Groups & Workshops

Groups & Workshops are powerful vehicles for change. When people participate in a group with others who may be experiencing similar challenges, they are often validated that they are not alone in their struggles. Students explore and learn new skills and can practice these in the safety of the group. Groups can be an empowering experience; feeling the support of the facilitator(s) and fellow group members can increase motivation and energy to create the change people want for themselves.

Please check out the upcoming groups & workshops outlined below and choose one (or more) that you believe might be a good fit for you!

If you have any questions about therapeutic groups and workshops or have any concerns, please call the HCC at 905-828-5255 or drop by the clinic (DV 1152) or email health.utm@utoronto.ca.

Joy in the Journey: Cultivating Care for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students

Facilitators: Isha Saini (she/her), RP & John Nguyen (he/him), OT Reg. (Ont)
When: UTM Let’s Talk | Wednesday |12:00-1:30pm | March 5 
Where: Wellness Den, Student Hub, DV 2207

For students who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, navigating university life can bring unique stressors, from microaggressions to systemic barriers. At the same time, it can also be a space for connection, self-discovery, and joy. 

In this workshop, you’ll explore the impact of minority stress and learn ways to cultivate queer and trans joy. From self-care to collective care, this workshop is for you if you're looking for ways to feel more grounded, affirmed, and supported!

Registration is now closed.

Zoom Link

Graduate Student Series: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Facilitator: Faiza Khokhar (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Tuesday | 1:30pm - 2:30pm | March 11 
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting 🌐

Do you every question how you ended up in an academic environment? Have you ever felt that your achievements are just luck? You are not alone! 

Like many others, the self-doubt that you experience may be imposter syndrome. The term imposter syndrome was first coined in the 1970s by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance, and they described it as a phenomenon that occurs amongst high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their own personal success.    

In this workshop, we’ll explore imposter syndrome from an intersectional lens. Together, we will consider how this common phenomenon may be more prevalent amongst certain groups and identities.  Race, socio-economic class, gender, sexuality, citizenship status are just a few examples of how systemic and social barriers related to identity can amplify imposter syndrome and get in the way of your success and confidence. 

Join us as we work to increase our self-awareness of imposter syndrome and its impact along with identifying strategies to overcome it!  

Register here!

Shyness and Social Anxiety Group for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 

***🚨 Dates Updated 🚨***

Facilitators: John Nguyen (he/him), OT Reg. (Ont.) 
When:  Tuesdays | 2:00pm - 3:00pm | March 4, 11, 18, 25
Where: Wellness Den, Student Hub, DV2207 

Do you struggle to meet new people or connect with others due to feeling uncomfortable in social situations? Do you have trouble with public speaking or find yourself avoiding public spaces? It can be difficult to feel comfortable in social situations given our lived experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community dealing with judgment, prejudice and even discrimination. 

This 4-week group is designed to provide students who identify within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with a supportive space to work through shyness and social anxiety. Drawing from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) lens, participants will develop practical skills to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

Registration is closed.

🧩 Community & Connections: A wellness drop-in for students identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).

Facilitators: Racialized staff from the HCC Counselling Team
When: Every Friday from 1:30pm - 2:30pm 
Where: Wellness Den, Student Services Hub, DV 2207

Community & Connections is a weekly drop-in session at the Wellness Den that offers a safe space for BIPOC students to hang out, reflect on their identities and experiences and build a supportive community while engaging in a variety of wellness activities.  Activities will include:

• Sip n’ Share - Join us as we sip tea and share our experiences in a supportive circle.
• Playlist Power Hour - Music is a vital part of our identity! Come share your favourite tunes, discover what others are listening to, and craft a personalized playlist to help manage stress, reflect, and boost your mood.
• Craft & Chat - Come by and build community as we engage in an art activity!
• Positive Vibes - Come together and craft uplifting messages and heartfelt notes to inspire and support each other.

Sign up for a reminder here!

Meditation and Movement

Facilitators: RAWC or HCC staff
When: Every Monday from 1:30pm - 2:00pm 
Where: Wellness Den, Student Services Hub, DV2207

Guided Meditation & Movement will be paired with a physical practice to help us move our bodies into wellness including seated yoga and stretching.  

Mindfulness is about being present and in the moment. These free, drop-in classes foster an accepting, non-judgmental environment to learn and practice different forms of mindful meditation. No prior experience with mindfulness or meditation is required! Everyone is welcome, students, staff, and faculty!

Lower Stress. Improve Mood. Feel Better.

Need a little encouragement?  

Sign up for a weekly mindfulness reminder here!