The BMCC Counseling Center is offering a series of online and in-person groups to address the needs of our students. All groups are led by licensed mental health professionals. Our groups are interpersonal process oriented, educational, and skills-based. Process groups do not follow a specific agenda, and are not focused on particular topics. Whereas, educational and skills-based groups follow a semi-structured format.
Each group is limited to 5-9 participants, who meet for 6-8 weekly sessions over the course of the semester. Each potential group member will go through a 20-30 minute pre-group screening session with one of the co-leaders.
Is Group Right for Me?
If any of the following apply to you on your personal development journey, then you may want to consider group.
- Accountability, a group format is designed to keep you and others accountable to a personal plan and also offer support and guidance.
- Working Together, often times student’s feel alone with their struggles. Group offers a space for students to work with their peers and the leaders to find ways to best address their concerns
- Giving and Receiving Peer Support, group is designed to provide an opportunity for members to give and receive encouragement and feedback
- Group is designed to provide a space for students to openly share without the fear of being judged.
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in a group fill out Group Interest Form, call (212) 220-8140, or stop by Room S-343 to schedule a meeting with one of the group leaders to learn more about the group.
All groups (except Healing Rhythms) require a screening.
Spring Groups: Beginning in February but sign up now!
Healing Rhythms: Drumming Circle
Come join the Counseling Center to learn about and partake in the healing practice of drumming. Students will be
able to learn from an expert drummer and cultural nutritionist, Baba Atiba, and experience the healing power of the
drum. No musical experience needed, just an openness to learning. The drum awaits!
When: Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. Where: Student Cafeteria
Grown Folx: An Empowerment Group for Students 25 and Over
This is a semester-long group which offers adult students (25+) a space to develop connections and build on
opportunities to share their life stories, explore common challenges, and practice emotional and relational skills. In
this space, members will gain insight into their individual and collective patterns of communication and work to
improve their ability to have fulfilling relationships with others.
Counselor: Dr. Mack
When: Tuesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. (ONLINE). Begins 2/11/2025
Queer Connections (& Crafts)
Come and connect in person with other queer students to explore our experiences as members of the queer
community and work on crafting projects. The group is a welcoming, non-judgmental, and confidential space for
queer students of all identities to relax, create and support each other. No prior experience with crafting is required,
and if you want to come and just talk, that’s great too. The group will be facilitated by two queer counselors.
Counselors: Amy Ojerholm and Kaz Abraham
When: Mondays, 3-4:30 p.m. Where: N-471. Begins 2/24/2025
Managing Anxiety (and Overthinking): A CBT Group for Anxiety Reduction
Is anxiety getting in the way of your academic success and/or general well-being? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) works to target thoughts that trigger emotions, such as anxiety. CBT is one of the most effective treatments for
anxiety. In this group, you will learn about what CBT is, how it works, and how to use it in your everyday life to
manage anxiety. Participants can expect active learning through the use of thought logs or journals in between
weekly group meetings.
Counselor: Marguerite Pintauro (Social Work Intern)
When: Mondays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Where: N-471. Begins 2/24/2025
Artistic Expressions: Drawing Stress Away
Are you feeling stressed out? Let’s get together and Draw Stress Away, let this group be your go-to for chill vibes and
creative relief. Each week, we will dive into art with a twist, using mindfulness and fun prompts to help you unwind
and tap into your intuitive side. No art experience needed—just come ready to explore colors, lines, and sensations in
a laid-back space. Say goodbye to stress and self-criticism, and hello to a more relaxed, spontaneous you. Join us
and draw your way to a better mood!
Counselor: Rachel Lugo and Yamilet Dominguez
When: Thursdays, 3-4:30 p.m., Where: Room N-471. Begins 2/20/2025
Legacy Builders: A Support Group for BMCC Fathers and Father-Figures
Are you an uncle, mentor, big brother, cousin, step-father, or friend navigating the unique challenges of fatherhood
and serving as a father figure in the life of a younger person? You’re not alone. Join our Legacy Builders Support
Group, a safe and supportive space to connect with other men who understand the joys and struggles of balancing
academics, family, and personal growth.
Counselor: Troy Brown
When: Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. (online). Call the Counseling Center for details.
Women of Courage
This group is designed to nourish the individual and collective experiences of women. It is a confidential, interactive
space, for self-discovery, compassion, and connection. It is intended to offer non-judgmental support and guidance.
Counselors: Dr. Mack and Isabela Larangeira
When: Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Where: TBA. Begins 2/24/2025
Growing with Grief
This is a 6-week process and support group for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Sessions
will focus on providing space to process your loss in a safe space with others who have had similar experiences,
while learning ways to cope with the many emotions that arise around grief and loss.
Counselor: Hallie Weiner, (Online).
When: Time and Day to be determined based on group members’ availability
Pathways 2 Connection: An Interpersonal Processing Group for Human Services, Theater and Psychology Majors
Are you a BMCC student pursuing a degree in human services, theater or psychology? Join Pathways 2 Connection
to explore personal growth and enhance your relational skills in a supportive, confidential space. This group is
designed specifically for students like you, offering an opportunity to build deeper connections with peers; gain insight
into your patterns of interaction and communication; process challenges unique to those studying these professions
and develop self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Counselor: Dr. Mack
When: Mondays, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Where: N-471. Begins 2/24/2025
