Sindecuse Health Center

Group Counseling

Group counseling is a type of therapy in which several students meet with a trained therapist(s), often focusing on a common goal. Members learn from others' experiences, receive and give feedback, receive support and learn that they are not alone. Groups offer individuals the opportunity to share personal concerns in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. Research shows it to be as effective as individual counseling, and for some issues, it can be more effective. Students can benefit from group therapy in many ways:
  • Connect with others facing similar issues
  • Learn and practice new skills in a safe space
  • Share experiences and gain perspective from talking with others
  • Improve self-awareness, self-confidence and social skills
  • Enhance acceptance of self and others

Counseling Services at Sindecuse Health Center offers several groups open to current Western Michigan University students. Most groups meet weekly and are open to new participants. Please call Counseling Services at (269) 387-1850 or register with the button below if you are interested in participating. Prior to engaging in group therapy, all participants will be asked to complete a pre-screening with a counselor.

Groups offered Fall 2026

Please call (269) 387-1850 to see if a group is active. If participation is low, a group may not continue to the end of the semester.  Groups meet weekly for the duration of the session.

Book~ish (Exploring Mental Wellness Through Literature)

Starts Oct. 8, Thursdays 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This group provides a supportive space to explore concepts from a popular psychology book. We will discuss themes of personal growth, resilience, and well-being. No reading required. Fall 2026 book selection: Platonic by Marisa Franco, PhD.  
Facilitators: Dr. Dani Standish, Licensed Psychologist and Francine Biscocho, doctoral grad assistant.

Chillax: Skills for When You're About to Crash Out

Starts Oct. 9, Fridays 10–11:30 a.m.
A chill space to practice simple meditation and quiet your mind.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Kim Berning, LMSW.

Drawn Together

Starts Oct. 7, Wednesdays 11 a.m.–Noon
Hands-on creative art approaches for improving mental health through expression, insight, and sharing. No artistic experience required.
Facilitators: Ellie DeLeon, LLP and Kim Berning, LMSW.

Forward Focus: Increase Self-Advocacy and Motivation in the Classroom and Beyond

Starts Oct. 5, Mondays 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn to confidently communicate your needs with professors and set healthy boundaries with others. Break the exhausting cycle of stress, burnout, and chronic procrastination to uncover what truly drives you. By exploring your personal strengths and areas of growth, this group will help you identify hidden barriers and teach strategies to achieve long-term success in college and in life.
Facilitators: Laura Cosby, LPC and Heidi Bremer-Koelper, LMSW.

Men in Process

Starts Oct. 7, Wednesdays 2–3:30 p.m.
A supportive and challenging environment for men interested in personal growth: identifying and achieving goals, solving problems, making decisions, and growing in psychological strength and flexibility.
Facilitator: Patrick Hanlin, LPC.

Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Starts Oct. 9, Fridays, 10–11 a.m.
Facilitators: Laura Cosby, LPC and Dr. Dani Standish, Licensed Psychologist

Queer/BIPOC (QTBIPOC) Support Group

Starts Oct. 6, Tuesdays 10–11 a.m.
An affirming, member-led space for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals of color to explore identity, relationships, and emotional patterns. With the support of two queer co-facilitators of color, members shape the process, deepen insight, practice authenticity, and build more meaningful connections with themselves and others.
Facilitators:  Carmen Kline, LMSW and Francine Biscocho, doctoral grad assistant.

Skill Building Club

Starts Oct. 9, Fridays 2–3:30 p.m.
Emotion skills crash course. Learn emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills in a supportive environment.
Facilitator: Patrick Hanlin, LPC.

Stitch & Bitch

Starts Oct. 8, Thursdays 10–11 a.m.
Craft-based therapy group designed to introduce participants to the emotional benefits of knitting (or whatever other fiber art you like!). Bring your current project or just come ready to learn! Needles, yarn, and instruction provided by two knitting enthusiasts.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Carmen Kline, LMSW.