Groups at CAPS
Below is a listing of the types of groups, workshops, and forums we have offered in the past. To see which groups are running this quarter (including time and location), please go to our Calendar page. You can download flyers for many of our groups by visiting our Download Center. If you have any questions or requests, please contact Dr. Christina Castro at 858-534-0252.
Knowing Me, Knowing You:
Do you find it difficult connecting with others? Do you find yourself avoiding social situations (even when you want to socialize?) If so, 'Knowing Me, Knowing You’ may be for you! This group will provide an opportunity to relate to others, gain social skills, and learn more about yourself in the process. Leader: Sam Park, Ph.D., 858-534-0249.
Building Social Confidence:
Would you like to improve the quality of social interactions and the availability of social support? This group focuses on identifying fears related to social situations, reducing self-defeating coping patterns and strengthening effective social skills. Combines an educational and support approach. Topics covered are tailored for each group, and have included building conversation skills (how to start, sustain, and end conversations), assertiveness training, how to speak up in class, and how to reduce anxiety in social situations such as dating, parties, or professional meetings. Leader: Tiffany O’Meara, Ph.D., 858-534-1579. To download a group flyer, go to our Download Center!
Advanced Building Social Confidence:
This is a group for students who have completed one quarter of the Building Social Confidence group and would like to continue to work on reducing anxiety in social situations and increasing their self-confidence. Students get more individualized attention in this group, and topics are dictated by the group members. Come share your own experiences and challenges, and get feedback and support from a caring group of students who share similar experiences. Once you've completed one BSC group, you may join the Advanced group at any time while you are here at UCSD! Leader: Tiffany O'Meara, Ph.D., 858-534-1579
Adult Children of Alcoholics Therapy Group:
This is a therapy group for students who have grown up in a family with alcohol abuse and want to work through personal issues. Previous psychotherapy is recommended. Leader: Jeanne Manese, Ph.D., 534-0250. Please call Dr. Manese for information and a pre-group appointment.
Getting Your Life Back: Depression or Bipolar Disorder Group:
Are you ready to better understand your own mood states, achieve greater relief, and return to your old self? Mood extremes can negatively affect your health, interfere with sustained academic performance, disrupt relationships, and wreak havoc with your personal sense of emotional well-being. Please join this welcoming and supportive group designed to break the isolation of suffering, help you make positive changes, and establish a more powerful social support network. A brief screening appointment with the group leader, or any other PCS staff member is required prior to participation. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. Leader: Peter Russell, Ph.D., 858-534-0767.
Custom Fit (Claiming Self-Nuturance and Self-Mastery):
If your main style of relating to yourself and coping with the vicissitudes of life is to restrict your intake of food and live in a state of deprivation, you are not alone. Come and join us. We will empower ourselves by shifting from a deficiency model affecting our bodies, intellect and emotions to developing self-soothing skills and the ability to maintain optimal levels of self-regard, self-validation, efficacy, confidence, and compassion. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D., 858-534-0255. Please call Dr. Materna for information and a pre-group appointment.
Breaking Free:
This is a therapy group for students who have had prior treatment for their struggles with food and body image. Topics include self-esteem, family dynamics, relationships, and gender roles. Group members form the basis of mutual support towards goals of personal and physical well-being. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D., 858-534-0255. Please call Dr. Materna or Dr. Thompson for information and a pre-group appointment.
Sexual Assault Survivors Group:
In a safe environment, this group will look at how the sexual assault (rape and attempted rape) continues to affect members’ day-to-day living. Even if the assault happened months or years ago, you are invited to participate in this group. Leader: Nancy Wahlig, LCSW, 858-534-5793. This group is co-sponsored by the Student Safety Awareness Program.
Veterans Support Group:
This group assists registered UCSD students who have been members of the military. It is a place to share experiences and obtain support from fellow veterans. Participants will have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of wellness enhancing skills. The group also serves as a clearing house for the many governmental resources available for veterans. Leader: John Sexton, Ph.D., 858-534-0251 or at jlsexton@ucsd.edu.
Women's Group:
This group is for undergraduate women who are interested in exploring personal growth in a supportive environment. We will discuss topics related to: identity self-esteem, assertiveness, relationships, etc. Leader: Christina Castro, Ph.D., 858-534-0252.
