Skip to content

Groups

Body Talk led by Gwen Angert, Psy. D

Mondays 9-10:00 am, begins 2/5/24

This group is a supportive, nonjudgemental space for cultivating compassion towards our bodies by exploring topics of food, movement and critical thought through conversation and shared experiences.

 

First Gen Roots led by Joseph A. Ramirez, MA & Menchie Agtarap, MA

Mondays 3:30-4:30 pm, begins 2/5/24

Are you the FIRST in your family to attend college? CAPS welcomes all 1st generations students to our weekly support group to gather, connect, and empower one another through shared experiences! Our goal is to support you in navigating the unique challenges and celebrating your accomplishments on this journey for personal and academic growth.”

 

Express Yourself: Arts & Crafts led by Menchie Agtarap, MA

Tuesdays 3-4:30 pm, begins 2/6/24

A weekly group session for UC Merced students focused on using art as a tool for self-discovery, creative self-expression, and self-care, with different themes and arts & crafts activities each week.

 

Navigating Anxiety led by Simran Kainth, MA

Tuesdays 2-3 pm, begins 2/6/24

Welcome to Navigating Anxiety, a group designed to address and manage some of the challenges associated with anxiety. In this group individuals come together to gain insights into the nature of anxiety as well as learn and practice effective coping skills to manage anxiety.

 

Social Gaming led by Joseph A. Ramirez, MA

Tuesdays 1-2:30 pm, begins 2/6/24

CAPS invites all UCM scholars to this dynamic gaming group to help foster essential social skills by playing tabletop games! Join us on our mission to create a supportive environment where you can begin mastering the social challenges of university life. This journey will involve building meaningful relationships and leveling up your communication skills by socializing with others through our shared love of gaming.

 

Express Yourself: Arts and Crafts led by Grace L. Abear, M.S, PsyD

Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm, begins 2/7/24

A weekly group session for UC Merced students focused on using art as a tool for self-discovery, creative self-expression, and self-care, with different themes and arts & crafts activities each week.

 

Morning Mindfulness led by Darrah Wilson, LMFT

Wednesdays 9-10 am and Fridays 9-10 am, begins 1/24/24

Guided mindfulness sessions led by an experienced clinician, learning techniques to enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost well-being. Incorporates meditation, mindful movement / seated yoga, body scans and awareness, and strategies to incorporate mindfulness into daily life.

 

Transforming Trauma Through Art led by Simran Kainth, MA; Bri Freeman, PsyD

Wednesdays 1-2:30 pm, begins 2/21/24

This trauma-focused art therapy group is all about healing through creative expression. Members will engage in various art activities as they. explore and learn about the impact of trauma on themselves and the world around them. No previous art experience is needed.

 

Building Resiliency led byJessica Herrington, LMFT

Thursdays 9-10 am, begins 1/25/24

A transformative and supportive group designed to empower individuals facing academic and personal challenges. Using the principles of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), our group focuses on building emotional resilience, fostering positive narratives, and providing a nurturing community for growth. Participants will gain greater awareness their nervous system, learn to track sensations in their body, practice mindfulness techniques to ground in the present moment, reset their nervous systems, and expand their window of tolerance. Through collaborative activities and interactive sessions, participants will develop essential skills to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and collectively rewrite their personal and academic narratives.

 

Find Your Focus led by Bri Freeman, M.S, PsyD

Thursdays 11 am-12 pm, begins 2/14/24

Do you often find yourself struggling to maintain focus, manage time, or organize tasks effectively? If so, our "Find Your Focus" group therapy provides a supportive and understanding community for individuals experiencing attention and executive functioning difficulties. This group aims to empower participants with practical strategies, shared experiences, and a sense of connection in their journey towards understanding how to work with their attention span.

 

Graduate Support Group led by Harvey Zhang, PsyD

Thursdays 11 am-12 pm, begins 2/8/24

A group to help graduate students connect and support one another.

 

DBT Skills led by Darrah Wilson, LMFT

Thursdays 1-2pm by referral only, begins 2/8/24

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group is a structured and supportive environment that offers the opportunity to learn and practice skills aimed at managing emotions, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. DBT group will focus on four main skill sets: Mindfulness: Participants learn to increase awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment, fostering a greater sense of control. Distress Tolerance: Techniques are taught to manage and tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors, focusing on acceptance and coping mechanisms. Emotion Regulation: Individuals learn strategies to identify and regulate intense emotions, promoting emotional stability and reducing impulsive reactions. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skills are taught to improve communication, assertiveness, and relationships, enabling participants to navigate interactions more effectively.

 

Queer Chat led by Grace L. Abear, M.S, PsyD

Thursdays 3-4 pm (hybrid), begins 2/8/24

The CAPS' LGBTQIA+ weekly support group represents our dedication to the holistic support and development of our campus community. Currently, this service is reserved for UC Merced students who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and/or are questioning their sexual orientation/gender identity.