Programs

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is the practice of taking in the natural environment through all of one's senses. Effects of forest bathing on health promotion and disease prevention in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine indicates that it reduces stress, anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion.

When: Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Register: Use Forms to sign up.
Who: Any current student

Lunch Social Hour

A monthly gathering to focus on one dimension of wellness that the Grinnell Community Residential Experience, aka GCORE, is focused around that time. Experts in the dimension will be at each gathering.  

Those without a meal plan can sign in at the Marketplace entrance and in the pavilion so the wellness budget can cover the cost of their access to the marketplace.

When: First Wednesday of each month classes are in session
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Where: Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, Marketplace Pavilion (Whale Room)
Who: Any current student 

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs will be on campus! Multiple studies demonstrate that students who engage with therapy dogs on campus have a more positive affect.

When: Every other Tuesday while classes are in session (starting September 10)
Time: 5–6 p.m.
Where: Humanities and Social Studies Center, Atrium
Who: Any current student 

Treadmill/Walking Desk

SHAW added a treadmill desk for students in the HSSC. It is positioned in the northwest area of the second floor in front of a window. It is important that all users read and follow the safety warnings posted with the treadmill and wear the safety lanyard when in use.

Multiple offices were consulted to ensure that it would not be disruptive to others, did not interrupt egress, and had a view of green space. While the deeper, more frequent, and lengthier periods you get into nature, the better for your mental health, even time spent looking at trees and lawns has an impact relative to looking at technological screens. Furthermore, movement while studying improves recall. Some studies indicate that movement as intense as walking reduces stress better than high intensity exercise due to the amount of added stress from the two types of exercise. And while moderate to vigorous exercise may enhance our cardiovascular health more, even gentle walking correlates to cardiovascular benefits.

Questions or concerns related to the treadmill desk can be sent to Tim Hammond.

Introduction to Mental Health

SHAW offers various workshops to students and employees. Registration is required for these. 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.

Open to Students and Employees!

Please register through GLADIS if you are interested. Trouble accessing Gladis? Email Alexis Steele.

  • Monday & Tuesday, Oct. 21 & 22, from 1-5 p.m.

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. 

Open to Students and Employees!

Please register through GLADIS if you are interested. Trouble accessing Gladis? Email Alexis Steele.

  • Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Support Groups & Drop-In Spaces

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

Toxic. Manipulative. Codependent. Abusive. Dysfunctional. Gaslighting. Red Flag. Hostile. These are a few of the words we might use to talk about relationships that aren’t working for us, but what does it all mean? How do we spot concerns as they arise, and how can we interrupt the problematic cycle in a given relationship? What constitutes a healthy relationship, and how can we foster more of them in our own lives? This bi-weekly process group is a space to ask these questions and more, in a navigating both platonic and romantic relationships. We will explore relational needs, identifying and establishing boundaries, and discuss communication styles and strategies. 

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

When: Every other Tuesday, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student

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.

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

When: Mondays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student

A biweekly support group for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person 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 predominately white institution (PWI), and other topics of interest. 

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

When: Every other Friday noon–1 p.m.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color

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 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. 

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

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

This process group focuses on men learning to improve their relationships with others and increase understanding of themselves. Typical themes of this group include improving self-esteem, exploring different facets of masculinity, practicing healthy vulnerability, and increasing emotional closeness. This group is also open to discussing additional personal and academic concerns such as, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, academic pressure, and self care..

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

When: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–noon
Who: Any currently enrolled student who identifies as male 

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, share experiences, develop awareness of interpersonal patterns through support and feedback, and further foster healthy vulnerability in relationships.

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

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

A weekly support space for first-year and transfer students to connect, build community, and share the successes and challenges of adjusting to Grinnell. First-year and transfer students experiencing a variety of challenges adjusting to Grinnell could benefit from this group.

Registration needed. Contact SHAW to schedule an appointment for registration.

When: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–noon
Who: Any currently enrolled student who is a first-year or new transfer student

The Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice (CRSSJ) and SHAW will hold a supportive space for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one such as a parent, family member, partner, friend, or peer. This weekly event will provide a healing space for those who have experienced a significant loss and wish to connect with a community of grievers. This group supports connection, the exploration of feelings connected to loss, as well as the reflection of ways in which grief continues to impact day-to-day life. This space is not a replacement for therapy or psychiatric care. Feel free to ask for referrals if needed.

No registration required.

Location: CRSSJ Garage, 913 8th Ave
When: Mondays, 4:15–5:15 p.m. (starting Sept. 16) There is not an on-going commitment required; you are welcome at any date.
Who: Any currently enrolled student who is grieving the loss of a loved individual

Rabbi Sarah from the CRSSJ and Dr. Beth Perlman of SHAW will be present. Any questions can be directed to Sarah Brammer-Shlay

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