Therapy Groups, Events & Trainings

This professionally facilitated group is for students who experience signs of anxiety and or depression that feel overwhelming. We will cover the nature, signs and symptoms of anxiety/depression then provide specific, evidence-based strategies for improving both.   

In this group, you will: 

• Identify personal triggers and  implement strategies to help you feel less anxious or unmotivated.  
• Discover the link between physical sensations, thoughts and emotions and find ways to manage them. 
• Learn common perfectionism traps and how to navigate around them.  
• Discover the link between your physical care (sleep, substance abuse etc.) and the impact on the volume button of depression/anxiety (sleep strategies are covered in this group.)  
• Gain the support/strategies of a community who understands exactly what you are experiencing. 

*Regular attendance is highly recommended to get maximum benefits, but drop-ins are welcome! 

Offered Online. Register here. 

A support group run by 2SLGBTQ+ Counselor Shannon Gendron, and Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisor Kel Martin. Open to trans, nonbinary, Two-spirit, agender, genderqueer, genderfluid and other non-cisgender students at Queen’s. This group runs monthly and involves discussion sharing of gender-diverse experiences, and occasionally engages in social activities and field trips that focus on gender-diverse topics.

In-Person

Visit the Yellow House events calendar to register

The Art of Colouring & Mandala is a group for any student in first year seeking connection and support during the complex transition period to university life.  You could benefit from this group if you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious with managing it all. Come learn the art of colouring and mandala's with mental health therapists & fellow first year students! Drop-ins are welcome. 

In this group you will: 

• Have the opportunity to connect with other first year students experiencing the same struggles and figure this out together
• Learn the art of colouring and mandala's with mental health therapists 
• Have the opportunity to talk in a confidential group setting about whatever is on your mind at the time 

In-Person in the Queen's International Centre (QUIC) Boardroom, Room 200. Wednesdays 2:30-4:00pm. All 1st years welcome! Register here. 

This psycho-educational group will be a mix of theory and  practice. It is for students who want to improve their focus and decrease signs of anxiety and stress, without having to spend hours in sitting meditation.  During each of the weeks, you will get the opportunity to experience a variety of mindfulness exercises (e.g., body scan, mindful eating, and mindful self-compassion) in an environment that allows you to ask questions and receive feedback. Many of them do not require you to sit still!  The group also provides accountability to keep you on track as you integrate the practice of ‘mindfulness-based stress reduction’ into your daily life. You will  learn ways to regulate your mood and improve focus during stress filled times.   

*Regular attendance/ practice is recommended to get maximum benefits, but drop ins are welcome! 

In this group, you will: 

• Learn the theory and practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: a clinically supported program for alleviating stress, anxiety, panic, and improving  focus and signs of depression.  
• Learn how to focus on the present moment to permanently change the way you handle stress. 
• Practice a variety of formal and informal mindfulness techniques.  

Please note this group is now full. 

This professionally facilitated therapy group is for students who are struggling to manage overwhelming emotions. It is designed to help you deal with crises and teaches you to control unhelpful behaviours. 

At the end of this group, you will learn:

• Why you may be struggling to manage your emotions
• To describe and understand the function of your emotions so you can better regulate them
• How to reduce your tendency to get swept away by overwhelming emotions
• How to implement concrete strategies, including mindfulness, to improve your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that you are no longer feeling overwhelmed

In-Person, Please note this group is now full.

This professionally facilitated therapy group is for students who are struggling to manage overwhelming emotions.  It is designed to help you deal with crisis and control unhelpful behaviours, so life and university gets easier.  

In this group, you will: 

• Learn why you may be struggling to manage your emotions.  
• Learn to describe and understand the function of your emotions, so you can better regulate them. 
• Learn how to reduce your tendency to get swept away by overwhelming emotions and to manage behaviours that turn out to be unhelpful over time.  
• Learn how to implement concrete strategies, including mindfulness, to improve your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that you are no longer feeling overwhelmed. 

*No Drop in’s. Group is closed for new participants after the 2nd week.  

In-Person, Please note this group is now full. 

This professionally facilitated group is designed to help students with autism succeed in a university environment.  This group takes the view  that there is no one “normal” or “right” brain.  There are diverse forms of processing social information, cognitions, and sensory information. In the same way that there isn’t a “right” gender, race, class, or sexual orientation, there isn’t a “right” way for the brain to be wired. Neurodiversity can be a powerful asset for society, a business, or a family. However, it does pose more challenging trying to operate in a system like a university, that is designed only for “neuro typical” brains.  

