Services

One-on-one counseling services are available to help you address the following topics:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use
• Stress management
• Relationships
• Grief
• Self-esteem
• Attention / focus / mindfulness / skill development
• Cultural identity
• LGBTGEQIAP+ issues
• Interpersonal concerns
• Sexual assault
• Other trauma-related concerns

Relationship counseling is designed to help you navigate your relationship problems. This can help you gain insight and learn more effective ways to communicate.

A system is a group of two or more people with an ongoing relationship. Any type of relationship system can seek counseling at the center. Here are some examples:

• Married
• Partnered
• Single
• Consensual nonmonogamous/polyamorous
• LGBTQ+
• Roommates or housemates
• Friendships

To receive relationship counseling, one member of the relationship must be a registered Purdue Fort Wayne student.

Walk-in appointments will be provided on the same day or next day. They enable you to meet with center staff to address a specific concern or crisis, or to determine which services might best address your need. Appointments are available during hours of operation and are on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Group Counseling

Group counseling provides the opportunity for small groups of students to share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills under the guidance of a group leader. Students who participate in group counseling tend to feel less isolated, more self-aware, and more connected to others because of being in a group. 

Why Group Counseling?

Group is an evidence-based intervention that gives participants the opportunity to:

• Learn how to communicate more effectively
• Learn about how you interact with, impact, and are perceived by others
• Experience a felt sense of acceptance and belonging
• Enhance your ability to make decisions and solve problems

Fall 2025 Group Counseling Offerings

Groups do not have a session limit, making them a wonderful place to work on goals. Groups can be combined with individual therapy, and they meet throughout the school year. Many groups have rolling admission, meaning you can join at any time. Depending on the student turnout and other factors, a group may change from semester to semester throughout the academic year. 

To register for a group or learn more, please call our office at 260-481-6200 or stop by Kettler Hall, Room G02.

Meaningful Connection

Starting October 6th

Day and Time: Mondays, 12-1pm

Have you ever...

• Wanted deeper connections but felt like they're just out of reach?
• Felt like you don't fit in anywhere?
• Struggled with loneliness or wondered if you really mattered?
• Worried that if people knew the "real you", they wouldn't accept you?

If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone and this group might be a good space for you. Join us weekly as we explore topics like loneliness, belonging, authenticity, and meaningful connection. This group is all about creating a supportive space where you can show up as yourself, share your story (if and when you're ready), and connect with others. 

Taking Action: Acceptance and Commitment for Anxiety

Starting October 2nd

Day and Time: Thursdays, 10-11am

Would you like to be less anxious, less stressed, and more fulfilled in college? Then join the Taking Action group to take back control and find more meaning. This group uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to learn mindfulness strategies to handle uncomfortable thoughts and emotions and to clarify what we stand for so we can create action toward living a vibrant and fulfilling life. To learn the core ACT concepts, you will participate in experiential methods for acknowledging distressing thoughts and emotions with curiosity and compassion instead of avoidance, along with determining your individual values and finding ways to live in alignment with them. 

Graduate Student Support Group

Starting October 7th

Day and Time: Tuesdays, 3-4pm

This process group is designed to support graduate students in managing the intense demands of graduate work as well as general adjustment to the graduate and professional school environment. The group will emphasize the development of coping strategies and support systems as well as provide a space to process and address interpersonal issues that may impact performance and a sense of belonging on campus. This group will focus on creating a place of confidential sharing and emotional safety so that group members can give and receive support, reflections, affirmations, and feedback from others. 

Cool, Calm, and Kind of Collected

Starting October 6th

Day and Time: Mondays, 2-3pm

This group is for students experiencing intense, difficult, or overwhelming emotions. In this group, you will have an opportunity to seek support and develop greater self-awareness and understanding of the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will learn coping strategies, increase emotional awareness, and distress tolerance, and practice mindfulness.

Stressed Out?

Starting October 1st

Day and Time: Wednesdays, 12-1pm

College life can be overwhelming - between classes, deadlines, relationships, and everything else, stress is real. This group is a space for students to better understand their stress and learn practical ways to manage it. Students will explore simple, effective coping strategies, and build skills to handle pressure and burnout - all in a supportive, judgement-free environment. 

The relaxation and low-sensory space is a lounge area that provides space for students (as well as faculty and staff) to decompress, relax, and unplug. The room provides dim lights, white noise, comfortable chairs, and relaxation items. It also has a free coffee and tea bar sponsored by the Student Government Association. The goal of the relaxation room is to provide a safe environment and the tools necessary to manage stress. We also have a quiet area for studying. The relaxation and low-sensory space is available for use by all PFW and IUFW students. Students do not have to be a current client of the center to use the space.

The Center for Student Counseling is committed to supporting university programs designed to create a culture of well-being, personal growth, and mental wellness for students. To help achieve this goal, the center is available to provide various outreach and consultation services, including group presentations, trainings, workshops, and panels to PFW and IUFW faculty, staff, students, or organizations. If you are interested, please contact us at [email protected] or 260-481-6200 so that we can meet your outreach needs.