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.

Calm and Connected: A Skills Group for Managing Symptoms of Anxiety   

Facilitator: Tiffany D’Souza (she/her), MSW, RSW
When:  Tuesdays | May 13, 20, 27 & June 3 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Services Hub (DV 2207)

Are you struggling with frequent worry or anxiety that’s affecting your academic goals, relationships and overall enjoyment of life? If so, this group is for you! During this 4 – week psychoeducational group, you'll discover practical strategies to manage the thoughts, feelings and physical discomfort associated with anxious thoughts and worry. We’ll explore specific techniques to help you stay present, navigate stress more effectively, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Find relief and connect with other students who understand what you’re going through. Together, we'll work towards a more balanced and calming mindset.  

Register here!

DBT Skills Group

Facilitator: Katrina Levasseur Nedamat (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Wednesdays | May 21, 28, June 4 & 11 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207) 

During this 4-week skills group, participants will learn 4 sets of DBT skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. 

Mindfulness skills are about learning to focus our attention on the present moment and notice what is happening without judgment or avoidance. Distress Tolerance skills are used to help us get through difficult and painful situations (without making things worse) while Emotion Regulation skills help us to manage and gain control over distressing emotions and situations (rather than being controlled by them) and increase the presence of more desirable emotions. Lastly, Interpersonal Skills help us to communicate and get our needs met in our relationships while maintaining respect for ourselves and others more effectively.    

Register here!

Mindful Self-Compassion for 2SLGBTIA+ Students: Learning to be fiercely compassionate with ourselves

Facilitator: John Nguyen (he/him), OT, Reg.
When: Thursdays | May 15, 22, 29 & June 5 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207)   

Have you ever noticed your inner voice? At times, we may notice that our inner voice treats us more like an enemy than a friend with harsh criticism and unhelpful self-talk. As 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, the messages we receive from society also morph into our inner critic. 

Based on the writing and research of Dr. Kristin Neff, this group will utilize mindfulness to respond to our emotions and thoughts with compassion - so we can begin to accept our experiences and ourselves just as we are. 

Together, we will move toward the golden rule of self-compassion: to treat ourselves as we would treat a friend. We will also explore fierce self-compassion: learning to stand up for ourselves, assert our needs and establish boundaries when needed. This 4-week group aims to teach participants how to show themselves compassion, kindness and soothing and to understand that we are not alone when we struggle.  

Register here!

Protecting Your Peace: Setting Healthier Boundaries as an Act of Self-Care

Facilitator: Asha Ramsumair (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Mondays | May 26, June 2, 9 & 16 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207)

Do you find yourself struggling to balance your needs with the needs of others? Maybe you always say “Yes” to requests you simply do not have the capacity for? When we struggle to understand and set healthy boundaries with other people, it can take a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing and lead to unsatisfying and draining relationships. 

In this group, you will learn practical ways to confidently center self-care and create realistic limits and manageable expectations in your relationships. We will also explore how to effectively create boundaries that show appreciation for different cultural nuances.

Register here!

🧩 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!