The Counseling Center’s Stress G.P.S. meets throughout the academic year to help URI students cope with and learn about common stressors

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. – Oct. 30, 2025 – Does stress and anxiety disrupt your day-to-day life? Clinical Counselor / Care Manager Danielle Madden, LICSW, of the Counseling Center is here to help.

Since coming to URI three years ago from the University of Massachusetts, Madden has launched the Stress G.P.S. (Gaining Practical Skill) wellness group, a three-week psycho-educational workshop centered on learning and practicing coping strategies and practical skills to improve your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Madden learned the curriculum while at UMass and decided to make it a part of URI’s wellness group offerings in the summer of 2023. There is no need to register; the group is open to any student who wants to learn more about stress, anxiety, or how to cope. Students can also drop in at any time during the semester and are encouraged to reach out to Madden at 401-874-2288 or danielle.madden@uri.edu for updated information on the schedule.

In today’s spotlight, we learn more about Madden’s inspiration behind Stress G.P.S. and get a full breakdown of what’s covered during group sessions. 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.

How long you’ve been a part of Stress G.P.S.?

“The Stress G.P.S. (Gaining Practical Skills) Workshop was developed by my former colleagues at UMass Amherst Center for Counseling and Psychological Health. I was introduced to the curriculum in 2021 and carried the workshop with me to URI with permission from my former director at UMass.”

How and why did you got involved?

“Stress G.P.S. was developed to offer a more practical guide to coping with stress and anxiety. I was drawn to the workshop’s thorough curriculum and education on how stress impacts both the mind and body. What I love about this workshop is that it helps participants build coping skills and strategies to directly address their symptoms. I think it is a resource that all could benefit from, as everyone experiences stress from time to time!”

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

“The goal of the workshop is to build awareness of how our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviors are all interconnected (The Cognitive Diamond) and develop ways to break the cycle of stress and anxiety. It is open to all students.”

On average, what are some of the biggest issues and concerns facing students who join this group?

“Common stressors that bring folks to the workshop include anxieties about the future, social anxiety, interpersonal stressors, and academic stressors. Although, anyone impacted by stress and anxiety in some capacity could benefit from the workshop.”

How does this group work toward addressing those issues and helping students reach their potential in and out of the classroom?

“Stress G.P.S. is offered in three weekly hour-long sessions. In the first week, students learn about the physiological impact of stress on the body and learn skills to change their body chemistry, using both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) based approaches. In week two, we review anxious thought patterns, known as cognitive distortions, and how to challenge such thoughts using CBT skills. In the final week, participants learn about their emotional and behavioral responses to stress and anxiety, as well as DBT-based distress tolerance and radical acceptance skills to manage these reactions to stress. When students are better able to cope with their own stress and anxiety through use of practical skills learned in this workshop, they have the potential to feel more confident both in and out of the classroom.”

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