You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to attend this group and you can join at any point.

In this group you will have an opportunity to come together with other autistic students to: 

• Share common concerns and Identify challenges you may experience at university and learn/share coping strategies. 
• Gain the supports of a community who understands exactly what you are experiencing. 
• Identify and share your strengths to increase your self-esteem. 
• Explore topics like identifying and managing emotions, relationship issues, masking, stimming, sensitivities and more.  

Offered Online. Please note this group is now full.  Register here. 

This professionally facilitated group is a safe space for students who have experienced sexual violence. Through support and education, you 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, you 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

F2023 dates/times: Tuesdays September 26th- November 21st, 4:00-5:30pm (In-person)

W2024 dates/times: Tuesdays January 23rd- March 19th, 4:00-5:30pm (In-person)

S2024 dates/times comin soon (Virtual). 

Email pegasus.group@queensu.ca to register for winter 2024. 

If you are struggling with the transition to Canada, you are not alone! Even though you may have been excited to come to Queens, it’s still really hard. Drop-in and chat with others who are in the same boat and let’s get through this together!

In this group, you will: 

• Have an opportunity to share your concerns and receive support from others. 
• Share solutions and coping mechanisms to better manage the transition/pressure to Queens and Canada. 
• Learn some strategies to manage your mental well being.  
• Experience the benefit of community when you are far from home. 

Cancelled for fall semester. Check back in January! 

This professionally facilitated group is EXCLUSIVELY for Queens Grad students. Grad students have a unique set of circumstances and challenges that they juggle. If you are one of them, you deserve the support this confidential group of like-minded students can offer you. Don’t struggle alone!  

In this group you will: 

• Have an opportunity to share your concerns and receive support from other grad students and from a therapist. 
• Share solutions and coping mechanisms to better manage the unique pressures you face. 
• Learn some strategies to manage your mental well being.  
• Experience the benefit of a community who understands exactly what you are going through.  

In-Person, Register here!

At this camp there will be no bugs or wet sleeping bags… but there will be a lot of hard work! The goal of this camp is not to just teach you strategies for better sleep, but to coach you on how to understand your own sleep patterns, learn how to take action in a personalized way, and conquer insomnia for good.

At camp you will learn:

1. What drives your sleep and your insomnia
2. How to get your sleep back on track (and keep it there)
3. How to stay calm if insomnia shows up again

This camp is for you if:

• You experience chronic insomnia. This means difficulty sleeping (despite your best efforts) at least 3 nights a week, for the span of at least 3 months.
• You are willing and able to engage in some sleep homework! There will be weekly sleep logs and behavioural changes that will be asked of you.

Unfortunately, this camp is NOT for you if:

• You are not able to fully attend 6 weekly sessions.
• You have one of the following health conditions
  • Epilepsy
  • Recent concussion
  • Bipolar disorder  (But you can book a 1-1 session with a Peer Wellness Coach to discuss sleep instead)

Camp starts Tuesday, October 24  from 1:30-3:00pm, in person.  Attendance at all 6 sessions is essential. Email swsotref@queensu.ca to register. 

This professionally facilitated trauma informed resistance training group enables female identified students to access the benefits of resistance training and body based trauma therapy to mitigate symptoms of trauma, that have been interfering with daily and academic life. The program is based on recent research that indicates the effectiveness of exercise in managing symptoms of trauma, including anxiety and depression and building resilience and confidence.  This program will involve weekly resistance training sessions coupled with a psychotherapy component. Each week we will work with our bodies and minds to build strength and resilience together.  

In this group you will: 

• Learn some body based ways to manage your symptoms of trauma 
• Learn some body based ways to manage your symptoms of anxiety and or depression 
• Have an opportunity to build physical as well as emotional/mental strength 
• Connect with other folks who understand most of what you are experiencing so that you know you are not alone 
• Become familiar with the ARC in case you want to continue to use that space  

Criteria:  Female identified student, with self-identified trauma or adverse childhood experiences (sexual assault, childhood trauma, bullying etc.), and an interest in resistance training and group therapy! 

Note: Ask your healthcare provider at SWS if this group is right for you or email counselling.services@queensu.ca to inquire. Please note this group is now full. 

