COLLEGE MENTAL HEALTH

At Groundwork Therapy, we work from a psychodynamic and relational framework, meaning we focus not just on managing symptoms, but on understanding the deeper emotional patterns and relationship dynamics that shape your experiences. This means that we help students explore how past experiences, family systems, and unconscious beliefs influence current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This deeper understanding allows for meaningful, lasting change—not just quick fixes. Additionally, we believe that much of this self-learning and healing happens within the therapeutic relationship. A relational approach to therapy centers on the healing power of genuine connection, using the therapist-client relationship as a space to explore patterns, build trust, and foster emotional growth. Our therapists prioritize building a safe, authentic, and collaborative connection with each student. Through this relationship, clients learn to relate to themselves and others with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

We also believe that meaningful insight and emotional growth go hand in hand with practical, evidence-based tools that clients can use in their everyday lives. While our foundation is rooted in psychodynamic and relational approaches, we also draw on skills-focused interventions—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices—to help clients build coping skills, manage distress, and create meaningful change.

More specifically, CBT helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood symptoms. Through structured strategies, we work with clients to reframe negative thinking, develop healthier behaviors, and strengthen self-efficacy. DBT helps clients to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These skills are especially valuable for clients experiencing intense emotions, relationship difficulties, or impulsive behaviors. DBT tools can help clients feel more in control of their emotional responses and interactions. When helpful, mindfulness practices are woven into our therapeutic work to help clients become more grounded, present, and compassionate toward themselves. Whether through breathwork, guided reflection, or somatic awareness, mindfulness can reduce stress, enhance emotional clarity, and create space for intentional choice in daily life.

Blending Insight with Action

Our integrative approach allows us to meet clients where they are—supporting emotional insight through depth work, while also providing concrete tools for navigating challenges in the here and now. This balance of reflection and action helps clients feel empowered, supported, and equipped to move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

College is a time of immense transition. Students are asked to define their identities, build independence, and manage new pressures—often all at once. Our goal is to help students move through this period with greater emotional resilience and a stronger sense of self.

Groundwork Therapy offers tailored support that meets students where they are. We specialize in college mental health by combining clinical insight with deep understanding of campus life and developmental needs. Our therapists are skilled in addressing the emotional, relational, and identity-related challenges that often surface in this stage of life.

By focusing on self-awareness, emotional insight, practical life and socio-emotional skills, and authentic connection, we help students build a stronger, more integrated sense of self—both in college and beyond.

College is often a time of powerful self-discovery—and for many students, that includes exploring questions around gender identity, sexual orientation, and authentic self-expression.

At Groundwork Therapy, we specialize in providing affirming, compassionate, and knowledgeable support for students navigating the complexities of gender and sexuality during this important stage of life.

Whether you're questioning, coming out, transitioning, or simply seeking a space where you don't have to explain yourself, our therapists meet you with respect, warmth, and without judgment. We understand that identity is personal and evolving—and that it deserves to be held with care.

Our team brings experience and sensitivity to working with:

• LGBTQIA+ and questioning students

• Trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals

• Students navigating coming out to family or peers

• Identity development and intersectionality

• Gender dysphoria, body image, and transition-related support

• The emotional toll of stigma, discrimination, or internalized shame

Read more about our affirmative therapy approach.

Many of Groundwork’s psychologists have extensive training in college mental health through externships, doctoral internships, and staff therapist positions in university counselings centers. This makes us acutely aware of the pressures and challenges unique to the undergraduate and graduate student experience—including academic systems, campus culture, the pressures of emerging adulthood (traditional undergrads) or of balancing family and school responsibilities (non-traditional undergrads and grad students). We bring this awareness to every session, offering support that’s clinically informed, developmentally attuned, and highly relevant to students’ lives.

You can read more about our staff and their specialty areas here.