Counselling workshops and groups

This workshop is offered remotely by video connection

Stress from life and school can and often does create stress in relationships we have with others. This one session interactive workshop will focus on research-derived strategies for maintaining and enhancing your relationships that are practical and effective. For example, come and find out what research has shown can predict the stability and satisfaction of your relationships with over 90% accuracy. In this workshop you’ll learn:

• specific strategies and skills to communicate and address conflict in a way that may be easier for others to hear without compromising the integrity of your message
• about conflict styles and non-verbal communication
• how to address behaviours that get in the way of connecting and communicating with others, including the four behaviours that have been empirically shown to be most damaging to communicating and building positive relationships.

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop or Group: 2 hour (120 minutes)
• Available Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • January 26
  • February 16
  • March 9
  • April 6
  • May 4
  • June 1
• For Grad Steps:
  • Friday March 24 - 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This workshop is offered remotely by video connection

What is trauma? It can include physical assault or sexual assault, physical or sexual abuse, experiencing a crime (e.g. mugging), bullying, experiencing a natural disaster, experiencing war, traffic accidents, sudden loss of someone through violence or suicide, or experiencing a life-threatening illness. 

If you have experienced a traumatic event that is continuing to affect you, consider attending this workshop to:

• Learn about and understand what happens in our bodies and brain when we experience trauma,
  • This includes how your brain made the decision how to survive, not you
• Learn quick and effective strategies to calm and ground ourselves to manage triggers and anxiety
• This workshop is focused on learning and skill-building: increase your control over your body and reactions

No personal sharing about your specific experience happens in this workshop

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop or Group: Part 1: Two hours (120 minutes), and Part 2: Two hours (120 minutes)
• Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursdays

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This workshop is offered via Zoom 

Who this workshop is for: This workshop series is designed for students who would like to learn strategies to cope with difficulties that are common among university students. Workshops do start on time with no late admittance.

Topics include: 1. Coping with Procrastination, 2. Coping with Low Self-Esteem, 3. Coping with Sleep Difficulties, 4. Coping with Perfectionism

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop or Group:   Monday, Wednesday & Thursday - 1.5 hour (90 minutes)

1. May 1, Monday 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  - Coping with Low Self-Esteem 
2. June 22, Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   - Coping with Procrastination
3. July 26, Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  - Coping with Procrastination

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This workshop is offered remotely by video connection

Learn in this interactive workshop how you can create unexpected opportunities for yourself by recognizing and including chance events into your career plan.

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop:   1.5 hour (90 minutes)
• Grad Steps
  • Friday February 10; Time 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times

This workshop is offered In-Person 

Who this workshop is for: This is a single session workshop and is open to any UM student. No previous experience with mindfulness-based meditation is required. Students may attend as many sessions as desired.

What you will learn: In each session, participants are introduced to the practice of mindfulness to become more aware and accepting of their experiences non-judgmentally, allowing them to respond to stressful situations in a different way.

Each session lasts up to 1 hour, and participants will be guided to practice from 1–2 mindfulness-based meditations (variations of mindfulness of breath) over the course of the group. After each practice, participants are invited to speak about their experience with each mindfulness practice within the group, with reflection(s) on common experiences arising of people engaged in mindfulness practice.

Participants are encouraged to practice meditations outside of the group, to promote their learning to respond to stressful situations differently.

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop: 1 hour (60 minutes)
• January 2023 through May 2023 - 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This workshop is offered remotely by video connection

Who this work is for: Anyone who has experienced the break-up of a romantic relationship.

Topics Covered: Stages of a break-up and the emotions involved, grief and coping, self-care, learning from the past, identity, self-esteem, learning about letting go.

Dates: The workshop will be scheduled based on the availability of students who can attend. Students who register will be contacted by the Counsellor in order to determine best days and times for the majority.

This workshop is offered in-person at the SCC

Who this group is for:  Students of any gender who want to increase their sense of contentment and self-worth, reduce perfectionism or harsh self-talk, and have a more peaceful relationship with themselves.

