Counselling workshops and groups

This workshop is offered In-person & Zoom

Who this workshop is for?

Anyone who would like to learn information and practical strategies to maintain and enhance their relationships with others. This workshop applies to all types of relationships, e.g., friends, family, partners, peers, co-workers, etc.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Stress from life and school can and often does create stress in relationships we have with others. This workshop will focus on research derived strategies for maintaining and enhancing your relationships that are practical and effective. Learn what can predict relationship stability and satisfaction with over 90% accuracy. You'll also learn strategies and skills to communicate and address conflict:

• 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.
• Learn about conflict styles and non-verbal communication.
• Gain skills 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: Thursdays: 10:00-12:00 p.m. 2 hours (120 minutes)

Students must be in Manitoba to attend the Zoom workshops.

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

• "Please go! After taking this workshop, all I could think was wow, I wish everyone I know would go to this. It was so helpful!"
• "This is helpful for all relationships when approaching conflict or even improving them even when not in conflict. The skills are applicable in the moment and preventative as well."
• "I liked the fact I could relate to many of the scenarios, and my questions were answered without needing to ask. It is definitely worth the time investment, both in and out of it."
• "This is such a useful workshop. We cannot go through life without any sort of conflict, but learning how to deal with those situations in a more productive way is a skill that everyone should learn".
• "Very informative and helpful session not only for studies but for life... must go for it".

This workshop is offered In-person and Zoom

Who is this workshop for?

Anyone who has experienced trauma. What is trauma? It can include physical or sexual assault, physical or sexual abuse, emotional 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. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

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. Participants are not asked to speak.

Workshop details: Thursdays: 2:30-4:30 p.m. for 2 weeks in a row (part 1 & 2)
Length of workshop: 2 hours (120 minutes)
 

Students must be in Manitoba to attend Zoom sessions

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

• "The workshop was very well thought out and included lots of helpful information. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and believe I have learned more about trauma and ways of coping through this course than I have throughout my entire mental health journey. I didn’t feel like I was being force fed information as the delivery of the workshop was very relaxing and easy to follow".
• "I highly recommend it, I think the questions you had us answer [on our own] were insightful. It’s the kind of stuff you won't just forget about once the workshop ends. I have a feeling I'll be going back to those questions and really think on them long after the workshop ends. I think it also provided me with knowledge on how to address trauma in others’ lives".
• "It was helpful to be with others who have experienced trauma, knowing that I'm not alone. Understanding that my experience fits with known patterns for trauma and being given tangible coping strategies was helpful in making me feel more supported and more in control of my own life moving forward".
• "I loved the layout of it. The balance of the scientific facts and how that affects us emotionally. I also loved the prompts. This workshop really brought a lot of issues to light for me and gave me a lot of answers I have been searching for".
• "This course is a great first step for those looking to understand and overcome trauma. I would also recommend this to people who have explored their trauma in a therapeutic setting, but feel that they require another approach".

This workshop is offered In-Person at the SCC

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. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Each session focuses on a specific topic: Procrastination, Perfectionism, Sleep, and Low Self­ Esteem. Students will learn about these topics and coping strategies to start addressing these difficulties.

Workshop details: Wednesdays 2:30-4:00 p.m. 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

• "The workshop gave me many tools to use on a daily basis and I learned a lot of things that I can incorporate in my daily life."

• "The worksheets helped a lot, instructions were straight forward. I left the workshop in a better mood."

This workshop is offered in-person at the SCC

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. 

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.

Workshop details: Wednesdays: September 2025 through June 2026 

Length of workshop: 12:30-1:30 p.m. 1 hour (60 minutes)
 

This monthly workshop is offered in-person at the SCC

Who this workshop 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 and what you will learn:

If you're like most people, you're much nicer to other people than to yourself. Ready to do something different? Research on self-compassion shows that it can increase our motivation and reduce self-blame and self-criticism. This is a short monthly workshop, and each session will introduce the idea of self-compassion and offer a different activity. You're welcome to attend one or several of the sessions.

Workshop details: Offered monthly on Mondays 12:30-1:30 p.m. 
1 hour (60 minutes)
October 6
November 3
December 1

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

"It was really helpful! I liked hearing from other participants and examples people gave."

"I realized I'm not very self-compassionate right now but I feel inspired to work on it. Thank you!"
 

This workshop is offered in-person at the SCC and via Zoom

Everyone experiences stress at times and this is definitely true for university students. It is also common for people and students to feel overwhelmed by stress and to struggle to cope and manage. The Student Counselling Centre has developed a three session workshop series to help students manage stress and wellness. 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 will 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. 

