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.
Spring 2026 Educational Workshops
Academic Stress Workshop for Graduate Students (Pre-Recorded)
Feeling stressed about graduate school? Gather insight and skills to better manage the stress of your program. Emotional responses, skills, and strategies for tackling issues like procrastination, perfectionism, and impostor syndrome are all addressed.
Group Leaders: Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff, PhD, LP, LMFT and Jenny Steiner
Keep Calm and Thrive in Graduate School
Section 1: Fridays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | February 20 - March 20
Section 2: Mondays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | March 23 - April 13
Keep Calm and Thrive in Graduate School is a 4-session workshop designed to provide graduate and professional students insights on how to better prepare for academic demands, to overcome common obstacles, and succeed! We'll cover topics on strategies for stress management and well-being, academic success, challenging imposter syndrome, professional relationship building and setting boundaries, among others. This workshop will help you feel more supported and build skills to thrive in graduate school.
Group Leader: Eve Sussman, PhD, LP and Kaelyn White, MSW, LICSW
To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444.
Living Well: A Positive Psychology Approach
Section 1: Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | February 13 - March 6
Section 2: Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | March 27 - May 1
An opportunity for students to learn how to implement positive emotions, character strengths, and a sense of meaning into their academic and personal life. We will learn about the mental and physical health benefits of positive psychology and promote the positive, as well as alleviating negative aspects of life. This workshop includes 6 weekly meetings.
Facilitator: Jake Loeffler, Psy.D, 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.
Spring 2026 Affinity Spaces
Cross-Cultural Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | February 20 - May 12
Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | February 20 - May 12
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | February 20 - May 12
The Cross-Cultural Discussion Group (CCDG) Program is an opportunity to meet other UMN students from different countries, backgrounds, majors, and colleges in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. During a group’s weekly discussion, you will share cross-cultural experiences and reflect on various topics including food, friendships, relationships, taboos/stereotypes, culture shock, educational systems around the world, work-life balance, and much more. CCDG is hosted in partnership with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Group Leaders: Siming Xie, PhD, LP, and Idil Ugurluoglu, MS, Pre-doctoral Intern
To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444 or visit the ISSS Cross-Cultural Discussion Group website.
Stress Relief Together: Wellness for Chinese Students
Fridays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | March 6 - May 1
Are you a Chinese international student feeling stressed by schoolwork, cultural adjustment, or being far from home? This supportive group, conducted in Mandarin Chinese, offers a safe and welcoming space to learn practical stress-relief strategies while connecting with peers who share similar experiences. Each session includes guided discussions, relaxation and mindfulness exercises, and hands-on activities to help you build resilience, manage stress, and restore balance in daily life.
Group Leaders: Siming Xie, PhD, LP and Sabrina Sun, MA
To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444.
First Up: A Space for First Gen Wellbeing
Fridays, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | February 6 - May 1
Connect with other first-gen students in a supportive space centered on your wellbeing. In partnership with the First-Gen Student Success Center, Boynton Mental Health & Counseling, and TRIO Student Support Services, First Up meets monthly throughout the academic year to explore topics like imposter phenomenon, first-gen identity, and more. Each themed session features structured discussions, hands-on activities, free food, and prizes—all designed to foster community, enhance mental health, and strengthen your sense of belonging. Sign up here to join and receive updates about upcoming sessions!
Group Leaders: Chia-Chen Tu, PhD, LP and Natalie Rivera MS, Pre-doctoral Intern
To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444.
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.