Launched midway through the fall 2025 semester, the new Grief counseling group co-led by Tyler Delaney and Alondra Berrios helps students suffering to cope with a significant loss

The Counseling Center offers a wide variety of support, therapy, and wellness groups free for all University of Rhode Island students. Some require registration while others are open to anyone who simply wants to drop in and join. In our ongoing effort to keep students aware of the resources available on campus, we’re chatting with the leaders of each group, so you know what to expect and where to go if you’re interested in participating. Stay well!

KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 10, 2025 – It’s a simple, yet effective, name, and co-leaders Tyler Delaney, Ph.D., and Alondra Berrios, LICSW, hope the explanatory title will coerce more URI students to follow through if they need support.

Grief is a new support group for students who are grieving the death of someone significant in their lives — including a family member, friend, mentor, or other close relationship. The group offers a supportive space to share and process grief alongside peers who have also experienced loss. The group held its first meeting in early November and plans to hold four more sessions this semester before resuming in the spring.

Delaney, a University Psychologist for URI’s Counseling Center, and Berrios, a Clinical Counselor, use a combination of emotional support, psychoeducation, and reflective activities to help students explore the grieving process and develop healthy ways to cope. Although students can attend one, or all, meetings, consistent attendance is encouraged to foster connection, trust, and group cohesion.

Students interested in joining Grief are encouraged to call the Counseling Center at 401-874-2288 or stop by its Roosevelt Hall location to schedule a 20-minute pre-screening appointment to determine if the group is the right fit.

In today’s spotlight, Delaney shares his insight on why he and Berrios launched this group and how it will serve students struggling to cope. Visit URI’s wellness groups webpage for more information on other groups and stay tuned to the Student Affairs news site throughout the year as we profile others making a difference at URI.

What was your motivation behind forming this group?

“Alondra and I have been thinking about getting more involved in grief-related work for some time, but this is the first semester we have led a grief support group. We wanted to start this group because we quickly realized how much it was needed. While it may not be as evident on the surface, there are so many URI students grieving and coping with loss. Many people are uncomfortable with grief, and that can sometimes lead people to feel that they must suffer in silence. We wanted to create a supportive space where people can process their grief with others who can relate.”

What is the primary goal of this group and the demographic it’s intended to

reach?

“The primary goal of the group is to create a sense of community through the shared experience of grief. It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students who are grieving. Currently, all group members have lost a parent or guardian, though that is not necessarily a requirement for attendance.”

On average, what are some of the biggest issues and concerns facing students

who join this group?

“We would say the biggest concern facing students who join the group is how do they navigate life post-loss, including how to do so as a student.”

How does this group work toward addressing those issues and helping students

reach their potential in and out of the classroom?

“While there is not a manual for how to best cope with grief and each person’s grieving process can be different, leaning on the group community for support can facilitate healthy emotional expression and a sense of belongingness, which can often be beneficial for students’ academic and personal wellness.”

How often, on what dates, and where does this group meet?

“The group sessions will be weekly and held until the end of the fall semester. That means we will have three meetings before Thanksgiving break (we will not meet on that Friday), followed by two remaining sessions before the winter break and the holiday season. Our hope is to continue the group into the spring semester.”

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Michael Parente, director of communications and marketing in the URI Division of Student Affairs, wrote this news release.