This 6-week group, offered by the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, supports those who have experienced the death of a loved one. The group will provide a safe and brave space for sharing, listening, and exploring ways to integrate grief and loss into our lives.

This group will be offered in the fall and start after reading break. Please email chaplain@queensu.ca to register. Offered In-Person. 

Four Directions After Hours! 

Come and hang out by the fire, watch TV, study, play board games, bead, and/or take part in structured activities. The activities change bi-weekly, and refreshments will be provided! This is a great chance to enjoy the Centre, if you are busy during the school day! 

This group is only available to Indigenous students. Offered In-Person, 4:00-7:30pm, Mondays, bi-weekly, September 18th 2023. 

Do you feel that you don't look Indigenous enough? Maybe you are unsure about how to identify yourself or feel you don't fit in because you don't know enough about your Indigenous identity? Please know that you are not alone! 

Come together for a sharing circle facilitated by Amber and Lisa, to discuss these feelings in a safe space. 

Registration required, email 4d.counsellor@queensu.ca In-person, every other Thursday starting September 28th. Only available to Indigenous students. 

Do you know the many benefits of drumming? In addition to community connection, drumming can improve stress management, mindfulness, motor skills and so much more!  Join the 4D team for a casual, weekly drumming session. No experience is necessary, and we have instruments to share. 

In-person, 1:00-2:00pm, every Tuesday beginning September 12th.  Only available to Indigenous students. 

Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers put together Fresh Food Boxes and Mason Jar meals for students to order and pick up on campus. Boxes contain all the fresh produce and key ingredients to prepare a quick, easy and healthy recipe which makes approximately 4 servings and cost $5-10 per student. Mason Jar meals contains all the ingredients and spices to prepare a quick, easy and healthy soup or stew and are free.

Students will be sent pick-up time, location and recipe upon registration. If the pick-up time presents as an accessibility barrier, please email peerwell@queensu.ca to discuss alternate arrangements.

F2023: Mason Jars: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, 2023. Fresh Food Boxes: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Nov. 23, 2023.

W2024: Mason Jars: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 13, April 18, 2024. Fresh Food Boxes: Jan. 25, March 7, April 4, 2024.

*Note registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date. Register for Fresh Food Box. Register for Mason Jar Meal. 

Join our Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers and/or student staff for a 60 minute interactive cooking session to learn how to prepare a quick, easy, inexpensive and healthy recipe.  Upon registration, students will receive the location, time and safety details.  All students are welcome, regardless of your skill level in the kitchen.

Cost: $10.00 per student

F2023: Mon. Sept 25, Tues. Oct. 24, Thurs. Nov. 30, 2023

W2024: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 28, 2024.

*Note registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date.* Register Here. 

Join our Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers for weekly beginner/intermediate runs during the fall and/or winter terms if you want to start running, increase your distance, improve your time, and/or simply find some running buddies.

• This is a sanctioned Rec Club with Queen’s Athletics & Recreation
• Register for the club when registration opens (new users must create an account)
• Select "Register" from the menu bar & select "Run Club" from the drop-down menu
• Pay one-time membership fee
• Join us for runs, offered twice a week!

FALL 2023 DATES: Wednesdays at 7:00am and Fridays at 5:00pm. Meet outside ARC at Earl Stree Entrance. 

To receive regular updates on the run club or for more information, follow @queens_run_club on Instagram and/or email qrun@queensu.ca

Join our St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) Therapy Dog Oscar and his handler John as they wander through the Mitchell Hall atrium and Student Life Centre.  

See events calendar for Dogs on Campus dates/times.

Unable to join us on campus? Check out some virtual therapy dog videos.

Peer Health Educators have recorded webinars and podcasts to help students increase their health-related knowledge. Topics include: financial literacy, sexual health, mental health, healthy eating, interviews with predominant professors on campus, and more!

• Rest & Relaxation Webinar: Relax… Take It Easy
• Sexual Health Webinar: Safer Online Dating: Spotting Red Flags, Setting Boundaries & Safety Planning
• Mental Fitness Webinar: Fitspiration and Internet Stress: How Social Media Impacts our Mental Health
• Substance Use Webinar: Harm Reduction at Queen’s
• Financial Literacy Podcasts:
  • Savings
  • Budgeting
  • Financial Aid
• Healthy Eating Webinars:
  • How to Store Food in Your Fridge and Freezer 101
  • Nutrition Basics and Food Labels

The purpose of this session is to help students, staff and faculty recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health and what to do to support them.  Participants will learn about the dual continuum model for mental health and be given strategies to help someone who is in immediate distress and/or in crisis. Practical tips on what to say and do will be discussed so participants leave the session knowing how to connect someone with the appropriate resources.

