Therapy Groups

Mental health therapists lead multi-week student-only groups. Most are offered in the fall and winter terms. Spaces are limited and each one fills up fast, so we recommend registering early. 

Students can register using the link in the group description or through TELUS Health Connect. If students have questions or issues registering, email counselling.services@queensu.ca

Steps to Register on TELUS

  1.     Review group descriptions below  
  2.     Set-up TELUS Health Connect account (mobile app or desktop available) 
  3.     Select visit type - group 
  4.     Select location
  5.     Select type – click on the specific group

Group Descriptions

This group is for students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who want practical strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions and navigate the demands of university life. Students will get support with challenges connected to maintaining motivation, relationships and routines.

In-person (location sent upon registration)

F26 dates/times: Tuesdays 12:30-2:30pm, Sept 22 to Nov 10 (except Oct 13)

Register for F26 Activating Resilience with ADHD

This group is for students navigating friendship and relationship breakups at university. Students are invited to share their stories, find support from peers and get tools to help get through these experiences. This group welcomes students who have experienced all kinds of break-ups (queer, straight, poly, romantic, friendship and other).

Offered in-person

This group is for female identified students who have self-identified trauma or adverse childhood experiences (i.e., sexual assault, childhood trauma, bullying, etc.).  Weekly resistance training sessions are combined with body-based trauma therapy. 

In this group, students will:  

  •     Learn ways to manage your symptoms of trauma, anxiety and/or depression 
  •     Build physical and emotional/mental strength  
  •     Connect with others who may have experienced something similar  
  •     Become familiar with the Athletics & Recreation Complex (ARC)

In-person (location sent upon registration)

F26 dates/times: Wednesdays 10-11:30am, Sept 30 to Nov 11 (except Oct 14)

Students interested this group are asked to . This will help make sure this group is a good fit and it is safe to start exercising. Upon completion, students will receive the registration link.

This group is for Smith Engineering students who want to learn strategies to manage stress during academic life and in preparation for exam periods.

In this group, students will:  

  • Learn and practice mindfulness techniques to help stay calm and focused during high-stress situations
  • Discover ways to handle academic pressures using a calm and composed mindset
  • Develop skills to improve concentration to make study time more effective
  • Connect with other students experiencing similar challenges to share experiences and strategies

In-person (location sent upon registration)

W27 dates/times: Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm, Jan 26 to Mar 9 (except Feb 16)

Register for W27 Engineering Calm 

This group offers support to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. The Chaplain will work with the group to provide a safe and brave space for sharing and listening.  We will also explore ways to integrate grief and loss into our lives. 

Offered in-person 

This group is for students who want to improve their focus and decrease anxiety and stress, without having to spend hours meditating.  Each week students will try different mindfulness exercises (e.g., body scan, mindful eating, and mindful self-compassion).   

In this group, students will:  

  •     Learn mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques 
  •     Find ways to stay focused on the present and change the way you handle stress  
  •     Integrated a variety of formal and informal mindfulness techniques into student life  

In-person (location sent upon registration)

This group is a space for women and non-binary identified students who have experienced sexual violence. Through support and education, students will get an opportunity to gain skills and strengths that build resiliency and lead to a sense of self-empowerment.

At the end of this group, students will:

  •     Understand the impact of sexual violence 
  •     Develop effective coping skills to deal with the emotional aftermath 
  •     Explore issues such as trust, intimacy, setting boundaries, assertiveness, and positive body image 

In-person (location sent upon registration). Registration closes after the 2nd week.

F26 dates/times: Tuesdays 4-5:30pm from Sept 29 to Dec 1 (except Oct 13)

Register for F26 PEGaSUS

W26 dates/times: Tuesdays 4-5:30pm from Jan 26 to Mar 30 (except Feb 16)

Register for W27 PEGaSUS

This group will provide a supportive space for undergraduate and graduate students to connect with each other to discuss the unique challenges faced by women in a male-dominated profession. Sessions will tackle imposter syndrome, navigate sexism, and build professional confidence. Through conversations and mentorship, this group aims to empower women to thrive and lead in engineering and beyond.

In-person (location sent upon registration)

F26 dates/times: Bi-weekly Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm, Sept 22 - Dec 1 

Register for F26 Support Circuit: Women in Engineering

This group is for Smith Engineering graduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPoC). Students will get the chance to build connections and learn tools to navigate the challenges of grad school.

Topics covered include:

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) identity and overcoming barriers
  • Unhooking from anxiety and learning how to manage thoughts and feelings
  • Building relationships within academic and professional communities
  • Navigating imposter syndrome and tackling self-doubt
  • Addressing power dynamics with supervisors and mentors 

Offered in-person (location sent upon registration). Students are welcome to attend one or all sessions.

F26 dates/times: Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm, Sept 29 to Nov 3 (except Oct 13)

Register for F26 Wired for Wellness 

W27 dates/times: Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm, Jan 26 to Mar 9 (except Feb 16)

Register for W27 Wired for Wellness 

This group is for graduate students looking to connect with others, discuss the unique challenges of grad life plus to learn new skills and insights. 

Weekly topics covered include:

  • Adjusting to grad school
  • Relationships and communication with supervisors and collaborators
  • Imposter syndrome, loneliness and belonging
  • Finding motivation
  • Managing rejection in academia
  • Finishing the last chapter - what next?

Offered in-person (location sent upon registration)

F26 dates/times: Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm, Sept 24 to Oct 29

Register for Mastering Grad School

This group is for students struggling with social anxiety and designed to channel the powerful effects of improv in a safe space. Students will gain confidence in social situations and build connections with other students experiencing similar challenges. No experience needed, just a willingness to be open-minded and to try something new!

Offered in-person (location sent upon registration). Students are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.

F26 dates/times: Mondays from 6:00-8:00pm, Sept 21 to Nov 16 (except Oct 12)

*registration is only available through TELUS Health Connect

This group is for Smith Engineering students on internship. Students will gain coping tools and strategies to support them on internship and get an opportunity to network and connect with peers. 

Offered virtually

F26 dates/times: Wednesdays 12:00-1:00pm, Oct 14, Nov 11 and Dec 9

Register for F26 MINDWORKS: Wellness on QUIP

This group is for students struggling to manage overwhelming emotions, deal with crisis, and control unhelpful behaviours.

Offered in-person

F26 dates/times: Wednesdays 2:00-3:30pm, Oct 21 to Nov 5

Register for Managing Powerful Emotions

Upcoming Events

Braving Social Anxiety Through Improv

Sep

21

Monday

two masks, one happy and one sad
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
In-person (location sent upon registration)

Braving Social Anxiety Through Improv

Therapy group for students struggling with social anxiety

Register now
Support Circuit - Women in Engineering

Sep

22

Tuesday

four women with cog wheels turning above heads
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
In-person (location sent upon registration)

Support Circuit - Women in Engineering

Therapy group for women in engineering

Register now
Activating Resilience with ADHD

Sep

22

Tuesday

person at desk overwhelmed by work
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
In-person (location sent upon registration)

Activating Resilience with ADHD

Therapy groups for students with ADHD

Register now