to find support while developing the confidence to navigate the campus community in a healthy and meaningful way.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
• Facilitators: Keith Brown, LCSW-R
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 9 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Members are expected to communicate honestly about their behaviors.
• After the last group session, members will meet with the facilitator individually for a brief check-out meeting tailored to assist members in solidifying next steps and provide feedback to facilitators about their experience in group.

This is a process group intended for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and other LGBTQIAA+ identifying students. Within a safe, inviting and trauma-informed group setting, students are encouraged to explore their identities, connect with peers and find support while developing the confidence to navigate the campus community in a healthy and meaningful way. The group aims to provide a safe and confidential space to address the unique needs of the LGBTQIAA+ community. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
• Facilitator: Caleb Kessler, LMHC and Yunjing (Chloe) Lin, M.S., MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 7

Expectations

• After the last group session, each group member is encouraged to meet with the group facilitator for a 30-minute “Group Check-Out” meeting, where they will have a confidential and safe space to explore their experiences in group and an opportunity to discuss anything they didn’t feel comfortable addressing in group.

This skills-based group is designed for students seeking support with everyday challenges, including executive functioning (such as organization and decision-making), academic and study strategies, social and communication skills, emotional regulation and navigating sensory sensitivities. This group offers a collaborative, empowering and affirming space to build confidence and learn new strategies or refine existing ones.

• Start Date: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
• Facilitators: Caleb Kessler, LMHC and Brianna Rivera, M.A
• Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Group members will have input in determining group topics and focus. Each group session will cover specific themes and approaches to common challenges faced by neurodivergent students.
• The beginning of each group will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the prior group’s material and how aspects of the group have impacted them. Then the group will learn skills in a particular area and engage in activities to practice them. Group will typically end with members sharing their thoughts on the skill/activity and creating a plan for potential out-of-group challenges.
• After the last session, members will meet with the facilitator individually for a brief check-out meeting to assist members in solidifying next steps and provide feedback to facilitators about their experience in group.

This five-session group offers evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) tailored for college students struggling with sleep difficulties. Through structured psychoeducation, behavioral strategies and cognitive techniques, group members will develop practical skills to improve sleep quality and establish sustainable sleep patterns that support academic success and overall well-being.

• Start Date: TBD
• Facilitators: Mykola Zubko, Psy.D.
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 9 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 5

The purpose of this group is to support survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence. This group is open to all students who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence. The group focuses on developing tools to cope with the emotional impact of trauma. Common topics and themes addressed in group include self-esteem, trust, control and power, guilt, impact of trauma on relationships, normalizing responses, identifying strengths, empowerment and resiliency. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
• Facilitator: Hillary Pietricola, M.S., MHC-LP and Tiffini Vo, M.S.
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 1:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• The first few group sessions will focus on building trust and identifying relevant topics for the group to explore.
• Group appointments typically begin with check-ins, updates and group member reflections. Sessions incorporate psychoeducation, experiential learning activities and opportunities for connection, self-disclosure and peer support.

This group is for students wanting to understand their interactions and reactions with others. The group would be useful for those who spend a lot of time in self-judgment or in judgment of others, or for students who would like to develop and understand their decision-making skills, life and relational patterns, and social and relational dynamics. This is a group where one can improve on their self-esteem, assertiveness, practice vulnerability and explore person-to-person dynamics in a safe, contained place.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC, GinnyLyne Guisadio, M.S. and Tyerohn Coleman
• Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
• At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
• Group topics are generated by the group members, and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
• Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions, and role modeling this for group members.
• Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.

This group is intended for graduate students that also identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC). This process group offers a safe and inclusive space to explore the unique challenges of higher education, build resilience, increase sense of belonging and foster personal growth. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
• Facilitator: London Hill, M.A., M.S. and Tyrone Reese, LMSW
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 1:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• In this group, students will be utilizing the therapeutic space for topics such as exploring identity, sense of belonging, navigating the difficulties of higher education, family dynamics, relationships, etc. The group is one where individuals will be practicing interpersonal skills and self-reflection in an affinity space that is trauma-informed.

This group is intended for undergraduate students that also identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC). This process group offers a safe and inclusive space to explore the unique challenges of higher education, build resilience, increase sense of belonging and foster personal growth. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
• Facilitator: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC, Brianna Rivera, M.A. and Eriselis Pizarro
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• In this group, students will be utilizing the therapeutic space for topics such as exploring identity, sense of belonging, navigating the difficulties of higher education, family dynamics, relationships, etc. The group is one where individuals will be practicing interpersonal skills and self-reflection in an affinity space that is trauma-informed.

For female-identifying graduate students who wish to explore judgment, decision-making, life and relational patterns, social and relational dynamics, self-esteem, assertiveness, practicing vulnerability, and understanding themselves and others in a safe, contained place. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open
• Start Date: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC and Qiuyi Wei, M.A.
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
• At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
• The group topics are generated by the group members, and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
• Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions and role modeling this for group members.
• Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.

This process group is intended for graduate international students who grapple with cultural adjustment, social anxiety/isolation and other academic, career and personal challenges. Through sharing and giving feedback to each other in a safe and confidential environment, members will have an opportunity to develop better understandings of their decision-making and relational patterns, establish healthier and more sustainable coping strategies, and build meaningful connections with peers. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Start Date: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
• Facilitators: Chloe Lin, M.S., MHC-LP, Dammy Ogun, MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
• At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
• Group topics are generated by the group members, and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
• Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions, and modeling this for group members.
• Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.

• Students will need to complete an initial consultation with Counseling; if you are just interested in Group, let us know when you make the appointment. All group members will have an individual Group Orientation, during which the facilitator will answer any questions or concerns you may have. The facilitator will also assess readiness, appropriateness and goals for potential group members. A brief overview of the group therapy process will also be reviewed.
• Please let the group facilitator know if you have any accommodation needs.
• Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
• If members are going to be late or are unable to attend, please message a facilitator as soon as possible through the Patient Portal or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000. Some groups have attendance expectations, so please check with the facilitator.
• Should circumstances arise that prevent participation or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, meeting with a group facilitator will help connect the student to other resources or opportunities that may better meet their needs.

If you have any questions about Group Counseling, please contact Counseling at 315.443.8000, or email group coordinator Keith Brown, LCSW, at kbbrown@syr.edu.