CMHC continues to add virtual group offerings in response to pandemic

This semester, Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Services continues to offer virtual services programs and workshops, including those created to target challenges specific to the pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic, CMHS has created several new groups targeting mental health issues that can arise in quarantine. One of these groups offered this semester to undergraduate and graduate students is the ReST & Renew Group. This group offers Resilience Skills Training (ReST) and aims to help students overcome the uncertainty and unexpected challenges that arise during the pandemic.

CMHC’s Director of Outreach and Group Programs, Marilyn Downs, discussed the motivations behind this new program.

“We expanded our group and workshop offerings during the pandemic because we wanted to create more opportunities for students to connect with each other. ” low wrote in an email to The Daily.

Other more permanent groups have been modified for the pandemic, such as the Dealing with loss in a distant world group for those who have lived through the death of a loved one. A group on keep a journal to take care of yourself was also created during the pandemic and was offered last spring and summer. According to Downs, it will likely be offered next spring too.

Downs explained that usually groups and workshops are not available summer, due to the small number of students on campus. The switch to a virtual format, however, made these offers possible, since students could participate from other places. During the school year, this format increased accessibilitybecause a Zoom meeting is easier to squeeze between classes, Downs said.

However, the virtual environment has its drawbacks. Downs described how Zoom sessions are different from face-to-face meetings held in a comfortable conference room space where everyone can sit together.

“You sit in a circle, you are in the presence of each other, in a room in real time and space” low said in an interview with The Daily. “It’s actually different looking at your screen and seeing people in squares in front of you. I think there is some connection loss while on Zoom. On the other hand, it allows meet. “

Matthew Zimon, Co-President of Active Minds, a club focused on mental health awareness on campus, agreed with Downs on the benefits and challenges of Zoom. He said maybe it was it is better to have both in-person and virtual options in the future.

At this time, it’s unclear when the groups will return in person or if some virtual options will continue in the future.

CMHC intends to tailor courses to the needs of students as the pandemic continues.

“We try to change our groups a little bit every semester so that we can cast our net a bit… and try to meet the needs of different people,” Downs said.

This semester, their topics include Body Image, Growing Up with a Mental Illness or Family Addiction, Sexual Assault, and Black Well-Being.

CMHC continuously works to improve its programs with small modifications. Downs said CMHS is always open to new ideas and comments students.

“My colleagues and I will reflect on what we think our students could benefit from and what we think we can offer” Downs said. “So part of that comes from individual clinicians, their areas of expertise or interest… and the other influence… comes from students. “

Zimon appreciates that groups provide counseling opportunities for a wide range of students. He specifically mentioned hearing about the benefits of TRANScend and Oasis for transgender students and students of color, respectively.

“I think CMHS could certainly improve its offers”, Zimon said in an email to The Daily. “I think there should be even more groups for students of color, as we’ve seen with the Black Wellness Workshops and focus groups for international students. For example, a group for AAPI students or Latinx students would be useful. Additionally, I would love to see more spaces for queer students of color, especially in an environment that understands how mental health support can vary depending on culture. “

The groups offered by CMHS are divided into two categories: focus groups and focus groups or workshops. Counseling groups usually consist of a group of eight or nine students who meet together weekly on Zoom. These groups ask students to meet the group leader before attending to make sure the group would be a good fit.

“With a group like this, we usually ask students to commit to attending each session or do their best to attend each session. ” low noted. “Because in these groups, we really seek a sense of group cohesion and security.

Downs also discussed the possibility of offering a group in the next semester focused on social anxiety or strategies to reduce anxiety since it is such a prevalent problem among students. She also mentioned the possibility of bringing back a group that CMHC organized in the past on the management depression.

“Having the opportunity to be with other people who understand what it is like to have a particular experience that most people don’t understand… can be a powerful part of a healing process” low noted. “It can help a person feel more deeply understood. He can provide some perspective on his own experience through the eyes of others. Sometimes we give another person more grace or compassion than we could on our own, and being in a group can actually help with it. this. “


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