Counseling Center

Spring 2021 VIRTUAL THERAPY/SUPPORT GROUPS

Groups require a brief meeting with the facilitator prior to joining to determine whether they are the right fit for you. Groups are open to currently enrolled MSU Denver students. To sign-up for a group call (303) 615-9988 to reach the Counseling Center office. 

All Spring 2021 Virtual Therapy/Support Groups will be held in Microsoft Teams.

Short-Term Psychoeducational Groups

These groups are designed to provide quick and effective solutions to minor dilemmas and issues to avoid having to be placed on a waitlist for services. A 4-week commitment is encouraged. Membership will rotate and Group Facilitators will share expectations.

Option 1: Tuesdays         2:00-3:00 p.m.       Dr. Vicky Tuakoi, Staff Psychotherapist

Option 2: Wednesdays    2:00-3:00 p.m.       Dr. Ray Gornell,  Staff Psychologist

An Interpersonal Process Group for Strengthening Relationships

This therapy group is designed for individuals who desire growth, insight, and awareness of both self and others by relating effectively with other group members in a safe, supportive environment.

Option 1:    Mondays, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Facilitator:  Michael Malmon, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist & Kyrie Lampert, M.A., Practicum Student

Option 2:   Fridays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Facilitators: Michael Malmon, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist & Pippa Tucker, M.A., Practicum Student

Mindfulness Practices Group

This five-session group is for those who would like to learn about mindfulness practices and bring these practices into daily life. We will review the principles of mindfulness and practice exercises together.

When:        Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Starts in February)

Facilitator: Raymond Gornell, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

Overcoming Anxiety

We all experience stress and worry. When worries seem to take center stage and crowd out other important thoughts and emotions, it may be anxiety. This group will help you to develop effective ways to address anxiety.

When:         Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Facilitator:  Anne Edwards, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

Living with Loss: Grief Support Group
A supportive space for students to share personal grief experiences while also receiving support from others who have lost a loved one. This group will help students develop personal approaches for addressing grief.

When:         Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Facilitator:  Caela Day, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

When Shyness Gets in Your Way

This semi-structured group will provide a safe place to explore experiences of anxiety in social situations, teach practical methods of dealing with these concerns, and increase feelings of self-efficacy and confidence. 

When:        Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Vicky Tuakoi, Staff Psychotherapist, & Sabah Islam, B.A., Practicum Student

DBT: Better Relationships Through Better Boundaries

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

When:         Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m. 

Facilitator:  Vicky Tuakoi, Psy.D., Staff Psychotherapist

Support Group for Transgender Individuals

Transgender individuals sometimes experience much hostility, stress, and rejection from others who fail to understand their narratives. This group is designed to provide support, empathy, and
acceptance as well as provide coping strategies.

When:         Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Facilitator:  Jeanne Burkhart, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, & Kyrie Lampert, M.A., Practicum Student

Kaleidoscope Circle: A Group for BIPOC Students

This process group is open to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of color) who are looking for opportunities to find community, process experiences, and deepen understandings of self and others. Topics may include but are not limited to: relationships, academics, race-related stress, imposter syndrome, acculturation, microaggressions, intersectional identities, trauma, isolation, resilience, and empowerment.

When:         Mondays, 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Facilitator:  Caela Day, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist

Men’s Group

This process group will offer a place for men to discuss their relationships and the expectations that they have for themselves in a world that often sends mix messages about masculinity and at times is stressful. Healthy ways to be in relation to ourselves and others will be explored.

When:         Fridays, 1:00-2:30 p.m.   

Facilitator:  Raymond Gornell, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist