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 send an email to counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu, call 212-220-8140, or stop by S-343 to schedule a meeting with one of the group leaders. PLEASE NOTE: Groups are no longer recruiting for Spring 2024. Please check back in in Fall 2024.
Spring 2024 Groups: Beginning the Week of February 25
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 from 1:30 -3 p.m.
Where: Cafeteria (no reservation needed, just show up ready to let loose)
Our Black Voices
This group is designed for Afrikan people across the diaspora (Afrika, the Caribbean, United States, Latin America and all around the world). The group offers a space to breathe with some ease in knowing you are not alone, and collectively challenge injustice and celebrate Black Excellence. The group leader will assist members with the development of daily practices to encourage self-care and self-love.
Counselor: Tabethah Mack, Ph.D., LMHC
When: 2/9, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 4/5, 4/12 and 5/10 from 1-2 p.m., via Zoom
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: Tabethah Mack, Ph.D., LMHC
When: Tuesdays 4:45-5:45 p.m., via Zoom
Queer Connections (& Crafts)
Come and connect in person(!) with other queer students to talk about our experiences and work on a different craft each week. The group is a welcoming, non-judgmental, and confidential space for queer students of all identities to relax 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, Ph.D., and Emily Feely, MSW (intern)
When: Mondays 3-4 p.m., (in person). Room S-341
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: Edi Peterson, DBH, LMHC & Uris Lopez, MHC (Intern)
When: Thursdays 2-3 p.m., (in person). Room: N-471
Relaciones – Relationships
Grupo sobre relaciones interpersonales!
Vamos a explorar cómo nos impactan nuestras relaciones; ya sea de pareja, familiar, de amistad o hasta en el trabajo y como poder manejarlas mejor. Acompananos y juntos exploramos estas dinámicas tan importantes en nuestras vidas.
Temas a discutir: estilos interpersonales,relaciones saludables, habilidades sociales, manejar la ansiedad social, cómo navegar el conflicto
Horario: Miércoles de 3 – 4 p.m., en persona
Group on interpersonal relationships
Let’s explore how our relationships impact us, whether it is romantic relationships, family, work and friends and how to manage them better. These dynamics are so important in our lives. Join us and let’s explore together.
Topics to be discussed include the following: interpersonal styles, healthy relationships, social abilities; how to manage social anxiety and how to navigate conflict. This group is for Spanish speaking students
Counselor: Eglys Santos, LCSW
When: Wednesdays from 3 -4.p.m., (in person). Room TBD
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: Claudia Burger, Ph.D., and Tabethah Mack, Ph.D., LMHC
When: Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., (in person). Room TBD
