Student AffairsMental health therapists lead 4–10-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.
Steps to Register
- Review group description below
- Set-up TELUS CHR Connect account (mobile app or desktop available)
- Select visit type - group
- Select location – JDUC 4th floor
- Select type – click on the group for which you want to register
Email counselling.services@queensu.ca if you have questions or difficulty registering.
Group Descriptions
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 you 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)
This group is for first year students who want help tackling the university chaos with laughter, and a touch of sarcasm. Weekly sessions include activities and snacks that help students build their academic survival kit. Learn key things like effective stress reduction techniques, tricks to balance academic demands, wayfinding to navigate campus and adulting.
F25 dates/times: Thursdays from 2-3:30pm Oct 2 to Nov 27 (except Oct 16)
In-person (location sent upon registration)
Gender Diverse (trans, non-binary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, and more) are questioning folx are invited to join this bi-weekly support group focused on all things gender. This group comes from a lens of queer joy, holding space for sharing personal experience, may involve mindfulness, art mediated discussions and more.
Gender Splendor is facilitated by gender diverse professionals: 2SLGBTQ+ therapist Shannon (they/them) and Sexual and Diversity Advisor Kel (they/he).
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
Email chaplain@queensu.ca for more information and to register.
This group is for students who are struggling to manage overwhelming emotions. It is designed to help students deal with crises and 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 helping strategies to improve your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so you are no longer feeling overwhelmed
This group is designed to help students with autism succeed in a university environment. This group takes the view that there is no “right” way for the brain to be wired.
In this group you will:
- Share common concerns, identify challenges and coping strategies
- Gain support from other autistic students
- Identify strengths to increase self-esteem
- Explore topics like identifying and managing emotions, relationship issues, masking, stimming, sensitivities, and more.
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, you 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
F25 dates/times: Wednesdays 4-5:30pm from Sept 24 to Nov 5 (except Oct 15)
In-person (location sent upon registration)
This group is a safe space for 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, 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
F25 dates/times: Tuesdays 4-5:30pm from Sept 30 to Dec 2 (except Oct 14)
In-person (location sent upon registration)
Registration closes after the 2nd week
This is a bi-weekly therapeutic creative writing circle open to all 2SLGBTQ+ students. This group uses writing to deepen self-exploration and experiences as queer folx navigate the world. It offers opportunities for quiet self-reflection and privacy, as well as options to share with the group and engage in discussion. Facilitated by 2SLGBTQ+ psychotherapist Shannon (they/them).
