Group counseling is often the most beneficial option for addressing many student concerns. This is particularly true for students wanting to better understand themselves, aspects of their identities, and how they relate to others. CAPS group services are free and unlimited. Please see individual group sections and descriptions for more information about how to join.
Therapy Groups & Themed/Discussion Groups
The groups listed below will meet weekly throughout the semester and typically consist of 5-10 students. For most groups, an informational pre-group meeting with the group facilitators is scheduled before you join the group. Each Fall 2022 group will be offered either virtually via Zoom or in-person. Please check individual group descriptions for details about format. If you are interested in joining one of these groups, please call us at (704) 687-0311.
the empowered black man
Wednesdays | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (Format flexible/TBD)
Terrence Harper II, Ph.D.
This group will discuss the impact of identity, including how we understand ourselves and how we are understood, on wellbeing. Typical issues discussed include societal expectations, relationships and isolation, perceptions of strength, spirituality, sexual identity, intra-racial diversity, power/oppression, dealing with pressures, and coping with racism. In developing awareness of the multiple impacts on Black masculinity, this group endeavors to empower students to define for themselves how they hope to move in the world.
the empowered black woman group
Mondays | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Zoom)
Aayla Alexander, LCSW & Shaakira Jones, PhD
Thursdays | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (In-person)
Leigh Norwood, LCSW & Amani Davis, MA
This group will discuss issues of cultural uniqueness and the impact that it has on the balance of work/academic/personal relationships. Discussions include perceptions of competence, disparities, and identity development as they relate to physical and emotional health.
Graduate student support group
Mondays | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Zoom)
Alex Alvarez Rivas, LCSW & Mar'Kayla Walker-Jones, PhD, MSSW
This group will provide a space for conversation among graduate students about various aspects of work, academic, cultural, and personal life. Students will support each other and discuss collective wisdom around different challenges in the complexities of life at UNC Charlotte. The focus of discussion will evolve from the present concerns of members.
multicultural women's empowerment group
Tuesdays | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (In-person)
Phylicia Currence, LCSW & Ameenah Ikram, MA
Wednesdays | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Zoom)
Eva Gonzalez, LCSW & Jalisa Lewis, LCSW
This group is designed for women (or those socialized as women) who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color) or who have minoritized racial/ethnic identities. In this supportive and empowering environment, we will discuss issues of cultural, racial, and ethnic identity and the impact they have on relationships, academics, and work. We will explore how identities impact issues related to power, privilege, and oppression. Discussions may include self-worth, families, disparities, perceptions of academic success, and identity development as they relate to physical and emotional health.
social confidence group
Wednesdays | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (In-person)
Emily Brown, PhD & Lucas Goodwin, MA
Do you ever feel anxious when meeting new people, dating, going to a party or meeting, or approaching professors? High levels of social anxiety can negatively impact your relationships and even affect your classroom experiences and academic success. This workshop focuses on identifying fears related to social situations and provides psychological education, support, and the opportunity to develop skills to manage a variety of social situations and increase your social confidence.
survivors of sexual trauma
Wednesdays | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Zoom)
Terri Rhodes, PhD & Emily Keller, MA, MS
This therapy group is for woman-identified students who are interested in seeking support from others as they journey through recovery from sexual trauma. This group will include learning how to cope with emotions surrounding trauma, helping members feel less alone in their journey, and providing support as members process feelings and beliefs associated with their trauma.
For individuals identifying as men or other gender identities who are interested in a similar service, please contact Renita Sengupta (renita.sengupta@uncc.edu).
True selves: a gender and sexuality spectrum group
Tuesdays | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Format flexible)
Erin Albert, Ph.D. & Leslie Snapper, M.A.
This supportive group is designed for individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community, who use other labels, or choose not to identify with a label to express their sexual or gender fluidity. or who use other labels or choose not to identify with a label to express their sexual or gender fluidity. Together we will create a safe place to discuss identities, community, coming out, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, the “isms,” and other topics of interest to group members.
understanding self and others
Mondays | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Zoom)
Aaron Brink, PsyD & Amani Davis, M.A.
Tuesdays | 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Zoom)
Daniela Recabarren, PhD & Lucas Goodwin, MA
Thursdays | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (In-person)
Libby Malone, PhD & Ameenah Ikram, MA
These therapy groups are designed for students who are interested in understanding themselves and their relationships, learning to communicate more effectively with others, and gaining support from peers. Through building a caring, supportive, and collaborative environment, these groups help members learn more about the ways they interact with others, while also developing greater self-awareness and a healthy self-concept.
Community Drop-in Spaces
The community drop-in spaces below provide monthly, drop-in support for students with shared identities or experiences. These drop-in spaces do not require any pre-group meeting, registration, or prior contact with CAPS. Simply show up at the designated in-person location, or click the zoom link to join on the specified date and time.
First Gen Niners (Drop-in)
Thursdays 4:00-5:00pm, Once a month
Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8
Student Union 266
Aayla Alexander, LCSW, Phylicia Currence, LCSW, Shaakira Jones, PhD & Mar'Kayla Walker-Jones, PhD, MSSW
Being a first-generation college student can be an exciting journey. However, it can also be a challenging and isolating one. The First Gen Niners support group is a welcoming and nurturing space for conversation amongst first generation college students about various aspects of navigating academics, family, and life at UNC Charlotte with others who "get it." Members will give and receive support and work toward becoming successful academically, professionally, and personally. Join the First Gen Niner family once a month on Thursdays from 4-5 PM as we foster relationships and cultivate community at UNCC. No pre-group meeting or registration required.
Veterans Support Space (Drop-in)
Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 PM, Once a Month
Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Nov. 16, Dec. 7
VSO Lounge
Libby Malone, PhD
Women of Color Conversations (Drop-in)
Wednesdays 5-6 PM, Once a Month
Sept. 14: Student Union 263
Oct. 12: Zoom (zoom.us/j/93975773123?pwd=d1pmNEFvZTR1SVRGdU1DSjJjcTVkUT09)
Nov. 9: Student Union 263
Dec. 7: Student Union 263
Aayla Alexander, LCSW & Phylicia Currence, LCSW
Women of Color Conversations is a drop-in space centered around creating and strengthening connections for students who identify as Women of Color at UNC Charlotte. The dialogues focus on topics that are particularly relevant to Women of Color, including Imposter Syndrome, Colorism, Self-Worth, Navigating a PWI, etc. In this space, we highlight how these topics can affect our mental health. As a result, themes like advocacy, community and support are interwoven throughout each session. This space is co-sponsored and co-facilitated by CAPS and IEE.
For more information about upcoming events, please visit https://identity.uncc.edu/events