University of Wisconsin–Madison

Group Counseling


Connect with your peers

Each semester, hundreds of students join UHS group counseling to find a supportive, confidential space where they can connect, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives.

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It’s overall a great experience. I had a safe place to hear from others and also be heard.
Real UW-Madison student

Schedule your pre-group orientation

Call 608-265-5600 (option 2)

Summer groups

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Past and present interactions with others contribute to shaping personality. Interpersonal Process Groups are often the treatment of choice for people who experience troubled relationships, loneliness, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and low self-esteem. These groups offer a safe environment to identify and explore feelings; to give and receive support and feedback; to practice new, healthier ways of relating to others; and to feel less lonely or isolated.


Schedule for interpersonal process groups

This is a therapy group for anyone who is willing to take risks in creating art to expand ways of communication, self-expression, and connection with others. No artistic experience is required, and the group will be focused on the experience of art making rather than on making “good” art. A typical group session will include time for art making based on a prompt or personal inspiration, sharing of artwork, and connecting with group members. Access to art materials is not a requirement of this group; co-facilitators will discuss options for materials during the pre-group orientation.

A supportive group environment focused on the emotional, behavioral, and organizational challenges associated with the dissertation process. Participants establish individual weekly research and personal goals, and share experiences and perspectives around common themes (e.g., procrastination, careers on or beyond the tenure track, advisor etiquette, and juggling multiple life roles). 

Fridays from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (virtual

Group Leader:

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This group helps participants express and explore emotions related to their experiences of bereavement. Open to people who have lost a loved one (e.g., family member, friend). Combines sharing, discussion, support, and activities.    

Fridays from 1 – 2:30 p.m. (in-person)

Group Leaders: Tyler Peterson and Anthony Mackar

This is a semi-structured process group for people who strive to feel worthy, to extend kindness to themselves, and to understand how to be your own best friend. Topics that will be explored include self-esteem, self-compassion, shame and guilt, vulnerability, and authenticity. Group members will engage in various activities such as journaling and mindfulness with periodic work outside of sessions. 

Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4 p.m. (virtual

Group Leaders:

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This group is intended for students struggling with social anxiety. Sessions are designed to be educational and experiential, helping participants develop awareness and skills to overcome anxiety and self-consciousness in social situations. In a structured and supportive environment, participants will learn concepts, drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), intended to bolster self-confidence, acceptance, and willingness to confront the social challenges of everyday life. 

Tuesdays from 2:30 – 4 p.m. (in-person)

Group Leaders:

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In this group, students will learn and refine skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills, drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are intended to help students modify behavioral, emotional, and thinking patterns associated with challenges in mood management and maintaining stable relationships.  

Mondays from 1 – 2:30 p.m. (in-person

Group Leaders:

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Step away from your screen and meet us outdoors for some connection time in the green! Start your day with an ecotherapy-themed experiential skills group for survivors to connect and build community through mindfulness and nature excursion. This group will meet outdoors and invite group members to participate in guided meditation, breathing practices, compassion practices, and somatic grounding exercises. There will be opportunity for discussion, reflection, and camaraderie with other group members. Please note, confidentiality may be limited due to the public setting. Please feel free to bring pillows, blankets, or chairs for comfort when sitting outside; morning coffee and tea welcome and encouraged!

Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (in-person)

Group Leaders:

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What to expect

Groups typically consist of 6-8 students and run for 8 weeks with required continuous attendance. All in-person groups occur at UHS, unless stated otherwise. You can expect to:

  • Have in-depth peer-to-peer interaction with support from the facilitators
  • Develop a deeper understanding of self, relationship dynamics, and interpersonal patterns
  • Explore and process your mental health concerns through sharing personal information
  • Connect with others who share similar experiences and/or identities
Students participate in group counseling

Frequently asked questions

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A pre-group orientation is a phone call to explore your options and learn more about the groups you are interested in. It does not mean you’re committed to enrolling.

Schedule your pre-group orientation by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or web booking via MyUHS. When calling, mention the group you’re interested in, along with the day and time, and request to be scheduled for a pre-group orientation.

Take the call in a private, comfortable space. You’ll meet with the group facilitator, ask questions, and learn more about the topics covered and how the group will be run. The group facilitator will also confirm the start and end dates.

Group counseling offers several benefits including:

  • Enhanced quality of relationships
  • Increased self-awareness and understanding of others
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Increased ability to give and receive honest feedback
  • Enhanced sense of belonging with others who have similar experiences and/or identities