Graduate Student Growth Group:
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Wonder how you can balance all the demands in your life? Concerned about relationships with your roommates, colleagues or advisors? Wonder if you can make a love relationship work? Then come to this support group designed to help you live successfully as a graduate student at UCSD. You have invested years of work and study to reach your goals, why not invest a short time each week to help you function at your best? Leaders: Christina Lambert, Ph.D., 858-534-3035 & Peter Russell, Ph.D., 858-534-0767.
Claiming Your Life:
The goal of this graduate gay, bisexual, and questioning men’s group is to provide a safe, supportive atmosphere to learn to accept yourself and better your lives. Topics of concern might include self-esteem, identity, relationships, homophobia, coming out, and academic issues. Please call CAPS for more info, 858-534-3755.
Freshman Success:
This workshop provides strategies for successfully transitioning to college. Discussion topics include: getting to know resources on campus, juggling priorities,transition issues, managing stress, and success strategies. Leader: Christina Castro, Ph.D., 858-534-0252.
Peace of Mind Workshops
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed out, or overwhelmed by emotions? The Peace of Mind weekly workshops are 1 hour drop-in workshops and each workshop covers a different topic. You can come to one or you can come to them all. We will teach you about the following topics.
- Stress Tolerance—Discover how to cope with stress and survive a crisis
- Interpersonal—Learn to improve your interpersonal relationships
- Emotional Wisdom—Understand feelings and increase emotional coping skills
- Mindfulness—Relax, increase awareness, and improve concentration
- Meaning Making—Increase mood management, resilience, and life satisfaction
Leaders:
Fall: Karla Materna, Ph.D. & Jimmy Harbin, Ph.D.
Winter: Christina Lambert, Ph.D. & Jill Cooley, M.A.
Spring: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. & Qutayba Abdullatif, M.A.
Call the CAPS central offi ce at 858-534-3755 for days and times
of workshops.
Get Up, Stand Up:
Do you often feel misunderstood, have diffi culty negotiating disagreements,and find it hard to stand up for yourself? This workshop is aimed at teaching you how to be assertive in relationships so that your needs and desires are expressed directly while still being considerate of others’ needs. By being assertive,you will be able to effectively develop close and long lasting relationships! Leader: Jimmy Harbin, Ph.D., 858-822-5345
Grief Group:
This group is designed for students who have experienced the death of someone significant. Through a combination of education, discussion, and artwork, members find support while moving through bereavement. Please call 534-3755 for information. Leader: Natalie Rice-Thorp, PhD (858-534-3875) and Nancy Wahlig, LCSW, 858-534-5793. This group is co-sponsored by the Student Safety Awareness Program.
Health, Peak Performance, and Self-Hypnosis:
Interested in enhancing your health, excelling athletically, reducing your stress, or boosting your self confidence? Self-hypnosis exercises can assist you in accomplishing your goals. This 6-week experience will be tailored to participants with a view towards healthful living. Leaders: Jeanne Manese, Ph.D. 858-534-0250 or Rhonda Hackshaw (858-534-5981).
Managing Moods:
This 4-week workshop is for students who are troubled by negative emotions or minor behavioral problems. A cornucopia of coping skills! A wide variety of cognitive, behavioral and other proven coping techniques are taught and practiced. Participants become skilled at problem solving, time management, assertiveness, conflict resolution, relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis, and changing problematic moods and behaviors.. Leader: John Sexton, Ph.D. 858-534-0251. To download a group flyer, go to our Download Center!
Insomnia Workshops:
Sleepless in San Diego? Are you longing for a good night's sleep? If so, you are invited to participate in the Insomnia Workshops. Here you can (1) learn about the nature and causes of insomnia, (2) receive concrete suggestions on how to improve sleep, and (3) receive referrals for additional resources. Workshops include two 90-minute sessions. Sessions and materials are free. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D. (858-534-3755). To download a group flyer, go to our Download Center!
