Current Groups

These structured clinics typically run for four to six consecutive weeks with a focus on education about and development of skills for improving your mental health and wellbeing. A pre-group meeting with the clinic facilitators is required.

Eating Disorder Recovery Skills

This clinic will provide hands-on practice of daily living skills to help with recovery from disordered eating and negative body image. These skills include identifying your values, mindfulness, working with strong emotions and thoughts, self-compassion, and intuitive eating.

Wednesdays 2:30-4:00p.m.

• Laurie Meguro, Post-Doctoral Fellow
• Michelle LeMay, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Racial Stress, Trauma, & Empowerment

This clinic is designed for students to better understand the impacts of racism on their lives. Students will learn to identify helpful ways of managing and responding to racism.

Time to be determined based on student availability. Please call if interested.

• Sultan Magruder, Psychologist
• Caitlin Chun-Kennedy, Psychologist

Self-Compassion

This process-oriented clinic will focus on developing awareness and practice of self-compassion. At times, students struggle with perfectionism and unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. "Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings- after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect?" (Neff, 2016). Members will develop skills in self-kindness through discussion, mindfulness practice, and experiential exercises. An intention will be to cultivate and empower the authentic self.

Thursdays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Laura Briscoe, Psychologist
• Henry Xiao, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Anxiety 

This clinic is designed for students who are struggling with various forms of anxiety. Students will learn more about symptoms of anxiety, how anxiety impacts daily functioning, how anxiety works in the body, and learn ways to manage and reduce anxiety. The clinic will also provide an opportunity for students to talk with and receive support from other students who have similar difficulties with anxiety.

Mondays 12:30-2:00 p.m. (begins March)

• Jason Yoder, Clinical Services Provider
• Mandy Milner, Clinical Services Provider

Mondays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Shannan Smith-Janik, Psychologist
• Michelle LeMay, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• Alex Kinder, Doctoral Intern
• Josie Huang, Extern

Perfectionism 

Perfectionistic tendencies can be both helpful and unhelpful in our daily lives. This clinic will help participants increase their awareness and insight into their perfectionism, as well as learn strategies for coping with perfectionism. We will explore the origins of perfectionism, the impact of perfectionism in daily life, and learn to identify and intervene with thoughts and behaviors that maintain perfectionism. 

Mondays 1:30-3:00 p.m. (begins March)

• Shannan Smith-Janik, Psychologist
• Michelle LeMay, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Mindful Mood Management

In this clinic members will develop emotion-regulation skills, allowing them to more effectively navigate difficult or overwhelming emotions, increase distress tolerance, and cultivate self-compassion. Members will be introduced to the practice of mindfulness, which has been described as "paying attention, in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Mindfulness can help with depression, anxiety, social discomfort, self-critical thoughts, anger, and other distressing emotions. Guided, experiential practice in the group will occur and some between-group practice will be encouraged.

Mondays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Han Wingate, Clinical Services Provider
• Henry Xiao, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Steady: Emotional Balance and Success

This group is intended for students who want to improve mood management and interpersonal success by learning skills to promote distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Learn to deal with stress without losing control or engaging in destructive behaviors but instead, by showing more self-compassion and gaining the ability to learn and practice ways to prepare yourself for life’s challenges.

Mondays 12:30-2:00 p.m.

• Corinne Creppage, Clinical Services Provider
• Mandy Milner, Clinical Services Provider

Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• Melinda Furer, Doctoral Intern
• Mahmood Al Ma'awali, Extern

Interpersonal Process groups focus on individuals' here-and-now experiences, feelings, and reactions. The overarching goal is to enhance your internal awareness as you navigate the path toward growth and change to your relationship with yourself and relationships with others. These are not structured groups. A pre-group meeting with the group facilitators is required.

Graduate & Returning Student Interpersonal Process

These groups are designed for personal growth and self-awareness for students who are older than the typical 18-22-year-old undergraduate population. Issues that will be addressed include relationships, life transitions, family of origin issues, managing stressors both in and outside of academic life, and how these issues affect feelings about ourselves and others. 

Wednesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Stephanie Stama, Psychologist
• Yuye Zhang, Doctoral Intern

Wednesdays 2:30-4:00 p.m.

• John Mitchell, Psychologist
• Ben Darling, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Thursdays 12:00-1:30 p.m.

• Natalie Hernandez DePalma, Psychologist
• Melinda Furer, Doctoral Intern

Thursdays 2:00-3:30 p.m.

• Jill Hranicka, Psychologist
• Baron Rogers, Doctoral Intern

Understanding Self & Others: Undergraduate Student Interpersonal Process

These groups are for undergraduate students who are interested in gaining a greater understanding of themselves and more effective ways of relating to others.

Mondays 1:00-2:30 p.m.

• Caitlin Chun-Kennedy, Psychologist
• Ben Darling, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Thursdays 2:30-4:00 p.m.

• Stephanie Stama, Psychologist
• Laurie Meguro, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Wednesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Emma Progar, Psychologist
• Michael Accardo, Psychologist

Men, Talking

This therapy group is open to both undergraduate and graduate male students. The purpose of this group is simply to get men together talking about different issues that may be impacting their life as a student at Penn State. Topics can vary from week to week and are based on group member needs. Sample topics include school and personal stressors, relationship issues, understanding and healthy expression of emotions, and dealing with the pressures associated with masculine ideals and stereotypes.

Tuesdays 2:00-3:30 p.m.

• John Mitchell, Psychologist
• Baron Rogers, Doctoral Intern

Interpersonal Mindfulness

This is for graduate students interested in using mindfulness to increase self-acceptance and relate more comfortably to others. Sample topics include working with social anxiety, self-critical thoughts, mindful communication, and present-centered awareness. Previous experience with mindfulness encouraged, but not necessary to join.

Mondays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Emma Progar, Psychologist
• Alex Kinder, Doctoral Intern

These groups are for individuals who have shared identities or experiences. There is a focus on common needs, concerns, and themes, which are addressed with a blend of education, skills, support, and interpersonal process.  These are not structured groups. A pre-group meeting with the group facilitators is required.

Adapting to Change & Life Stressors

This group is for students who are struggling with life changes and stressors. This could include being in a new environment, beginning or ending relationships, and living in the ever-changing landscape that is the pandemic world. Group members will have the opportunity to discuss and process their situations, as well as learn to strategies to adapt and cope.

Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 p.m.

• Mariah Schroen, Clinical Services Provider
• Dempsey Young, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Grief & Loss

This group is for students who have experienced the death of a friend, relative, or close association. It is also appropriate for those who continue to struggle with painful memories of the death of a loved one. The group will focus on adjustment to the loss and reduction in feelings of guilt, anger, depression, and powerlessness.

Mondays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Mariah Schroen, Clinical Services Provider
• Yuye Zhang, Doctoral Intern

Eating Disorder Recovery

These groups are designed for students who have difficulties with binge eating, purging, anorexia, and other eating disorder concerns. The group focus is on understanding and managing dysfunctional patterns with food, as well as dealing with difficult emotions. Stress, body image, self-esteem, self-expression, relationships and academic pressure are all possible topics for the group. 

Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Jill Hranicka, Psychologist
• Laurie Meguro, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Time to be determined based on student availability.

• Sultan Magruder, Psychologist
• Caitlin Chun-Kennedy, Psychologist

Women's Empowerment

This is a semi-structured support group for female students who have some history of exposure to sexual abuse and/or trauma. The group aims to empower the members to find their voice, increase self-worth, strengthen sense of self, and process through societal messages, pressures, and influences.

Tuesdays 3:00-4:30 p.m.

• Camille Sluzis, Clinical Services Provider
• Dempsey Young, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Any student enrolled at University Park can attend these drop-in groups no matter their current location. These groups focus on peer support and discussion. These are not therapy groups. 

It's in the name: drop in! No CAPS appointment or pre-group meeting is required. You can simply stop on by at your convenience during the designated group time by clicking the associated Zoom link (please attend at the start time of the drop-in group meeting). Each group ranges in structure and format. Try one out to learn more!

