For first-year psychology major Tori Pimentel, the best way to escape from stress is in a group setting. Pimentel participates in the Counseling Center’s Meditation Group.

“The meditation group was so beneficial during my first semester at college,” Pimentel said. “It reminded me to just take 10 minutes to center myself and go on with the rest of my day.”

The meditation group meets Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Each week, they practice various styles of meditation. It is one of the four support groups the Counseling Center hosts. The other three include Alphabet Soup, Get Connected, and Finding Your Balance groups.

Alphabet Soup allows LGBTQ students to meet and discuss “individual struggles and joys, as well as learn more about oneself,” according to a Counseling Center flyer. They meet every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Get Connected focuses on developing relationships and managing stress. They meet Tuesdays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Students who have a chronic disease or disability may participate in Finding Your Balance. They meet every Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

“People may think that they will be self-conscious or nervous about sharing stuff in a group,” TCU counselor Dr. Matthew Johnson said. “But, by the third or fourth time they’ve gone to the group, they feel a sense of connection.”

The Counseling Center welcomes new members. To join a group, visit the Counseling Center in the basement of Samuelsson Residence Hall. To submit group ideas, email [email protected]