Group counselling options this winter

With online classes back up and running this semester, student life can feel overwhelming, like there isn’t much time for self-care. Dalhousie Student Health and Wellness (SH&W) offers a variety of counselling groups covering everything from managing assignments and avoiding burnout to increasing positive life functioning. The groups are held confidentially over Zoom, and there really is something for everyone.

 

Graduate student drop-in support group

Are you a graduate student navigating the challenges of online learning during the pandemic? This group is a great spot to unwind and discuss the unique challenges of being a grad student. Topics may vary based on the audience, but they generally include imposter syndrome, balancing school/work/life tasks, challenges of supervision relationships, and procrastination.

It’s offered on Tuesdays from 12:05–12:50pm (AST), and since this is a drop-in group, you can come whenever you want. To register and find out more information, email SHWgroups@dal.ca with your banner number, group name, and your full name before the session.

 

Eating disorder drop-in group

Looking for a safe setting to discuss underlying feelings regarding difficulties with eating? This group is facilitated by Marriam Abou-el-Haj, a psychologist from SH&W on Tuesdays from 5–6:30pm (AST). It’s a safe, virtual space to discuss eating restrictions like anorexia nervosa and other themes regarding eating difficulties. The topics vary weekly depending on the interests and wishes of the audience. To attend this group or learn more, email m.abou-el-haj@dal.ca to RSVP before the session.

 

Coping with change: a “new normal” group

Have you been feeling off or unsettled with all the changes over the past year? Are you worried about how you’re handling this change and looking to connect with people in a similar situation? This virtual group allows you to discuss and connect over various topics regarding change and developing new coping strategies. The discussion topics vary depending on the audience’s interests and wishes. This group takes place on Thursdays at 2pm (AST), and you can register by emailing SHWgroups@dal.ca with your name, the group name, and your banner number in advance of the session.

 

Enhancing psychological resilience: skills training group

Looking to learn more about coping strategies to help you get through another online semester? This group focuses on the four main coping skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness skills, emotion regulation skills, and distress tolerance skills. This group is put on by Joanne Mills, a psychologist at SH&W. It’s a closed group, meaning you must register for the entire four-week program. It takes place on Mondays from 10am–noon (AST), running weekly from March 1–22. To register, email SHWgroups@dal.ca with your name, the group name, and your banner number.

 

Managing anxiety so that anxiety doesn’t manage you

Are you stressed, anxious, or worried about the semester or life in general? This new group is a closed 8-week cognitive behavioural therapy group where you’ll gain a better understanding of your anxiety and coping strategies to help you manage your anxiety rather than having your anxiety manage you.

The group is hosted by Clinical Psychology PhD Practicum students, and takes place on Thursdays from 4–6pm (AST) from February 11 until April 8.  To register, email SHWgroups@dal.ca with your name, the group name, and your banner number for the Zoom link.

 

Navigating interpersonal relationships group

Do you have difficulty trusting others and being open, or struggle with being a people pleaser? This new group takes place on Fridays from 2–3:30pm (AST) starting February 12 and running until March 26. It’s a closed group, so you need to register for all seven sessions before the first one. To register for this group, email SHWgroups@dal.ca or call 902-494-2171 and indicate the group name, your name, and your banner number for the Zoom link.