Group Therapy
Build Connections and Gain Support
Group therapy is a powerful way to build connections, gain new perspectives and develop skills in a supportive environment.
CAPS offers a variety of groups, including therapy groups, support groups and skill-based workshops, designed to meet different needs and experiences.
Why Join a Group?
- Connect with others who share similar experiences
- Express thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment
- Try new ways of communicating and relating to others
- Build confidence and self-awareness
- Learn practical coping skills
How to Get Started
CAPS Offers Group Screening Appointments Where You Can
- Meet group leaders.
- Talk through your goals.
- Learn what to expect.
To Join a Group
- Email the group leader(s).
- Complete an intake appointment, if required.
Types of Groups
Whether you are looking to connect with others through a casual drop in or participate in a more structured therapy group, CAPS offers a variety of options to support your well being. Explore the groups below to find one that fits your interests, experiences and schedule.
Therapy and Support Groups
These groups typically include 5-8 students and are led by trained CAPS clinicians. Sessions are usually 1½ hours and meet weekly.
As trust builds, many students find group becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their experience.
Students often gain self-awareness, improve relationships, build self-esteem, learn to trust others and foster personal growth.
Explore your self-worth, identity and personal growth while building confidence and understanding the messages that shape your well-being.
Topics May Include: Self-esteem, body image, identity, confidence and personal growth.
Group Meets
- Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Contact
Ivonne De Pascual (depascuali@montclair.edu)
Lisa Westreich (westreichl@montclair.edu)
A supportive group for students navigating suicidal thoughts or past suicide attempts. Learn coping skills in a safe and structured environment.
Topics May Include: Coping skills, emotional resilience, recovery, stress management and peer support.
Group Meets
- Tuesdays: 2:15–3:30 p.m.
Details
- 8 Weekly Sessions
- Limited to Seven Participants
- Pre-group Meeting Required
Contact
Lisa Westreich (westreichl@montclair.edu)
Jude Uy (uyj@montclair.edu)
A space for international students and students from immigrant families navigating multiple cultures and identities.
Topics May Include: Cultural identity, belonging, adjustment, family dynamics and community support.
Group Meets
- Thursdays: 3–4 p.m., CAPS, Montclair Campus
Details
- Weekly commitment
- Rolling admission
- Pre-group meeting required
Contact
Sudha Wadhwani (wadhwanis@montclair.edu)
This group is designed for students who feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed emotionally (not academically) and want support getting back on track and building momentum.
Topics may include: Motivation, self-awareness, anxiety reduction skills, building healthy habits, coping skills, and behavioral activation
Group Schedule
- Tuesdays: 3-4:15 p.m.
- Montclair campus, CAPS
Contact
Dr. Jen Strollo (stolloj@montclair.edu), Sharon McNulty (mcnultys@montclair.edu)
Support for students managing medical or health-related challenges.
Topics May Include: Chronic Illness, stress management, self-care, finding community, navigating healthcare settings, exploring impacts on relationships with family, friends and partners.
Group Meets
- Mondays: 1–2 p.m.
Details
- Open to all Health Concerns
- Pre-group Meeting Required
Contact
Nancy Friedman (friedmann@montclair.edu)
Learn skills to manage emotions, improve relationships and navigate challenges like anxiety, anger and sadness.
Topics May Include: Emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, mindfulness and healthy coping skills.
Online Group Meets
- Tuesdays: 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Online.
In-Person Group Meets
- Thursdays: 11:20 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., In-Person.
Details
- Weekly Attendance Required
- Limited to Eight Participants
- Pre-group Meeting Required
Contact
- For In-Person Sessions: Nancy Friedman (friedmann@montclair.edu) or Jude Uy (uyj@montclair.edu)
- For Online Sessions: Charisma Jackson (jacksoncha@montclair.edu) or Jhonel Richards (richardsj@montclair.edu)
A group for students navigating grief and loss, offering connection, understanding and healing.
