Group Therapy

Why Group Therapy?

Groups can help you gain support, share experiences and struggles, learn about yourself, and develop skills to relate to others. Students who participate in group therapy tend to feel less isolated, more self-aware, and more connected to others as a result of being in group.

Support groups are open to all Penn undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. More detailed information about each group can be found below. 
 

Group Guidelines

All students must abide by the following group guidelines:

Group sessions are confidential. Group members are bound ethically not to disclose information about the group. Regular and timely attendance is necessary for relationships to develop and for you to have sufficient continuity to get as much as you can out of group. If you truly must miss group, please let the leader(s) know as soon as possible.

• If after the initial commitment the group does not feel like a good fit or at some point you feel as though you have gotten all you need from the group, it is important that you inform the group and give the other members the opportunity to say goodbye.
• You are encouraged to take your own pace in group. However, you get more out of group if you work on the concerns that brought you to the group through active participation. 
• You may be referred to group during your initial assessment if your counselor believes that your needs would be best met in a group setting.
• Most group leaders prefer to conduct a group intake in which they meet with you individually to learn about what you’re looking for, to give you specific information about how the group works, and to help you decide if the group seems like a good fit.
• *All groups will take place at the Student Health and Counseling office at 3624 Market Street, First Floor West. 

If you have interest or questions about any groups that may not be listed here, please reach out to the Group Coordinator, Dr. Mary Brennan at marybr@upenn.edu.

The following groups and workshops are OPEN for the Fall 2026 Semester:

It Takes a Village

Wednesdays, Noon-1:30 PM (starting September 9) This group will be held virtually via Zoom.

This support group is open to any student who identifies as a parent and/or caregiver of a child. The group is designed to provide a safe and understanding environment for students to connect with one another, share experiences, reduce isolation, and to provide practical and emotional support to each other.

 Register for this group by emailing Isra Abuyounis at israa@upenn.edu or Chelsea Minsky at cminsky@upenn.edu 

Graduate Student Support Group

Weekly on Mondays from 3 - 4:30 pm (beginning September 28) Counseling Center, RM A

This group is designated for any graduate student to provide support around stress and anxiety, relationships, and loneliness. Examples of topics that may be discussed include dealing with difficult advisors or labs; self-esteem and the challenges of academia, family, and navigating multiple roles. 

Please email Angelica Velez-Giraldo, PsyD at avelezg@upenn.edu to schedule a group screening. 

Interpersonal Growth Group

Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 pm (Runs weekly from late September to early December)

The interpersonal growth group is focused on helping students learn about themselves in relationships and explore and change their relational patterns.

To learn more, or to register for this group reach out to Mary Brennan marybr@upenn.edu, and Courtney Wright wrightc0@upenn.edu.

Grief Support Group

Wednesdays from 3-4:30 pm
(Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 2)

A supportive space for students who have experienced grief, to share feelings and experiences associated loss of a loved one.

To learn more about the group and to register, please reach out to Hillary Black, LCSW, at blackh@upenn.edu. 

Mandarin Community Support Group 中文社群互助小组

Thursdays from 3 - 4:30 pm 
(Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, and Dec. 3)
Counseling Community Room

Mandarin Community Support Group provides a safe and confidential space for Mandarin-speaking students to connect and support one another. Topics may include academic and career stress, cultural and family expectations, identity and belonging, loneliness, and relationships. Members are welcome to bring their own experiences and topics for discussion. The group is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who speak Mandarin.

由心理师带领，中文社群心理互助小组为讲普通话的学生提供一个安全和保密的空间，促进彼此交流与支持。讨论主题包括学业与职业压力、文化与家庭期待、身份认同与归属感、孤独感及人际关系等。欢迎成员分享个人经历，并提出希望讨论的话题

Register via email with Miao “Mia” Tian, LPC miaotian@upenn.edu 

Mindfulness Workshop

Wednesdays, October 21 – November 11 at 3:30 - 5:00 pm
3624 Market Street.

Cultivating Mindfulness with Compassion is a 4-week workshop series providing tools to help you:

• Reduce stress and enhance wellbeing
• Develop compassion for self and others
• Foster non-judgmental, present-moment awareness

Register here. 

We encourage participation in all four sessions. 

