Groups & Workshops

Groups & Workshops are powerful vehicles for change. When people participate in a group with others who may be experiencing similar challenges, they are often validated that they are not alone in their struggles. Students explore and learn new skills and can practice these in the safety of the group. Groups can be an empowering experience; feeling the support of the facilitator(s) and fellow group members can increase motivation and energy to create the change people want for themselves.

Please check out the upcoming groups & workshops outlined below and choose one (or more) that you believe might be a good fit for you!

If you have any questions about therapeutic groups and workshops or have any concerns, please call the HCC at 905-828-5255 or drop by the clinic (DV 1152) or email health.utm@utoronto.ca.

Building Social Confidence: ⚔️ An RPG Group 🛡️

Facilitators: Isha Saini (she/her), RP & 2SLGBTQIA+ Focused Counsellor
When: Tuesdays | 2:00pm - 3:30pm 
Dates: May 12, 19, 26 & June 2
Where: Wellness Den | Student Services Hub | (DV 2207)

Want to build your confidence in social situations while having fun and learning new skills? 

This four-week experiential group provides a supportive space for students to practice communication, self-expression, boundary setting and confidence-building using guided roleplay inspired by Dungeons & Dragons! 🐉

No D&D or role-playing experience required! 

Register here!

Radical Self‑Care: Why Rest Is Not Selfish

Facilitators: Asha Ramsumair (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Thursdays | 1:30pm - 2:30pm 
Dates: May 14, 21, 28 & June 4
Where: Virtual, MS Teams

Taking time to care for ourselves in a world that demands we prioritize other tasks and people first is a radical act. 

In the context of our ever-busy lives, self-care often gets framed as 'selfish' or 'indulgent', leaving many feeling conflicted and unmotivated to engage. 

Together in the group, we will support one another in exploring this systemic challenge, as well as learn strategies to take back control over protecting and meeting our human need for rejuvenation and self-preservation. 

Register here!

😎 Stay Cool: Skills for Everyday Chaos 😎

Facilitators: Katrina Levasseur Nedamat (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Wednesdays  | 11:30am - 1:00pm 
Dates: May 20, 27, June 3 & 10
Where: Virtual

Join this 4-week skills series and learn how to handle life when it gets overwhelming.

Each week, we’ll break down a core set of practical, real-life DBT skills you can start using right away—whether you’re dealing with stress, intense emotions, or tricky relationships.

• Mindfulness: Learn how to stay present, focused, and less stuck in your head (no meditation experience needed).
• Distress Tolerance: Get through tough moments without making things worse—or spiraling.
• Emotion Regulation: Understand your emotions and learn how to manage them, instead of feeling like they’re running the show.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicate more confidently, set boundaries, and navigate relationships without losing yourself.

This series is all about building skills that make everyday life feel more manageable—so you can respond with intention, not just react in the moment.

Register here!

🚨🚨 Crafts & Chill will be paused starting April 9 and will restart on May 7 🚨🚨

Crafts & Chill: A Queer & Trans Drop-in 🌈

🚨🚨 Crafts & Chill will be paused starting April 9 and will restart on May 7 🚨🚨

Facilitators: Isha Saini (she/her), RP & 2SLGBTQIA+ Focused Counsellor & John Nguyen (he/him), OT Reg (Ont)
When: Thursdays | 2:00pm - 3:00pm 
Where: Wellness Den | Student Services Hub | (DV 2207)

Looking for a space to unwind and connect with fellow queer, trans, and gender-diverse peers? Join us for Crafts & Chill, a weekly drop-in where you can create, chat, and celebrate queer and trans joy in community. 

Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own project too! This group is facilitated by queer identifying HCC Counsellors.

All identities and levels of craftiness welcome. No need to register, just drop-in and get crafting!

Sign up for a reminder here!

🚨🚨 Community & Connections will be paused starting April 10 and will restart on May 8 🚨🚨

🧩 Community & Connections: A wellness drop-in for students identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).

🚨🚨 Community & Connections will be paused starting April 10 and will restart on May 8 🚨🚨

Facilitators: Racialized staff from the HCC Counselling Team
When: Fridays | 1:30pm - 2:30pm 
Where: Wellness Den | Student Services Hub | DV 2207

Community & Connections is a weekly drop-in session at the Wellness Den that offers a safe space for BIPOC students to hang out, reflect on their identities and experiences and build a supportive community while engaging in a variety of wellness activities.  Activities will include:

• Sip n’ Share - Join us as we sip tea and share our experiences in a supportive circle.
• Playlist Power Hour - Music is a vital part of our identity! Come share your favourite tunes, discover what others are listening to, and craft a personalized playlist to help manage stress, reflect, and boost your mood.
• Craft & Chat - Come by and build community as we engage in an art activity!
• Positive Vibes - Come together and craft uplifting messages and heartfelt notes to inspire and support each other.

Sign up for a reminder here!

🚨🚨 Meditation & Movement will be paused starting April 13th and will restart on May 4 🚨🚨

Meditation & Movement

🚨🚨 Meditation & Movement will be paused starting April 13th and will restart on May 4 🚨🚨

Facilitators: RAWC or HCC staff
When: Mondays | 1:30pm - 2:00pm 
Where: Wellness Den | Student Services Hub | DV 2207

Guided Meditation & Movement will be paired with a physical practice to help us move our bodies into wellness including seated yoga and stretching.  

Mindfulness is about being present and in the moment. These free, drop-in classes foster an accepting, non-judgmental environment to learn and practice different forms of mindful meditation. No prior experience with mindfulness or meditation is required! Everyone is welcome, students, staff, and faculty!

Lower Stress. Improve Mood. Feel Better.

Need a little encouragement?  

Sign up for a weekly mindfulness reminder here!