Topics covered: Self-compassion is a way of approaching our thoughts and feelings with kindness. But it is not just about being nicer to ourselves; research on self-compassion shows that it can increase our motivation and reduce self-blame and self-criticism. Together, we will learn about what self-compassion is, how it can be helpful, and do a short practice together. 

Workshop Details:

• Length of Group: 1 hour

Dates:

• Grad Steps - Monday February 6 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
• Monday March 13 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

This workshop is offered in-person at the SCC and remotely by video connection

Everyone experiences stress and distress at times and this is definitely true for university students. It is also common for people and students to feel overwhelmed by stress and distress and to struggle to cope and manage. The Student Counselling Centre has developed a three session workshop series to help students manage stress and distress. Each workshop is unique and students can attend any that they would like – you do not need to attend all three but we do recommend doing so to get the most out of the workshop series.

Who this workshop is for: This workshop series is for any student looking to develop skills to improve coping when faced with life challenges and feeling stressed and distressed.

What you’ll learn: Across all three workshops you will learn to: notice and identify triggers and factors contributing to stress in your life; develop and identify strategies to help you; and expand your awareness about resources available to you both on and off campus. Information on what happens in each session follows:

Session 1: Understanding and Managing Stress and Distress (S1):

• Distress and stress and the impact on you
• Daily wellness, including activities to build a daily routine
• Ways to stay motivated during difficult times
• Coping tools and strategies you can use immediately for relief

Session 2: Calming the Body (S2):

• Strategies to calm the body when experiencing stress
• Tips for developing a calming kit

Session 3: Calming the Mind (S3):

• Strategies to calm the mind when experiencing stress
• Introduction to trigger boards – a tool used to identify factors that contribute to stress and distress
• Tips for developing Risk Prevention Action Plans.

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop or Group: 1 Hour & 50. Minutes (110 minutes)
• Offered through the term:

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This workshop is offered in-person at the SCC

Who this workshop is for: Do you feel like a fake no matter how hard you work or how qualified you are? Do you worry that it’s just a matter of time before someone figures it out? You’re not alone! This workshop is open to any students who are experience a sense of being an impostor in their studies or work.

Topics covered: We will define the Impostor Phenomenon, explore the experience, and learn strategies to combat this common and debilitating experience, so that you can better enjoy your studies and successes.
 

Workshop Details:

• Length of Workshop or Group: 1 hour (60 minutes)
• Dates: In-Person
  • Thursday February 9 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday March 9 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times  

Who this group is for: Having a negative body image impacts us in many ways: low self esteem, less confidence, disordered eating, and often, a constant uncertainty about our own self worth. If you are struggling with your relationship with your body, join us for a closed five week group to learn strategies to improve your body image and be more content with yourself. This group is open to people of all genders and body sizes, and a short intake screening is required.

Topics covered: We will explore our relationship with body image, including how we develop body image, all through a Feminist informed, body affirming perspective. We’ll also learn strategies to improve our relationship with our body by changing our thoughts and behaviours.    
 

Group Details:

• Thursdays: March 2 to April 6 - 2pm to 4pm.
• This will be a closed group after the second session.
• Please call the SCC to be added to the wait list for this group. 

Who this group is for: Any U of M Student experiencing some level of stress or distress related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Hoarding. Please note that you do not need a formal diagnosis to 
participate in this group and symptoms can range from mild to severe. This is a 5 session group that is closed to new participants after the group starts, as skills are additive over sessions.
Topics covered: The group will cover what OCD is and how it differs from other anxiety disorders, the different types OCD, and how to challenge OCD using the cognitive behavioral model of OCD and acceptance and commitment therapy strategies.
Participants will learn a number of strategies to cope more effectively with a variety of types of obsessive and compulsive symptoms, including strategies like restructuring intrusive thoughts, ways to cope in the moment with “sticky” intrusive thoughts,  and how to use gratitude and self-compassion to challenge OCD.

Group Details:

• Length of Group: 2 hours (120 minutes) - 5 Sessions
• In-Person - Mondays 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who this group is for: This open group series is for students who would like to learn strategies for managing depression and anxiety.

