Groups and workshops are powerful tools for growth and change. Many students participate in our groups each semester. Whether you want to overcome challenges, improve relationships, connect with others, or learn how to manage stress, anxiety or depression, there is a place for you.
Therapy and support groups are facilitated by health care professionals and run 4-8 weeks, depending on the group. Groups are offered both in the fall and winter semesters.
If you wish to participate in one of the wellness groups, please email scc@uwindsor.ca and we will contact you back within 24-48 hours or you can call (519) 253-3000 extension 4616.
Available Groups:
6 weeks, 90-minute sessions
Group Description:
This 6-week group was developed for people who are having difficulty managing their moods; specifically, depression and or anxiety. This group utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach
In this group, you will learn skills and strategies for improving your mood, achieving more balanced thinking, managing stress, and accomplishing goals in your personal and academic life.
In each 90-minute meeting, we will discuss planned topics such as thinking traps, core beliefs, problem-solving, mood improvement, and anxiety management. You will have the opportunity to set specific goals and work towards their completion each week through the coursework provided.
Summer Schedule- 2023
1. COHORT ONE: May 2nd-June 20th, 2023, 10am-11:30am Tuesdays (in-person)
2. COHORT TWO:May 24th-July 5th, 2023, 2pm-3:30pm, Wednesdays (in-person)
8 weeks, 90-minute sessions
Group Description:
This 8-week group was developed for people who are experiencing significant emotional and relational distress. This group utilizes a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach.
In this group, you will learn skills to manage your emotions, cope with distress, improve relationships, deal with conflict, and generally be more mindful.
In each 90-minute meeting, we will discuss planned topics such as Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance. You will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself as well as participate in group discussions and group exercises related to the skills learned.
Summer Schedule- 2023
1. COHORT ONE:May 2nd-June 20th, 2023, 2pm-3:30pm, Tuesdays (in-person)
2. COHORT TWO:May 10th-June 28th, 2023, 12pm-1:30pm, Wednesdays (in-person)
6 weeks, 90-minute sessions
Group Description:
This group will focus on improving executive functioning and common condition-based struggles with people who have ADHD.
Summer Schedule 2023
1. COHORT ONE: May 3rd-June 21st, 2023, 10am-11:30am, Wednesdays (in-person)
Group Description:
This group is for students who have previous experience with DBT and would like to maintain their skills.
This is a drop-in group model whereby students can come as frequently/infrequently as they self-determine.
Session content will vary dependant upon identified student needs, but will focus upon skills found in the Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance modules.
DBT Maintenance:
Summer 2023 Schedule
1. COHORT ONE: Tuesdays starting May 9th, (BI-WEEKLY) 1pm-2:30pm, (in-person)
6 weeks, 90-minute sessions
Group Description:
- Do you tend to blame or criticize yourself?
- Do you ruminate on past mistakes?
- Do you find it difficult to let go of shame or self-judgements?
This 6-week group was developed for people who are experiencing difficulties with self-criticism. This group utilizes a compassion-focused therapy approach, as well as cognitive therapies, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In this group, you will learn to develop self-acceptance, reduce self-criticism, and manage stress. Topics will include self-compassion, examining the function of our inner critic, letting go of self-judgements, and acting opposite to shame.
Not available in the Summer 2023
5 weeks, 90 minute sessions
Group Description:
It's normal to feel nervous about coming to campus after so many months of uncertainty and remote learning. We are offering an 8-week return to campus wellness group for students who would like to talk through how they're feeling,connect with others, learn new skills for soothing worries,and find balance in the midst of ongoing change. In this group, you will have the opportunity to:
- Connect with other students and make new friends
- Find comfort in community and reduce feelings of isolation
- Explore how to worry less and engage more with the present moment
- Build new habits to support your well-being and care for yourself
Not available in the Summer 2023
8 weeks, 90 minute sessions
Group Description: In this group you will:
- Learn mindfulness
- Practice meditation
- Quiet your mind
- Improve your concentration
- Incorporate these into your daily life
Not available in the Summer 2023
A Skills Group will be offered for six weeks. Students can participate in the entire group OR whichever individual sessions they feel will be most useful to them.
Weekly topics are listed as follows:
- Skills to Manage Stress and Overwhelm
- Skills to Manage Procrastination
- Skills to Improve Focus and Accomplish Goals
- Skills to Navigate Conflict and Difficult Relationships
- Skills to Cope Effectively Without the use of Substances or Self-Harm
- Skills for Self-Care
SKILLS GROUP, Wednesdays, 2pm-3pm, May 3rd-June 7th, 2023 - OPEN GROUP
SKILLS GROUP, Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm, May 9th-June 13th, 2023 - OPEN GROUP
FAQ about Group Therapy
You get to decide what, when, and how much you want to share with the group. You will never be forced to disclose any information that you are not ready or willing to share. As a first step, it is helpful to simply listen to others who are struggling with similar difficulties. When you feel comfortable and safe enough to share, you will likely experience the group to be supportive, encouraging, and affirming.
You are not alone! Most people feel anxious about talking in a group. It is our experience though, that within a few sessions, most people find that they become comfortable enough to begin talking and sharing in the group.
Group therapy can be more efficient than individual therapy. You have the added benefit of listening to others and finding commonalities in the concerns they are working on. As group members bring up issues, you might realize that you are being similarly affected. In this way, you have the opportunity to address issues that you were not initially aware needed addressing.
Research shows that group therapy can be equally effective as individual therapy, and in some cases, actually more effective than individual therapy. This is because of the opportunity to learn from the experience of others, receive support and feedback, and address issues that perhaps were outside your realm of awareness.
Group facilitators are there to ensure a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. No judgement allowed! As you come to trust other group members, you will likely find that you have many concerns in common. This leads to an increased sense of understanding and acceptance.
There are no problems too big or too small! Everyone benefits from knowing that they are not alone; that they are not the only one struggling. As you help and support others in the group, you are also contributing to your own well-being.