Topics May Include: Grief, loss, coping strategies, healing and peer support.
Group Meets
- Thursdays: 3–4:30 p.m.
Contact
Melissa Zarin (zarinm@montclair.edu)
Ivonne De Pascual (depascuali@montclair.edu)
A group centering trans-identifying and other gender diverse students looking for specific peer and clinical support, skill building and shared space with those who understand them.
Topics may include: Interpersonal effectiveness skills, coping skills, self awareness & personal growth.
Group Meets
- Wednesdays: 3:30-5 p.m. at CAPS
Group Leader
Jay Calderaro calderaroj@montclair.edu
A working group that will allow you to build executive functioning skills, work through procrastination and perfectionism, and get things done alongside others who get it. Each group begins with a brief check-in and introductions, followed by a skill-building activity and one hour dedicated to working on assignments, planning or adulting tasks in a supportive, accountability-focused environment.
Topics May Include: procrastination, attention, time management, perfectionism, frustration, executive functioning skills, planning and accountability.
Groups Schedule
- Mondays: 3-4:30 p.m., Online
Contact
Jhonel Richards (richardsj@montclair.edu)
A group centering fellowship, skill building and navigating life in difficult circumstances. Students will receive peer and clinical support while increasing knowledge of mental health skills and how they apply to their unique life, with a focus on joyful experiences.
Topics may include: Positive psychology, emotion expression through art and writing, personal growth and strengths.
Group Meets
- Mondays: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at CAPS
Group Leader
Jay Calderaro calderaroj@montclair.edu
Raíces y Alas (Roots and Wings): Conocerme, aceptarme, transformarme (Knowing Myself, Accepting Myself, Transforming Myself)
A group self-help space that will allow you to explore your story, strengthen self-awareness, and foster personal growth.
Topics may include: interpersonal relationships, communication skills, self-awareness, boundaries, and personal growth.
Group Schedule
- Mondays: 2-3:30 p.m., Montclair campus, CAPS
Contact
Diane Sosa (sosad@montclair.edu), Ivonne De Pascual (depascuali@montclair.edu)
Explore relationships, communication and self-awareness in a supportive group setting.
Topics May Include: Interpersonal relationships, communication skills, self-awareness, boundaries and personal growth.
Groups Available
- Wednesday (Women Only): 2–3:15 p.m.
- Thursday: 1–2:15 p.m.
Contact
Charisma Jackson (jacksoncha@montclair.edu)
Drop-In Groups
Drop-in groups are flexible and open to all students.
- No Appointment Required
- Attend as Often as You’d Like
- Focus on Specific Topics or Shared Experiences
- May Include Discussion, Support or Skill-Building
Some groups may require a brief pre-screening to ensure the best fit.
An open forum for supportive conversations about issues important to those who identify as men.
Topics May Include: Identity, relationships, mental health, personal growth and life challenges.
Group Meets
- Thursdays: 2–3 p.m., Health Promotion Drop-In Center, Montclair Campus
Contact
Khabir Williams (williamskh@montclair.edu)
John Han (hanj@montclair.edu)
An open forum for supportive conversations about issues important to those who identify as men.
A weekly drop-in group where students can connect, share experiences and have meaningful conversations about college and life.
Topics May Include: Navigating college, relationships, stress, careers, or life in general
Group Schedule:
Tuesdays: 12-1 p.m., Talbott Hall, Room of Excellence
This group is designed to help you recharge & reset. Join CAPS and Pebbles for a relaxing space focused on wellness & crafting. New craft each week!
Group Schedule
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:30 p.m., Montclair campus, CAPS, Russ Hall
Thursdays: 2-3 p.m., Bloomfield campus, CAPS, Talbott Hall, Room T200
Contact
Montclair campus: Tiffany Ciprian (cipriant@montclair.edu)
Bloomfield campus: Marisa Bonamassa-Cimino (bonamassacim@montclair.edu)