Group Topics Include:

1. Managing Expectations: Enhancing Self-Esteem (CBT Session). Learn a tool for examining biased expectations and increasing self-esteem.
2. Knowing and Liking Myself (ACT Session): Learn tools for exploring your personal values and how they impact your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
3. Approaching My Fears (CBT Session): Learn how to desensitize yourself to your fears and worries through development of an anxiety exposure hierarchy.
4. Activities Scheduling (BA Session): Learn to schedule meaningful activities into your life to promote physical and psychological health.

Group Details

• Length of Group: 2 hour (120 minutes)
• Dates: Mondays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • 2nd Session: Jan 30, Feb 16, Feb 13, Feb 27 (In Person)
  • 3rd Session: Mar 13, 20, 27, Apr 3 (In Person)
  • 4th Session: May 15, 29, Jun 5, 12 (In Person)

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This group is offered in-person at the SCC 

This three session group explores the Enneagram and leads students into a path of self-discovery. Using the nine spaces of the Enneagram as tools, students can begin to explore personality types as well as finding ways to bring balance into their lives.  Benefits include insight into self, relationships and others, and dedicated time to reflect on negative patterns of behaviour.  As well, understanding the symbols of the Enneagram calls attention and understanding to each part of ourselves, Head, Heart and Body.  Unlocking this tool promotes personal growth and helps us to understand the connections between personality, essence and spirituality.

Group Details: Each group is offered on Thursdays 

• In-Person: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
  • May 11, 18, 25 

Who this group is for: This is a group for students who have lost a loved one through death.

What you will learn: Sorrow from the death of a loved one was never meant to be endured in isolation. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe forum for addressing the realities of loss and grief, to connect with others, and to access resources that aid in the healing process.

Group Details:

• Sessions: This group takes place over 6 consecutive weeks with 90-minute sessions. The group will be scheduled based on the availability of students who can attend. Students who register will be contacted by the Counsellor in order to determine best days and times for the majority. Group is limited to 8 participants.
• Length of Group: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This group is offered in-person

Who this group is for:  Any U of M student experiencing anxiety. This is a 5 session group that is closed to new participants after the group starts, as skills are additive over sessions.

What you will learn:  Participants will learn a number of strategies to cope more effectively with a variety of types of anxiety. We view anxiety and worry as a common experience in everyday living and being a university student, and rather than trying to eradicate anxiety, we focus on managing the anxiety we have.  In learning mastery in managing our anxiety, we no longer have to be concerned about it becoming a barrier or an obstacle.  We typically learn skills to manage anxiety in two broad ways:  1) understanding how our thoughts can influence (either increase or reduce) our anxiety; 2) learning strategies to manage our bodies and physical symptoms of anxiety.  We are then able to manage our thoughts, our bodies or both to feel better, and live our lives more fully.

Group Details:

• Length of Group:  2 Hours (120 minutes per session); 5 Sessions
• Fridays, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Session 3 (January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17)
  • Session 4 (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times 

This group is offered In-Person

Who this group is for:  Any U of M student experiencing some level of stress/distress. This is a 5 session group that is closed to new participants after the group starts, as skills are additive over sessions.

What you will learn:  Participants will be introduced to the practice of mindfulness to become more aware and accepting of their experiences non-judgmentally, allowing them to respond to stressful situations in different ways. 

No previous experience with mindfulness-based meditation is required.  Each session will last 120 minutes, and participants will be guided to practice a variety of mindfulness-based meditations over course of the group.  Participants are encouraged to practice meditations outside of the group, to promote their learning to respond to stressful situations differently.

Group Details:

• Length of Group:  2 hours (120 minutes); 5 Sessions
• Fridays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
  • March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
     

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times  

This group is offered in-person at the SCC and remotely by video connection

Who this group is for: Any students who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or suspect that they have 
attention related difficulties.
Pre-registration is required for each group topic. Although, students are encouraged to attend all sessions of the group, the group is an open group series, which means students can attend as many of the group topics as they desire.
 

