Groups and Support Spaces

A support space for CUIMC students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Topics for discussion may include reluctance to burden others with feelings of grief and isolation, managing the demands of a graduate program while grieving, experiencing intense feelings of missing the loved one, and feeling isolated.

Visit the Connecting Through Loss group page or contact Mara Eilenberg, LCSW at mee15@cumc.columbia.edu

This group is open to students who are interested in learning more about their relationships in order to create healthy, meaningful connections. This group will be a safe space to process changes in relationships, explore challenges, and gain insight in order to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and resolve conflicts. Participants will gain support, develop self-awareness, and improve their interpersonal effectiveness.

Visit the Creating Fulfilling Relationships group page or contact Cecile de Lardemelle, Psy.D., at cd3380@cumc.columbia.edu

A support space offering a community for CUIMC students who identify as the first member in their family to pursue higher education in the U.S. Conversation topics may include being away from family, family expectations/pressures, generational/cultural differences, fear of failure/disappointment, difficulties with sense of belonging, financial stressors, and impostor phenomenon.

Visit the First Gen group page or contact Maya Fukuda, LCSW at mf3262@cumc.columbia.edu

The LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit) Group is a support space for CUIMC students who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Topics may include shaping identity, experiences of bias, microaggressions, and discrimination, and interpersonal dynamics. Participants will have the opportunity to come together in a supportive environment to share, gain insight into their experiences, and learn from and with each other.

Visit the LGBTQIA2S+ page or contact Colin Meng, Psy.D., LCSW at cm4403@cumc.columbia.edu

This group will offer a safe space for students to examine tendencies for overthinking, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Students will come together to boost their confidence, own their successes, and cultivate their agency.

Visit the Overcoming Imposter Phenomenon group page or contact Heather Holtman, Ed.D, at hh2796@cumc.columbia.edu

This group offers a safe space for students who are impacted by an eating disorder, disordered eating, or those who are seeking support in recovery. Students will explore their current patterns, discuss challenges, and consider opportunities for change. Participants will discuss the intersectionality of self-esteem, body image, and relationships as they relate to achieving recovery. Students will be provided with tools to assist in their recovery including identification of coping strategies.

Visit the Relationship with Food and Body group page or contact Heather Holtman, Ed.D, at hh2796@cumc.columbia.edu

Underrepresented communities experience many forms of exclusion that make life challenging, including in higher education settings. Thriving at the Margins is a support space for CUIMC students who belong to such identity groups, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, AMENA, Latinx, LGBTQ+, low-income students, students belonging to minority faith groups, and students with disabilities. Topics such as discrimination, bias, prejudices, and structural/systemic racism will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to come together to share and gain insight into their experiences, learn from and with each other, and move towards radical healing.

For more information, contact Colin Meng, Psy.D., LCSW, at cm4403@cumc.columbia.edu.

This group is designed to provide support to survivors of trauma in a safe and confidential space. The group will provide opportunities for survivors to support one another, develop strategies to cope, discuss the effects of trauma, and practice self-care.

For more Information, contact Jannett Santana, LCSW, at js6172@cumc.columbia.edu

Almost all of us experience some level of discomfort from uncertainty, unpredictable events, and circumstances beyond our control. This can be especially challenging when in a new environment, such as graduate school. Learn tools that can help you navigate these moments. This group will meet weekly to explore what makes uncertainty so uncomfortable and discuss strategies to increase flexibility, adjust to change, and cope.

For more information, contact Jannett Santana, LCSW at js6172@cumc.columbia.edu

Attending graduate school is a significant life transition that is often accompanied by a variety of new and challenging experiences. This group offers peer support to students navigating adjustments that come with the graduate experience like moving to a new city/country, homesickness, imposter syndrome, difficulty fitting in, and/or living with roommates. Students will have the opportunity to share their experiences with transitions, current challenges or stressors, strategies to cope, and ways to access support.

For more information, contact Jannett Santana, LCSW at js6172@cumc.columbia.edu