Educational Workshops & Affinity Spaces
Boynton Health offers group services for increased support in moving toward healing or change around specific challenges. Students can learn new skills and strategies, connect, and share difficulties and experiences in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.
Groups and workshops provide opportunities for students to:
- Receive emotional support
- Increase self-awareness
- Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improve social skills
- Decrease loneliness and isolation
- Learn to deal with personal issues and resolve conflicts
- Gain new perspectives
- Talk with other students who have similar experiences
To request a mental health presentation or workshop, email [email protected].
Educational Workshops
Educational Workshops are not billed to health insurance and students are not charged a fee. If you have questions about billing, please contact 612-624-1444. Group offerings are open to all degree-seeking students currently enrolled at UMN Twin Cities regardless of identity. Joining an educational workshop does not require a mental health screening.
Summer 2026 Educational Workshops
Living Well: A Positive Psychology Approach
Fridays (Virtual), 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | June 5 – July 17, 2026
An opportunity for students to learn how to integrate positive emotions, character strengths, and a sense of meaning into their academic and personal lives. This workshop highlights both mental and physical health benefits of positive psychology while promoting well-being and reducing distress.
Facilitator: Jake Loeffler, LP
To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444.
Affinity Spaces
Boynton Health Affinity Spaces are student initiated groups offered in collaboration with our UMN Campus Partners. If you are a UMN student interested in joining or initiating an affinity space at Boynton, please contact [email protected]. For more information about student groups on campus, visit the UMN Student Union & Activities website. These spaces are open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota, regardless of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Counseling Groups and Group Therapy?
Counseling Groups, Educational Workshops, and Affinity Spaces are not billed to health insurance and students are not charged a fee.
Therapy Groups are billed to health insurance. Student Service Fees (SSF) help cover the cost of services for students who pay the SSF, have active health insurance, and are not on the Graduate Assistant Health Plan. Students on the Graduate Assistant Health Plan are responsible for a $10 co-pay.
If you have questions about billing, please contact 612-624-1444.
How do groups work?
Our groups typically meet for 60 minutes once a week. Some groups meet most of the semester, while others are short-term, four to six sessions. Most groups consist of four to ten members. Process groups provide an environment for students to identify and explore emotions, give and receive support, and practice healthy ways of relating to others. Psychoeducational groups focus on developing skills around a particular concern and often involve discussions and experiential activities to apply the skills you are learning.
How do I get started?
Students new to Mental Health Counseling should discuss their interest in group counseling during the mental health screening. During the mental health screening, you’ll discuss your needs, and the counselor will recommend resources and a plan for your mental health care and connect you with the next steps.
Why should I try a group? Will it be as effective as individual therapy?
Group therapy is considered to be one of the most effective forms of treatment for many issues that confront undergraduate and graduate students, such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, low self-esteem, and troubled relationships. Students who try group therapy find it provides a safe and supportive place to explore their concerns and learn new strategies for overcoming challenges.
Do I have to reveal all my deepest secrets and feelings to the group?
No. You can decide how much and when to share your feelings with the group and no one will force you to share more than you feel comfortable with. Most students are apprehensive about attending a group for the first time and wonder what it will be like to share with people they do not know. However, most find they become more comfortable over time and value the support and feedback they get from their peers. All group members are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the group so everyone can feel safe sharing.
Still have questions? Contact us.
Contact us at [email protected] or 612-624-1444.