Topics covered include:

Session 1: Foundations of Wellness (S1):

• Self-compassion and forgiveness
• Importance of nutrition, ways to improve sleep 
• Stress reduction strategies

Session 2: Calming Your Body (S2):

• Strategies for reducing the stress in body including breathing techniques
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Visualization activities and TIPP skills

Session 3: Calming Your Mind (S3):

• Mindful observation of thoughts 
• "ABC's" of paying attention to thoughts
• Unhelpful thinking traps and strategies for challenging negative thinking 
• Being more self-supportive

Workshop details:

Length of Workshop: 1 hour 50 Minutes (110 minutes)

This workshop is offered In-Person at the SCC

Who this workshop is for:

This is a two session stand-alone workshop series to help students feel more empowered in day-to-day interactions and when difficult situations arise.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

November 25th: Boundaries: Learn about the Importance of boundaries, Types of boundaries, If you need to set boundaries, Cultural considerations and context when setting boundaries, The Six Ways to Say No and Helpful Responses when experiencing boundary violations.

December 2nd: Assertiveness: Learn about myths and facts related to assertiveness, the value of assertive communication, Understanding your Personal Bill of Rights; The 4-Part I Statement and how to respond assertively with practical tips and skills on a daily basis.

Workshop details:

Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 am 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

This workshop is offered on Zoom

Who this workshop is for?

For graduate students only – students can register through Grad Steps. Anyone who is thinking about or in the process of career planning.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Learn how you can create unexpected opportunities for yourself by recognizing and including chance events into your career plan

Workshop details: Friday, December 5th: 2:30-4:00 p.m. 

Length of workshop:1.5 hours (90 minutes)
 

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

"This workshop will provide a bit of comfort about the future knowing that there are a large number of things you can control and do to help with job opportunities."

"The instructor provided a lot of useful examples and approaches for implementing planned happenstance in career planning."

"You will learn some new skills about creating your own career opportunities."

"If you're feeling uncertain about your approach to career development or other more general contexts, you may find this workshop to be quite useful for re-evaluating your outlook."

"To know about the concept of happenstance was the most useful thing about the workshop and it was great to know that any effort made counts towards the goal."

This workshop is offered In-person at the SCC

Who this workshop is for?

This workshop is for ADHDers (diagnosed or self-diagnosed).

ADHD doesn't have just one look, and it doesn't come with a single story. This workshop series celebrating ADHD Awareness Month will offer a space to connect, reflect, and learn about the diverse ways ADHD shows up in real life. Each session will focus on a different "face" of the ADHD experience. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Session 1: The Emerging Face: Starting the ADHD Journey
Unpack the emotional rollercoaster of a new diagnosis or self-discovery. The session will discuss common misconceptions of ADHD and allow space to process the identity shift that comes along with this new self-understanding.

Session 2: The Hidden Face: Understanding ADHD in Women
ADHD in women and girls often flies under the radar. This session dives into how ADHD shows up differently in women and the various challenges that comes along with being a neurodivergent woman.  

Session 3: The Tender Face: Navigating Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
Learn what RSD is, how it affects relationships and self-esteem, and discover tools to support emotional resilience.

Session 4: The Strengthened Face: Owning Your ADHD Story
Celebrate your growth and self-understanding. This session focuses on reclaiming your identity, recognizing your strengths, and shaping your ADHD story. 
 

Workshop details: Tuesdays 2:30-4:00 p.m. 1. 5 hours (90 minutes)

This workshop is offered on Zoom

Who this workshop is for?

Anyone who has experienced the break-up of a romantic relationship and would like support to begin to process the loss. Participants will learn some information about the process and about themselves, and gain some resources and suggestions for next steps.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

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

Workshop details: Tuesdays 2:30-5:30 p.m. 3 hours (180 minutes)

October 21
November 25

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this workshop

"I say do it. If you're in a rough place and need some help getting out of it, you're definitely going to get something good out of this workshop. It's a step forward towards trying to be there for yourself, whether that'd be for present you, or future you."

"This experience helped me clear things and open up."

"It's nice to feel validated about strong feelings that one might be feeling in regards to breakups. It's definitely helpful knowing that there is hope in knowing that things can get better."

"The tips and guidance helped a lot."

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

This group is for students who have been diagnosed with or suspect they have Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although students are encouraged to attend all sessions of the group, students can attend as many or as few of the group topics as they desire. 
Pre-registration is required for each group topic. Each session will cover a specific topic that is relevant for students with ADHD. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

• Managing My Attention and Focus
• Organizing Myself and My Time
• Managing My Distracting and Negative Thoughts
• Improving My Self-Esteem and Social Connections
• Understanding and Regulating My Emotions

Students will learn about how these topics relate to ADHD and discuss ways to manage these ADHD-related difficulties and draw upon ADHD-related strengths. The group also provides participants the opportunity to connect with other students with ADHD. 

Group Details:

Students must be in Manitoba to attend the Zoom sessions.

Length of Group: 2 hours (120 minutes)

Wednesdays from November 5-December 3, 2025 1:30 pm -3:30 pm

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

• “Kim fostered an extremely safe and accepting environment which allowed students to share what they were comfortable with. I enjoyed being able to share my experiences and hear the experiences of other students. Each session provided helpful tips and information for students, but also (and more importantly, in my opinion) really well explained what was happening in the ADHD brain and why we are experiencing these things - all using kind language. The tips are of course helpful, but understanding why without placing any additional blame on myself was the most valuable takeaway.”

• “Neurodivergence is greater than the sum of its parts, and it was great to have a space that validated all of my neurodivergence, not just the slice that is diagnosed as ADHD.”

• “Really appreciated the opportunity to meet other folks with attention difficulties, share experiences, and hear about the common issues! It really made certain things "click" for me and explained a lot of the difficulties I've been having lately.”

• “I liked that I was able to hear about and relate to other people's experience with ADHD. The information presented during the sessions also helped me to better understand my own experiences/issues and ways to deal with them, and to learn more about what ADHD is and how it affects one's everyday life.”

• “If you are a student struggling with ADHD or want to feel more affirmed, then I advise you to join this group. Kim creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to share their stories, thoughts, and feelings.”

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who this Group is for: For Grad and Undergrad students who want to connect with others who care deeply about the climate emergency. 

Topics covered: Check in and share ideas for coping, action, living with enormous systemic problems, and dreaming up a better future.

Let's talk about engaging the climate emergency in ways that show care for the climate / world, our close relationships, and our 'internal worlds' of thoughts, emotions, etc.

We'll use IFS and Narrative therapy approaches, humour, acknowledgement of grief, and other approaches to the climate crisis.

Group details: 

Wednesdays: 3:00pm - 4:15 pm 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)

4 meetings, every other Wednesday:
October 15
October 29
November 12
November 26

Reviews: See what other students are saying about this group

"This group is about hope without dismissing the weight that climate crisis carries. Hope came organically through discussion. I was never told hope, but I feel it now."

This workshop is offered In-person at the SCC

Who this workshop 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 a great for anyone who would like to improve relationships that are going well.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

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

This workshop 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. 

Workshop details: Mondays October 20-December 1 (no group on November 10)

Length of group: 1:30-3:30 p.m. 2 hours (120 minutes)

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

"Do it! The content given in this group, the work you do outside of it (reading/quizzes) is SUPER helpful, not just for a romantic relationship, but with friends/family - any relationship with another person."

"We were given the space to share our opinions about others' issues or questions. In my opinion, hearing others who have experiencing the issues I have experienced is as valuable as a professional counsellor. It also gives me a chance to see different responses to the same situation and help me to think differently than the way I am 'customized' to."

"Lori is very caring. It wasn't just giving out information about psychology but actually listening, understanding, and sorting things out. I will miss this group."

"It is a great space to reflect and learn. It provides very applicable tools."

"Lori was really great at creating a comfortable and safe space. Discussing the ideas and doing the readings was a great opportunity to reflect on things that we often take for granted."

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

This group is for students wishing to better understand their emotions and express themselves in a healthy way. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

• What are emotions and why do they exist? 
• Exploring our history with Emotions
• Becoming Mindful of our Emotions
• Common Defenses
• Practicing Acceptance
• Learning how to Take Care of emotions
• Connecting with Others

Group Details: Tuesdays: September 23-October 28 

Length of group: 2:30-4:00 p.m. 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

This group is for anyone who is juggling student life and parenting/caregiving.

At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. This group will be a supportive place to explore concepts from the Circle of Security Parenting ™ program which is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

• Attachment styles
• How to support your child learning about big feelings
• How to support yourself while learning about your own parenting triggers
• "Good enough" parenting

Group Details: Mondays: October 20-November 24

Length of Group: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

Anyone who has experienced trauma and who has already attended Part 1 and Part 2 of this counsellor’s “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. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

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.

You may come to as many or as few sessions as you like or find helpful.

Group Details: Wednesdays October 1, 2025-June 3, 2026

Length of Group: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

This group is for those who have lost a loved one because of a death.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

• What is Grief?
• Emotions and Grief
• Styles of Grieving
• De-mystifying Grief
• Healthy Grieving
• and more depending on participant need

Group Details: Thursdays: September 25-October 30

Length of Group: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

"Attending this grief group was a meaningful experience. Being surrounded by others who shared a common lived experience made me feel less alone in my grief. Linda did a fantastic job navigating everyone’s emotional stories with compassion and care, creating a safe space to be vulnerable. Each session brought a deeper sense of connection and understanding that I truly appreciated. I looked forward to the weekly sessions, and honestly I wish it had lasted longer. I highly recommend it to anyone coping with loss and looking for a space to process, connect, and begin healing"

"After these 6 weeks, I still cannot believe that I have been able to openly express my grief, cry whenever I needed and show my weak side without feeling insecure or uncomfortable. The group is like a safe haven, giving me time and space to process my emotional grief in an understandable and supportive environment. I will never forget the sense of connection I felt with everyone, and I realized I am not alone in facing of my loss and death. The most supersizing part for me is reconnecting with the love and warmth once I received from my mom and grandmother, something that still stay with me for life."