Drop-in groups are open to all enrolled students and operate on the assumption that attendance is self-initiated. To maintain confidentiality of all attendees, CAPS does not confirm attendance and will not allow screenshots of the group to be taken as a method for doing so.

Sexual and Gender Diverse Student Support Group

This is a semi-structured support group for sexual and gender diverse (SGD) students who look to improve their wellbeing. The group aims to empower the members to discuss the unique challenges that SGD students face, to increase self-worth, strengthen sense of self, and process through social and political unrest. 

Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join us via Zoom! 

https://psu.zoom.us/j/98447918342

• Michael Accardo, Psychologist
• Eric Duran, Program Coordinator for Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is an international non-profit, volunteer-driven organization offering free face-to-face and online mutual self-help groups. SMART Recovery supports individuals who are considering abstinence - or already have chosen to abstain - from any type of addictive behaviors (substances, activities or both) by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions and actions while working toward long-term satisfactions and quality of life. SMART teaches tools to stop problematic alcohol and drug use - and activities that have become compulsive, such as: smoking, overeating, gambling, sexual behavior and internet use. SMART Uses a Four Point Program:

1. Building and maintaining motivation 

2. Coping with urges

3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and actions

4. Living a balanced life

Mondays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 

Join us via Zoom!

https://psu.zoom.us/j/92538706774 

• Lori Strayer, Clinical Services Provider
• Janet Schwabenbauer, Clinical Services Provider

Women of Color Empowerment

This is a biweekly, open discussion group for Women of Color. This is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. The goal is to provide a supportive space for Women of Color on a majority white campus to explore what this means for them (with regard to identity, relationships, and more), to empower and enhance their voice, and to fully embrace their Penn State experience through academic excellence and relationship-building.

Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 p.m.  on the following dates:

• January 27
• February 10
• February 24
• March 10
• March 24
• April 7
• April 21

Join us via Zoom!
https://psu.zoom.us/j/95261846531 

• Laura Briscoe, Psychologist
• Dayze Florencio, Multicultural Resource Center Staff

Black and Latino Male Empowerment

The biweekly Black and Latino Male Empowerment Group (BLMEG) is a facilitated open discussion environment for African American and Latino men to meet biweekly within a brave space. The Black and Latino Male Empowerment Group explores shared experiences as Black and Latino men in the United States, particularly on a majority White campus. The goal is to assist men of color with identifying ways to fully embrace the Penn State experience through academic success, the development of community service initiatives, and relationship building, while taking advantage of all academic and social opportunities within the University. 

Thursdays 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Join us via Zoom!

https://psu.zoom.us/j/92207947357?pwd=dTVZcnlkbWFZVklPb2FDT2xqbkdLUT0 

• Sultan Magruder, Psychologist
• Alex Kenney, Multicultural Resource Center Staff

Interfaith Dialogues

Monthly dialogues aim to bring people of different religious, spiritual, and/or humanistic backgrounds together in ways that respect different identities, build mutually inspiring relationships, and engage in common action around issues of shared concern. Interfaith dialogues are not intended to be proselytizing, but a time to hear from one another and appreciate what everyone brings to the table.

February 16 at 12:00 p.m.: 

Join us via Zoom | https://psu.zoom.us/j/93612973236

March 18 at 12:00 p.m.:

Join us via Zoom | https://psu.zoom.us/j/91381274612

April 14th at 12:00 p.m.:

Join us via Zoom | https://psu.zoom.us/j/99767327382

• Emma Progar, Psychologist
• Rachel Galloway, Assistant Director Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development

Weekly Wellness: Strategies to Manage Stress and Enhance Your Well-Being

CAPS and Health Promotion & Wellness' (HPW) collaboration drop-in group will focus on all things college life, from conflict resolution to navigating COVID-19, to sleep. Join us for this weekly meeting where you will talk with staff and students to gain tips and strategies on overall wellness.

Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Join us via Zoom!

https://psu.zoom.us/j/99150579537

• Elana Szczesny, Psychologist
• Danielle Haluska, Assistant Director for Health Promotion and Wellness