Mental Training for Athletic Peak Performance:
Training the mind for optimal athletic performance through self-hypnosis, visualization, and relaxation exercises. Leader: Rhonda Hackshaw, Ph.D., 858-534-5981
Mindful Relaxation:
Feeling tense and stressed? Do you want to learn new ways to de-stress and relax? Join us for peaceful experiential exercises. Mindful relaxation is a drop-in educational workshop series. We will practice mindful walking, relaxation through guided imagery, tactile mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and more. Mindful relaxation exercises are an excellent way to de-stress, improve your sleep and health, decrease anxiety, relax and have fun! Leader: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D., 858-534-3875
School of Medicine Relaxation-Meditation Forum:
This lunchtime meditation-relaxation forum is offered for any SOM students interested in reducing stress, improving physical and emotional health, and enhancing academic performance. Participants will learn meditation, relaxation, and self-hypnosis skills which can be used regularly and effectively. Meetings are held at the School of Medicine, MTF #111 every Monday from Noon-1PM. No advanced or onsite registration is required. Attend any or all meetings. Secretly bring any food and drink with you that you desire. Leader: Peter Russell Ph.D., CAPS Liaison to SOM. 858-534-0767. PCRUSSELL@UCSD.EDU.
Wellness and Relaxation 101:
Approaching wellness from a holistic perspective, this introductory course blends practices from ancient traditions with the knowledge of contemporary science. Through experiential exercises, introductory teachings, and brief discussions we will embark upon a guided exploration of tension-reducing skills. What benefits reveal themselves when anxiety is dissolved? You may be surprised. In addition to promoting relaxation while in the group, you will have the chance to develop inner tools using breath, body awareness, meditation, and principles of gentle yoga to enhance functioning in your daily life. Leader: Rhonda Hackshaw, Ph.D., 858-534-5981.
Stress Management through Relaxation Training
and Biofeedback:
A basic introduction to relaxation training is offered through this group. Participants learn ways to remain calm during stressful situations. A variety of methods, including biofeedback, muscle relaxation and positive self-talk will be introduced. Leader: Qutayba Abdullatif, M.A., 858-534-7403
Life Planning for the 21st Century:
Are you graduating and searching for meaningful life work? Have you been looking for passion in your life? Do you want to find balance and fulfillment in your work-life? If so, come and join our Life-Planning workshop. Through structured exercises and group dialogue, this workshop will explore your values, interests, lifestyle, life-purpose and -meaning to assist you with finding your personal and professional goals. Leader: Jeanne Manese, Ph.D., 858-534-0250. Note: This group is typically offered in the Spring quarter. Please contact Dr. Manese for more information.
Questioning Career Transitions:
A five-session series, aims to help Ph.D. students work through questions about continuing an academic career track, discern types of work and environment that match individual skills and personality, identify transferable skills developed as a Ph.D. student, and examine values, priorities, alternatives, and goals for career next steps. Leader: Christina Lambert, Ph.D., 858-534-3035.
Overcoming Binge Eating:
This group will focus on exploring, understanding, and developing an active and satisfying relationship with one’s self, body and food. There will be experiential exercises, reading material, problem solving and discussion. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D., 858-534-3755. Please call Dr. Materna for information and a pre-group appointment.
Celebrating Every Body:
Do you find yourself obsessing about your body? Are you dissatisfied with the way you look? Would you like to develop a more positive view of your body and increase your self-confidence? We will explore these issues in a small group. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D., 858-534-3755.
Free 2-Be Me:
Tired of focusing on food and weight? Want to feel good about yourself regardless of the weight on the scale? Ready to give up purging? This 7-week workshop will focus on exploring, understanding, and changing unhealthy eating patterns, purging, and a preoccupation with weight and food. There will be experiential exercises, reading material, problem solving and time for discussion. Leader: Karla Materna, Ph.D., 858-534-3755. Please call Dr. Materna for information and a pre-group appointment.
Men's Forum:
Are you a male UCSD student who wants to discuss important aspects of your life with other men? Have you been wondering about how to build deeper or more intimate relationships and connections? This positive and inspiring group encourages men to explore their true selves by fostering discussions and activities that promote honesty, self-disclosure, and bonding. Location: Muir College, Half Dome Lounge. Leader: Sam Park, Ph.D., 858-534-0249.
Students Beyond Borders - A Forum at the International Center:
This informal drop-in meeting is meant to provide a safe space for international students to meet and discuss issues in an open and supportive community atmosphere. Non-international students with interest in cross cultural dialogue are also welcomed. Meets Fridays 12:45-2:00pm at the International Center. Leader: Rina Schul, Ph.D., 858-534-1768.
