Programs

Introduction to Mental Health

SHAW is offering a number of workshops to students and employees. Registration is required for these. Some are multiple days. Contact Alexis Steele with registration questions. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

In collaboration with Residence Life, SHAW is offering MHFA training sessions for students. MHFA is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. There will be two hours of online pre-work to be completed on participant’s own time, followed by six hours of in-person training.

Student Dates (in-person): Please make sure to register online at least a week before the session start date.

  • April 27 & 28 (Sat and Sun) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (lunch included)

Employee Dates: Please register through GLADIS.

  • March 20 and 21 from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. virtual
  • April 8 and 9 from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in-person

Space is limited. SHAW will reach out about the location for this workshop.

QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer

Each member of this community plays a critical role in suicide prevention. Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) is a nationally-recognized suicide prevention training goal. QPR is designed for everyone, even non-mental health professionals. The goal of the program is to increase understanding of warning signs and behaviors for suicide as well as to build confidence in having conversations about suicide. This training workshop will offer direction on how to inquire about suicidal thoughts, persuade others to seek support, and refer the person for help.

SHAW will reach out about the location for this workshop. 

Students — Please make sure to sign up for the workshop if you are interested.

  • Wednesday, April 10, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (lunch included)

Employees — Please register through GLADIS if you are interested.

  • Wednesday, March 27, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Monday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Relationships 101

These workshops are designed for anyone who would like to learn additional tools for creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Throughout the semester, students can learn skills for effective communication, healthy vulnerability, safe sex, and navigating conflict within relationships. Through these workshops, the hope is for students to also gain additional self-understanding about their personal and relational needs. Students can attend some or all the sessions within this workshop series. There is not a need to attend them in any particular order.

Please make sure that you sign up for the workshops, if needed. Please note that these informal meetings are not a substitute for individual, conjoint, or couple’s counseling. SHAW is happy to provide resources and/or referrals when appropriate.

Crafts and Contraceptives

Use your creativity to create safe sex kits with SHAW and SHIC! There will be safer sex supplies available such as condoms, dental dams, and lubrication. Information on sexual health resources will be provided.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Rosenfield Center (JRC) lobby

Destigmatizing STIs

This tabling is an opportunity to increase your understanding of STIs. In collaboration with SHIC, SHAW will provide information on how to protect yourself and others, resources available, and how to de-stigmatize STIs. Trivia and snacks will also be available.

  • Wednesday, March 13, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Rosenfield Center (JRC) lobby

Support Groups & Drop-In Spaces

Students must schedule a group screening or register online to participate in group or a drop-in space.

The Executive Functioning 101 Discussion Series is an open monthly discussion group facilitated by Neurodiversity Support Specialist Emily Fenner and Staff Counselor Teague Craig. Executive functioning refers to a set of learned cognitive skills that help us navigate complex tasks. This discussion group aims to explore some of those skills, as well as the role of mental health in executive functioning.

No registration is needed! 

When: Second Wednesday of the month, 12:15–1 p.m.
Where: Disability Cultural Center
Who: Students who self-identify as neurodivergent and/or are simply interested in exploring the topic of executive functioning

In collaboration with Stonewall Resource Center, SHAW therapist Teague Craig will provide informal, 1-to-1 support on a monthly basis to students who hold LGBTQIA+ identities and/or are exploring aspects of gender or sexual identity. Students are welcome to bring a range of topics to the space including identity, healthy relationships, building community, general mental health, and more.

Please visit the Stonewall Resource Center during open hours to reserve a one-time, 25-minute visit with Teague. Please note that these informal meetings are not a substitute for therapy or psychiatric care and are intended to be consultative in nature. Teague is able to provide resources and referrals when appropriate.

When: Second Thursdays of the month, 2–3 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who hold LGBTQIA+ identities 

Students are welcome to bring a lunch to this biweekly support group for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. In this group, members can connect around shared identities and explore common experiences. A wide range of topics are discussed in this group including racial/ethnic identity, racism, oppression and privilege, intersectionality, self-care, attending a predominantly white campus, and other topics of interest.

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Tuesdays 12–1 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color

This 8-week skills group uses principles of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The skills taught in DBT are for anyone interested in improving their relationship to their emotions and managing conflict more effectively.

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–noon
Who: Any currently enrolled student

This weekly group uses narrative therapy and interpersonal process to support students who have urges or behaviors linked to an eating disorder or have a desire to change their relationship with disordered eating. The primary purpose of this group is to provide space for students to develop their collective knowledge about the history of disordered eating in their lives, understand the function of those behaviors, reflect on their experience of the body and eating, and develop a sense of the life they hope to live without the eating disorder. We will develop strategies for a renegotiation with disordered eating behavior and for increased emotional and food freedom. This group is not a replacement for individualized care or structured treatment.

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Wednesdays, Noon–1 p.m. 
Who: Any student who has urges or behaviors linked to an eating disorder or have a desire to change their relationship with disordered eating

FAM is a group space that offers mutual support among members who are facing or have faced challenging family dynamics. FAM offers an opportunity to connect with peers with similar experiences, as well as deepen their understanding of interpersonal patterns that stem from family dynamics. The group is open to a variety of related topics and may include common concerns such as effective communication and healthy boundaries. 

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Fridays, 1–2 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who is facing or has faced challenging family dynamics

Journey to Healing is a support group for survivors of sexual trauma. This group aims to support connection, exploration of feelings connected to trauma, and the impacts of trauma on day-to-day life. This group will offer an opportunity to share experiences, enhance self-compassion towards self, and increase one's sense of control and empowerment. Journey to Healing is not a replacement for individual therapy. 

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Tuesdays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who is a survivor of sexual trauma

A weekly interpersonal processing group for students who wish to better understand themselves and their connections with others. The primary purpose of this group is to explore emotions, develop awareness of interpersonal patterns through support and feedback, and further foster healthy vulnerability in relationships.

Please schedule a group screening meeting to learn more about our group offerings and to determine if the group might be a good fit for your needs — 641-269-3230.

When: Wednesdays, 2–3 p.m. or Thursdays, 11 a.m.–noon
Who: Any currently enrolled student

Outreach Events

Therapy Dogs in Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC), North Atrium

Dog Training Elite will be bringing therapy dogs for students to interact with, not only to de-stress but to bring joy.

  • Mar. 11, 4–5 p.m.
  • Apr. 1, 4–5 p.m.
  • Apr. 29, 4–5 p.m.
  • May 13, 4–5 p.m.

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