Groups and Workshops

March 2 & 9, 2013
9:00 am to 12:30 pm

A workshop led by Rick Baez, Psy.D, introduces engaged couples to keys for vibrant marriages. The workshop will be based upon the latest findings in research and Christian principles for relationships.

Cost: $50/couple

To register, contact the Broene Counseling Center at 616-526-6123 or broene@calvin.edu.

Students who would benefit from exploring the impact of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs on their lives are welcome to join Taking Control. The group provides confidential support, both for voluntary students and for those mandated to attend by Judicial Affairs as a result of alcohol violations. Reports of attendance may be sent to probation officers if students request this service.

For more information, contact Cindy Kok, Ph.D., at 616-526-6125 or ckok@calvin.edu.

This group meets periodically to provide students with an informal and open opportunity to learn more about grief and loss. Whether they have experienced a loss themselves or are close to someone who has, students are invited to join together and support one another while also gaining information from a Broene counselor about what to expect through the grieving process. The group meets for one to two sessions that each last for approximately two hours.

For more information, contact the Broene Counseling Center at 616-526-6123 or broene@calvin.edu.

Step One is a confidential group for men who are struggling with pornography use and desire to be free. The group meets on a weekly basis for one hour.

For more information, contact Dan Vandersteen, MSW, at 616-526-7027 or dv23@calvin.edu.

Strides is a confidential group for women who are negatively affected by others (such as boyfriends, significant others, family members, or husbands) who are using pornography. The group provides a safe setting to discuss concerns, ask questions, and receive support.

For more information, contact Cindy Kok, Ph.D., at 616-526-6125 or ckok@calvin.edu.

The Broene Discussion Group is a voluntary support group for gay, lesbian and questioning students, overseen by an experienced counselor in the Broene Counseling Center. The group exists in response to the need for dialogue and understanding in the Church today, acknowledged in the Christian Reformed Church's mandate to "create a hospitable climate and an inclusive environment for those who experience same-sex desires" (2002 Synodical Report on Pastoral Care for Homosexual Members). We are also responding to requests from people within our community that we utilize our resources to care for all our students, and create a campus atmosphere of dialogue and respect.

The discussion group enables students who are gay, or who have questions about their sexual orientation, to support one another in ways that are scripture-affirming, mutually edifying, and in keeping with a Reformed worldview. It is not a decision-making group. Members are not pressured to adopt a particular position, rather, as the CRC has advised, we are "creating a fellowship of mutual honesty, caring and support" (2002 Synodical Report). We are deeply devoted to dialogue, educational growth, and understanding between community members.

For more information, contact Dan Vandersteen, MSW, at 616-526-7027 or dv23@calvin.edu.

SAGA (Sexuality Awareness, Gender Acceptance), is a peer education group of both gay and straight students with a counselor mentor from the Broene Counseling Center. SAGA includes students who have a friend or family member who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, as well as others who have an interest in topics of gender and sexual orientation.

SAGA website »

SAPT works to end rape, sexual assault, and harassment by educating for change in attitudes and behaviors and by equipping compassionate and knowledgeable responders.

SAPT website »