Thank you for your interest in CAPS groups and workshops. We are excited to offer over 12 groups this upcoming semester! Please see below for anticipated groups for the Fall 2025 semester, and unless otherwise indicated, most groups will begin approximately four weeks into the semester (groups begin as soon as there is an adequate number of members). As a reminder, we require a meeting with all new potential group members before they join a group, unless it is a Drop-In Group or Workshop. To sign up for Group Counseling, please fill out a Request for Service form or complete an intake with one of our on-call clinicians during walk-in hours (Monday through Friday, 2-4 pm) if you are interested in any of the open groups listed below.
All requests for services are first considered for potential group membership in one of our many groups. Services are confidential; no record of counseling appears on the student’s permanent academic record. CAPS is staffed by a team of licensed mental health professionals and interns from both master’s and doctoral degree-granting programs, under direct supervision from licensed professionals.
*** Most groups will be offered in-person. Please contact CAPS with any questions. ***
*** Please note that CAPS does not offer group therapy services during the summer term. ***
Do you think you might want to join a group?
For Groups (that are not labeled Drop-in OR a Workshop): Please fill out the Request for Services form (RFS).
- Were you a previous group member for that particular group? Chances are, you do not need to meet for another pre-group appointment. Please email the CAPS program assistant at caps@tcnj.edu to further discuss.
- New group member? Please fill out the Request for Services form and schedule a meeting to discuss the group(s) of your choice.
Fall 2025 Groups and Workshops:
Nourish to Flourish 530 PM CRC Lounge Rec Center
In this Peer Support Group
We encourage nourishing both mind and body,
Decreasing stigma and promoting overall well-being (mental, physical, social, etc.)
What we offer: Peer support, Discussions, Activities, Advocacy, Resources, and Connection
Who can participate:
Any student impacted by these issues and/or who shares this mission is welcome to show up and reach out
TPYG – Trauma Processing Yoga Group (virtual) – Mondays 2:00 – 3:30 pm
This virtual group will teach students psychoeducation about how stress impacts the body, emotions,
and relationships. Students will participate in mindfulness, verbal processing, and light yoga movement
to build interpersonal connections and learn skills to discharge stress from the body. Group is for all
genders/identities. The group is for anyone who has experienced trauma or overwhelming stress. (For
example, grief, loss, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, bullying, cial trauma, neglect, etc.) Cameras
will be on for the whole group, except for yoga – cameras will be turned off for the yoga portion of the
group.
Navigating Friendships and Romantic Partnerships – Mondays 3:00 – 4:00 pm
A supportive, process-oriented group for students to explore the dynamics of friendships and romantic relationships.
Through open discussion and guided activities, participants will develop skills for healthy communication, setting boundaries, and building meaningful connections.
Setting Boundaries with Roommates Workshop (Drop In) – Mondays 3:30- 4:30
Do you find it difficult to talk to your roommate about issues between you and them regarding your shared living space?
This one-session workshop focuses on defining the basics of boundary setting and assisting students in identifying ways to communicate their boundaries to their roommates.
All Recover Meeting – Mondays 8:30 pm – Rec Center 235
A safe place to listen and share about topics that are affecting your life and mental health. Anyone is welcome to attend this student-led non-clinical group support meeting!
iThrive – Thursdays 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
iThrive is designed for college students struggling with both anxiety and depression. In this group, you will learn proven strategies and techniques to break self-defeating habits, reduce stress and worry, overcome fear and self-doubt, and handle painful feelings more effectively on your way to creating a rich, full, and meaningful college experience.
Facilitator: Alex Turpin, LCSW, M.Div.
All-Recovery Meeting – Mondays 8:00 pm, Fridays 5:30 pm
A safe place to listen and share about topics that are affecting your life and mental health. Anyone is welcome to attend this student-led group support meeting!
*This group takes place in the Recovery Lounge in the Rec Center Room 235*
Take Charge of Your Well-Being: Seeing the Forest AND the Trees – Tuesdays 2:15 – 3:15 (October 14- December 2) Social Sciences Building 128
Do you want to feel satisfied in and with your life? Does information overload about wellness and mental health get in the way? This group combines psychoeducation and guidance to help students build momentum for well-being. We consider both individual and big-picture factors, including the stories we tell ourselves, how our minds work against us, and the value of experiential learning. Meetings are facilitated by a Psychologist/Professor and advanced undergraduate students with a focus on relationship-building and peer-to-peer support. *This is a drop-in group. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not required.*
Commuter Connections – TBD
CAPS is offering a semi-formal group exclusive to commuter students. Commuter Students can develop interdependence and a sense of belonging to the campus.
The group will also help students recognize their strengths, solve unique challenges, and enjoy the regular company of others, thereby reducing isolation.
Facilitator: Babayemi Aiyegbo, LCSW
S.A.F.E. (Survivors of Sexual Assault Feeling Empowered) – Wednesdays 1 to 230 PM
If you have had an unwanted sexual experience or have experienced a sexual trauma, there is support for you. This confidential group will provide a safe place to help you cope with difficult feelings, give you the chance to feel supported, and help you connect with others who also feel alone. Trust, safety, relationships, and balancing these issues with other facets of life will be covered. Please reach out to discuss if this group is right for you.