Roommate Success Forum
This weekly resource hour is available for students interested in improving roommate relationships, working-out roommate and/or suitemate conflicts, and creating a more comfortable and supportive living environment. Students may attend alone or bring roommates and other suitemates with them for assistance in mediating conflict. Resident Advisors interested in receiving support and consultation may also choose to attend, or escort their residents with them to Counseling and Psychological Services for this weekly resource hour. Leader: Peter Russell, Ph.D. 858-534-0767.
Asian Community Forum:
This informal drop-in group is designed to address the concerns of Asian/Pacific Islander students at UCSD in a supportive and problem-solving atmosphere. Issues such as career and academic success, family pressures, cultural identity, and relationships are possible topics. Leader: Sam Park, Ph.D., 858-534-0249. This group is co-sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center.
Campus Black Forum:
An informal gathering to invite open discussion and exchange ideas, questions and concerns on any topic relevant to the lives and experiences of people of African descent. It is a place to connect with other students (grad and undergrad), faculty, and staff at UCSD in a casual, supportive community atmosphere. Leader: Cat Thompson, Ph.D., 858-534-3987. This group is co-sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center.
Latino/Chicano Forum:
Family, parents, economics, friends, relationships, culture and academics -- all these themes are explored toward the goal of graduation from UCSD. Leader: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. (858-534-3875) & Christina Castro, Ph.D. (858-534-0252).
Outside the Box - Multi-Racial/Multi-Ethnic Forum:
This informal group is a safe space for students, faculty, and staff of multiracial/multiethnic and other non-dominant identities to share their experiences and discuss issues in an open and supportive, community atmosphere. Leader: Cat Thompson, Ph.D., 858-534-3987. Meets on Thursdays, 4:30-6pm, at the Cross-Cultural Center, 510 Univ. Ctr. This group is co-sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center.
Graduate Women of Color Forum:
Drop in gathering for graduate women who are seeking support and would like to connect with other women of color. Topics can include Seeking out support and resources, navigating the political system, having to prove yourself as a minority student, race and class issues, working successfully with your advisors, and gender dynamics. Leaders: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D., 858-534-3875 and Christina Castro, Ph.D., 858-534-0252.
Graduate Woman in Science:
A support group for women in the science fields where women are underrepresented. Discussion topics are selected by group members. This group will facilitate the development of: 1) a sense of community where each person enjoys a feeling of belonging, 2) support toward the attainment of goals, 3) self-empowerment in creating and maintaining visions for one’s personal and professional life. Leader: Reina Juarez, Ph.D., 858-534-3755. Please call Dr. Juarez for information and a pre-group appointment.
Mindfulness-Body and Mind In Harmony Forum:
Come and join us in the practice of Mindfulness for Stress Reduction. Create an island unto yourself to be truly alive in the present moment. Together we will cultivate our joy, peace, solidity and freedom from fear, and suffering. Novices and experts welcome. Bring your brown bag lunch and let’s eat mindfully, sit in meditation and engage in awareness through movement. Leader: Led by Reina Juarez, Ph.D., 858-534-3755.
Alcohol & Substance Use Support Forum:
If you ever asked the question to yourself, "Do I have a problem with……….?“ then perhaps you are ready to explore the response. Call 858-534-3755 for more info.
Medical Students and Partners Relationship Forum:
Open to medical students and their partners, this forum is intended to support couples in their journey together through medical school. Through structured exercises, scientifically validated information and group generated solutions, we will provide a safe environment for couples to improve and enhance their relationships. Leader: Jerry Phelps, Ph.D. Please call Sherryl Parks at 858-534-1519 for more details.
Transfer, Re-Entry, & Commuter ("TREC") Forum:
This forum is available for those who "TREC" to UCSD - transfer students, re-entry students, and commuters. Here you can meet and receive support from other TREC-ers. Please call Dr. Sam Park for more info, 858-534-0249.
Graduate Student Parent Forum:
Welcome UCSD student-parents! During the second Tuesday of each month, this group will meet and be a place for parents to reflect, problem-solve, and discuss topics of interest (such as communication, relationship building, discipline and social-emotional intelligence) with a psychologist/parent and each other. Leader: Samuel Park, Ph.D., 858-534-0249.