At the end of this training, participants will:

• Gain mental health literacy skills
• Be able to recognize when someone is in distress
• Know steps to take to help someone with a mental health problem
• Discover what mental health resources exist on campus and in the community

Cost: free

F2023 dates/times: November 16th, 2023 Register here

W2024 dates/times: March 27th, 2024. Register here

Not able to attend this training?  Content is available in our Identifying and Responding to Students in Distress self-directed module

The purpose of this workshop is to give students, staff and faculty a chance to understand and appreciate health from a holistic lens. Participants will reflect on what they are currently doing and learn evidence-based practices to proactively take care of themselves and approaches to managing stress. During the session, participants will learn how to create an action plan that they can implement easily into their current habits.  

By the end of this workshop, participants will: 

• Learn about the different dimensions of wellness  
• Identify how your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours differ along the mental health spectrum 
• Gain knowledge of different strategies to maintain wellness and manage stress 
• Create your own action plan around health behaviours 
• Explore wellness resources available to you 

Cost: free

F2023 dates/times: November 1st, 2023. Register here!

W2024 dates/times: January 24th, 2024. Registere here!

Not able to attend this training? Take the self-directed module

This 2-part training includes a 1–2-hour self-directed evidence-based online training module called LivingWorks START.  It introduces a four-step model for helping keep someone safe from suicide and uses simulations and interactive videos to build and practice helping skills.  Part 2 involves a live 30-minute online ZOOM webinar facilitated by a safeTALK trainer.  It provides participants an opportunity to debrief about the training, address questions or concerns, and review campus and community resources.

By the end of this training, participants will:

• Learn the importance of suicide alertness
• Learn how to recognize people who are having thoughts of suicide
• Be able to connect people who are having thoughts of suicide with the appropriate resource on and off campus

2023-24 Costs: $35 for students, $45 for staff/faculty 

Available to groups upon request (please email mhp.sws@queensu.ca)

This interactive training in suicide first aid teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.

At the end of this 2-day training, participants will:

• Be able to recognize when someone is having thoughts of suicide
• Be able to work with someone who is having thoughts of suicide to create a plan to support their immediate safety
• Develop important skills to keep someone with thoughts of suicide safe for now through audio-visual learning aids, discussion, and practice
• Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life promotion and self-care

All participants must attend both full days.  Participants will receive program materials including a workbook and a certificate of completion.

Queen’s University subsidizes cost for LivingWorks Trainings to increase accessibility for staff, faculty, and students.  

The standardized pricing for non-students, staff, or faculty is $250+tax. 

Student cost: $65+tax, Staff cost: $95+tax  

W2024 dates/times: February 21st & 22nd 2024.

Register for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

This training prepares participants to recognize when people are having thoughts of suicide and connect them to intervention resources.  Powerful videos illustrate the importance of suicide alertness, while discussion and practice stimulate learning.

 At the end of this training, participants will be better able to:

• Move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide,
• Recognize people who are having thoughts of suicide, and
• Apply the TALK steps to connect a person with thoughts of suicide to a suicide first-aid intervention caregiver

Queen’s University subsidizes cost for LivingWorks Trainings to increase accessibility for staff, faculty, and students.  

The standardized pricing for non-students, staff, or faculty is $60+tax

2023-24 costs: $15 for students and $25 for staff/faculty

W2024 dates/times: January 23rd, 2024. 

Register for safeTALK

This training gives an overview of what contributes to stigma and the various types that exist. Participants will learn how prevalent mental illness is among students on campus and discuss the impact stigma can have on people living with a mental illness. Using lived experience videos, interactive case studies and discussion, participants will learn how to spot stigma using the S.T.O.P approach and learn how to stand up and/or speak up against stigma using a bystander intervention model.

At the end of this training, participants will:

• Increase knowledge and awareness of mental illness
• Gain insight into the various components of stigma and its' impact
• Learn how to spot subtle and over stigma
• Learn approaches that help you stand up and speak out against stigma  

Cost: free

Available upon request.