Facilitator: Robbin Loonan, LPC
Managing your Mood: DBT Skills Group – Fridays 1 to 230 PM
This is a coping skills training group for students who are struggling with intense emotions. This group will foster knowledge on the implementation of DBT mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effective skills in an effort to support individuals combating challenging behaviors, distressing thoughts, and instability within relationships. This group will allow students to explore themselves and their relationships.
Facilitator: Beverly Mason, DSW, LCSW
Sister Circle: Black Women’s Empowerment Group – Wednesdays 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
This group offers a safe space for Black women to share their unique racial and cultural experiences and be part of a supportive community.
In the Sister Circle group, we will discuss your experiences as a Black woman within your home, community, society, and on campus. We will discuss microaggressions, relationships, self-esteem, and colorism among many other topics. You will learn ways to better navigate your world by effectively balancing racial, cultural, and social expectations and personal life goals, improve your self-esteem and confidence, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Facilitator: Debeka Bennett, Ph.D.
Not The Perfect Family -TBD
An opportunity to share with and get the support of others who have been raised in families with circumstances that prevented or interfered with healthy family functioning (i.e., addiction, divorce, mental illness, physical illness/disability, controlling behavior, abuse, etc.). Self-esteem, current relationships, self-confidence, and comfort in social settings can be negatively affected; the group offers a chance to choose a more positive approach to others and to yourself.
Facilitator: Jon Murakami, Psy.D.
First-Gen Student Support Group – TBD
This group is for first-generation college students who are navigating university life and academics during a challenging time. This group looks to provide a supportive space to share experiences, celebrate successes, and discuss difficulties experienced along the way.
Facilitator: Babayemi Aiyegbo, LCSW
Healthy Relationships – TBD
In this group, we will explore the characteristics of a healthy relationship and discuss effective communication strategies for interacting with others. This group is for anyone who desires to explore and identify their relationship needs, learn about unhealthy relationship behaviors and patterns, improve their communication skills within the context of any relationship, set and uphold boundaries, maintain a self-identity within the relationship, and many other topics that will be discussed.
Facilitator: Debeka Bennett, Ph.D.
Perfectly Imperfect – TBD
Do you often experience feelings of anxiety, shame, guilt, and/or self-doubt? Do you fear that others will judge you? Does perfectionism control your life? Through a self-exploration journey that recognizes that we are all “works in progress,” participants in this group will increase their confidence and learn to manage their stress. Please join us in this safe, supportive, and encouraging setting.
Facilitator: Robbin Loonan, LPC
Moving Forward Through Grief – TBD
This non-clinical support group is designed to support individuals managing the grieving process following a loss. This loss could be a death, the end of a relationship, or a significant disappointment. Many people are unsure how to discuss these challenging topics, and their avoidance can leave them feeling isolated. In this space, you can openly express these emotions with others who share your sense of loss and know what you are going through. Anyone dealing with loss or the prospect of loss is welcome. Weekly attendance at this drop-in group is encouraged but not required.
Facilitator: Sue Gradl
Queer Group – Date/Time: TBD
Tired of heterosexism? Do you wish you could connect with more LGBTQ+ people on campus?
This confidential support group primarily focuses on exploring and managing issues related to sexual orientation, such as coming out, dealing with family and friends, intimacy, and self–esteem. People at various stages of the “coming out” process are welcome. Open to students of all genders. The emphasis is on supporting and exploring LGBTQ+ issues that impact personal and interpersonal functioning.
Facilitator: Beverly Mason, DSW, LCSW
Parent Loss/Step-Parent Loss – Fridays 100 to 230 PM
WE GET IT!
Come together with other TCNJ students and an experienced facilitator to share the feelings, stories, tears, and even laughter that can accompany the life-altering experience of losing your parent or step-parent. You are welcome to join, no matter how long ago or how recent your loss happened
Facilitator: Alex Turpin, LCSW, M.Div.
Previously Offered Groups
Below is a list of previous groups offered at CAPS. Want to see a previous group return? Email and let us know! We run groups based on therapist availability and student interest.
Chill Out: From Anxiety to Resilience
Do you worry too much about what other people think? Does meeting new people make you uneasy? Do you find ordering at Starbucks to be overwhelming? Does your anxiety keep you from doing things you enjoy? Join us in this weekly group!
Flourish and Focus: An ADHD Therapy Group – Mondays 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Would you like to meet other diagnosed students with ADHD to gain peer support? Would you like to get and provide encouragement? Each week, besides providing support, we will alternate through topics like academic and life balance, organizing/prioritizing, emotional regulation, procrastination, starting and completing projects, keeping healthy habits, how to use behavioral conditioning to your advantage, and general discussions about the frustration of living in a neurotypical world.
Think you may want to join a group?
For Groups (that are not labeled Drop-in OR a Workshop): Please fill out the Request for Services form (RFS).
- Were you a previous group member for that particular group? Chances are, you do not need to meet for another pre-group appointment. Please email the CAPS program assistant at caps@tcnj.edu to further discuss.
- New group member? Please fill out the Request for Services form and schedule a meeting to discuss the group(s) of your choice.