Group Details:

• Length of Group: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• In-Person - Mondays 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 
  1. Managing My Attention and Focus (January 23)
  2. Organizing Myself and My Time (January 30)
  3. Managing My Distracting and Negative Thoughts (February 6)
  4. Improving My Self-Esteem and Social Connections (February 13)
  5. Understanding and Regulating My emotions    (February 27)
• ZOOM - Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  1. Managing My Attention and Focus (June 21)
  2. Organizing Myself and My Time (June 28)
  3. Managing My Distracting and Negative Thoughts (July 5)
  4. Improving My Self-Esteem and Social Connections (July 12)
  5. Understanding and Regulating My Emotions (Jul 19)

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.

This group is offered remotely by video connection

 Who this group is for: Anyone who is feeling frustrated with family, friends, co-workers, or a romantic partner and anyone having difficulty relating to them, communicating, or getting along. It is also great for anyone who would like to improve relationships that are going well.

Topics covered: Learning what four empirically derived behaviors are part of research that can predict relationship stability and satisfaction with over 90% accuracy and how to identify and manage them.

What you will learn: This group is intended to provide information about healthy relationships. You will explore and develop skills to better understand and manage your relationships with others.  Participants will have an opportunity to discover their own strengths and style of relating, while gaining knowledge and resources. (6 sessions)

Group Details:

• Length of Group:  6 meetings; each meeting is 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Mondays from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (6  sessions) 
• February 27
• March 6, 13, 20, 27
• April 3

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times 

Who this group is for:  This support group is designed for Autistic students with official or self-diagnosis. The hope is that it will provide a safe space for members to connect, validate, inform and support each other in areas of mutual interest, while creating a place to explore the unique challenges and gifts that adults on the spectrum face

Topics covered: ​​​​​​​Some topics may include masking, communication, relationships, identity, emotions, etc. The possibilities will be as unique as the members of the group!

Group Details: ​​​​​​​To register please call SCC reception. The group facilitator/counsellor will contact you directly to arrange a time for a short intake session and will then determine group dates and time based on availability of the majority.

Sessions: ​​​​​​​The group will happen in February/March 2023. This group takes place over 6 bi-weekly 90 minutes sessions and is a “closed group” meaning that once the group begins with the first gathering, no new members will be able to join.

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times

This group is offered remotely by video connection

Who this group is for: Anyone who has experienced trauma and who has already attended Part 1 and Part 2 of the “It’s Over But It’s Not: Understanding and Managing the Ongoing Impact of Trauma” workshop. This is to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and skills from the workshop to draw on and share with one another. This group is a place to talk about the experience of trauma in a safe and supportive space, and to be with others who have a shared experience and can support one another.

This group is focused on an open discussion related to the experience of going through and managing trauma, not discussing or sharing specific details of any one person’s trauma (i.e. sharing what happened to you), as that has been shown to not be helpful in a group setting. Discussion topics may include managing trauma symptoms; self-esteem; trusting self and others; understanding emotions, reactions, and symptoms; interacting with others and navigating relationships post-trauma; exploring shattered life assumptions; exploring new beliefs; exploring identity post-trauma; practicing calming and grounding strategies; or anything else that the group members agree would be helpful.

It is also important to know that this group is open, meaning that you may come to as many or as few sessions as you like or find helpful.

Please register with our reception for any session you wish to attend

Students who register will be contacted by the Counsellor in order to determine best days and times for the majority
 

Who this group is for: Indigenous Men (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis) 

What you will learn: Students will learn to identify their strengths & explore their identities and belonging as Indigenous men. They will learn skills to begin addressing issues pertaining to Indigenous men; this will, in turn, assist them in achieving their academic goals and meeting challenges in today’s world. New members are welcome to join after the start date. This group will happen on Thursday afternoons -  4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

For further details, contact the Indigenous Student Centre at 204-474-8850

Location: Indigenous Student Centre, Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge), 45 Curry Place, Fort Garry Campus.

Follow this link to search University of Manitoba Events page for current dates and times.