Support Group for Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Thursdays, Starting October 22 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm
3624 Market Street.This group is open to Penn graduate and undergraduate students who have experienced sexual assault in adolescence and/or adulthood. The group will aim to offer support, collective empowerment, and psychoeducation and participants will choose weekly topics related to healing, reestablishing safety, coping, and self-care. Bramble will meet with all interested members for a brief screening. Please email them to schedule a screening or learn more about the group. This is a closed group that meets in-person, new members will not be added after the group begins.

Register for this group by email: bramble@upenn.edu.

Between Worlds, Beyond Words - A Creative Support Group for International Students

Fridays from 3-4:30 pm (October 9 - December 4)

Facilitated by Mental Health Professionals, this group offers a safe space to explore the unique aspects of international student life with others who share similar journeys. It offers opportunities to:

🌎 Explore identity, culture, and belonging
💬 Share, connect, and build community
🎨 Express yourself through creative activities
🏖️ Explore emotions through sand play and metaphor
🌿 Practice mindfulness and somatic techniques

*No creative experience is needed. Create what words cannot always express.

To register for the group, please email Miao Tian, LPC (miaotian@upenn.edu) and Sinhye Lee (sinhylee@upenn.edu).

The following groups and workshops are CLOSED for registration. Many of these groups will return for the Fall 2026 semester. Please continue to check the website for updated group information. 

Please note: all groups will take place at 3624 Market Street, First Floor West, unless an alternative address is stated.  Reach out to the Student Health and Counseling team for information about group sessions by calling 215-746-WELL (9355).

Sabr & Support: A Ramadan Reflection Space

A support group for students that is centered in connection with the ummah at Penn, offering a place to share experiences and provide mutual care during the month of Ramadan. We honor the diverse ways students practice Ramadan and welcome all students to participate in this space.

To register for this group, email Isra Abuyounis at israa@upenn.edu.

International Student Empowerment Group

A supportive and safe space to discuss and process resources, challenges, and unique experiences of international students. The discussion topics can include managing employment and job searching, social connections, immigration process uncertainties, immigration and safety concerns, etc. 

To register for the group, please email Miao Tian, LPC (miaotian@upenn.edu) and Angelica Velez-Giraldo, Psy.D. (avelezg@upenn.edu).

Substance Use and You

This group is designed for Penn students who are reassessing their relationship with substance use. This is a confidential group, not an AA group or a 12-step group. Students with a willingness to examine what is happening around their use of substances are welcome. There is no requirement of abstinence (though some attendees may choose that), nor is there a requirement of regular weekly attendance, although that is a good way to get the most out of the group experience. Students may join at any point in the semester. A brief screening meeting is needed beforehand to ensure that students are matched appropriately to the group.

Learn about Wellness at Penn's SUPER Program (Substance Use, Prevention, Education, and Recovery).

Email Phil Meilman, PhD, Director of Counseling at meilman@upenn.edu to learn more and to register for this group. 

Gender Expansive Group

This group is open to any student seeking to explore gender identity and related experiences. The group aims to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for students to support one another and reflect on topics such as self-concept, gender, sexuality, relationships, academics, families, and resilience.

First-Generation Professional/Graduate Student Process Group

A supportive, process-oriented space around individual and shared experiences. Topics that may include navigating college, personal and professional relationships, family, culture, and resiliency. 

Sexual and Romantic Orientation Process Group

This group offers a nonjudgmental and supportive space for students to explore their identities and experiences, including topics like sexual and romantic identities, intersectionality, gender, dating, family relationships, and community. Open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, it’s ideal for those seeking to build trust and safety through weekly in-person meetings. 

Mindful Management: Executive Functioning Support Group

We will explore the emotional processes of having difficulty with executive functioning. Come join us as we identify practical support and strategies specific to the organizing, planning and prioritization of tasks.

Chronic Illness Support Group

This group offers a supportive space for students living with chronic health conditions. The group aims to help students navigate the emotional and practical challenges of managing health while keeping up with academic and personal responsibilities. Students will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share strategies, and find understanding and encouragement in a community that gets it.

Register for this group by emailing Tali Rychik at rychik@upenn.edu.

Stay tuned for other groups that may be added throughout the semester!