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

Any student experiencing anxiety. This is a 5 session group and we encourage students to attend all five because you will build upon the skills you learn from session to session.

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Participants will learn a number of strategies to cope more effectively with anxiety and worry which are part of everyday life and can sabotage our dreams and goals. This group will help you manage anxiety and worry by providing strategies to calm your body and understand and change your thinking to help you be more self supporting.

Group Details: Fridays 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 2 hours (120 minutes)

Session 1: September 19 - October 17, 2025
Session 2: Oct. 31st, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 2025

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

A group for Queer students and allies in the UM student community who have experienced harm and hurt through your faith community* simply because of your identity, who you love, or who you support.

A space to authentically show up, knowing you will be welcomed and supported, regardless of whether you:

• Have left your faith
• Are grappling with whether or not to stay
• Are choosing to remain part of your faith community

Topics covered and what you will learn:

A gathering space for you to belong, to know, hear, and feel that you are beloved, to tell and process your story, and to receive the stories of others who have walked a similar path. We will explore ways of processing, healing, creating peace with identity, boundary making, loss and grief, the role or hope, and looking ahead to new ways of connection with your spiritual self and with community.

Queerly Beloved will be facilitated by Karla Penner, an SCC Counsellor who celebrates and delights in all of the Queer students she gets to cross paths with and Michelle Collins, a fully affirming and embracing Lutheran minister who is part of UM's Spiritual Care team.

*Students from all faith backgrounds and experiences are welcome.

Group Details: Tuesdays October 7-November 18 
(no gathering on November 11)

Length of group: 2:30pm - 4:00pm 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

"Appreciated the compassion of the facilitators and their willingness to learn.  Through attending Queerly Beloved I was able to have  weekly reminder that I am worthy and deserving."

"Queerly Beloved was helpful for finding people who relate to things that I find hard to connect with others about.  It helped to remind me that I'm not alone."

"I took away the shared experiences of others that helped me feel normal.  I became braver in reclaiming my identity."

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

This support group is designed for Autistic students with official or self-diagnosis. Students who are curious about whether they are Autistic are also welcome to join. 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 experiences that Autistic adults live with on a daily basis.  Students are invited to show up "as they are" without any expectation to mask, talk, contribute to discussions, etc. unless you choose to.  You'll be welcome to move around, stim, and make yourself feel as safe and comfortable as you can in ways that work for you. 

Topics covered and what you will learn:

Some topics may include masking, communication, relationships, identity, emotions, self-advocacy, etc. The possibilities will be as unique as the members of the group!

Group Details: Mondays: September 29-November 17
no gatherings October 13 and November 10

Length of group: 12:30 pm. - 2:00 pm 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

To register please call SCC reception. 

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

"Being someone who struggles to connect with others, SOS facilitated deep connections with other's experiences that I don't often feel."

"The most useful thing about SOS was learning how other students navigate the world with Autism.  This resulted in me learning to face my challenges better and affirm the unique experiences that come with them."

"SOS was a welcoming and safe space to feel comfortable being myself."

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group is for: 

Any UM student experiencing some level of stress/ distress. 

Topics covered and 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. Participants will be guided to practice a variety of mindfulness-based meditations over course of the group.

Group Details: Fridays: 1:30pm-3:30pm 2 hours (120 minutes)
October 24, 31
November 21, 28
December 5

Reviews: see what other students are saying about this group

"It will help you more than you expect.  It deserves your time.  If you're overwhelmed now, this group is the key to change your situation."

"It will help you to focus better & achieve your study plans."

"It changed my mindset and helps me to reduce my stress and focus on my studying as well as enjoy my life more. It's very informative and enjoyable."

"It gave me a better understanding about how we react in our life. It showed me how small changes can make a difference in my life."

"This group is really helpful for students who experience stress and anxiety."
 

This group is offered in-person at the SCC

Who is this group for:

Avoidance is one of the greatest barriers to change. All of us engage in avoidance behaviours every day. 
Have you ever procrastinated? Avoidance. 
Ever put off a difficult conversation? Avoidance. 
Postponed an appointment or meeting? Avoidance.
Ever put off that New Year's resolution? Avoidance.

This group is for students who want to learn how avoidance prevents you from confronting your anxiety, fears or road blocks so you can reach the goals you have set for yourself. 
This group will provide a variety of strategies to help you overcome avoidance. 

Topics covered:

Group details: Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m. 1.5 hours (90 minutes)