Read more about what groups & workshops the HCC has offered previously on our Past Groups & Workshops webpage.
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.
Email Reminders - Stay up-to-date with the HCC!
Interested in receiving updates about our workshops, skills groups and on-going counselling programs?!
Also, bookmark this page and check back often to see the latest workshops offerings form the HCC!
📄 Fill out this form! 📑
Workshops
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ADHD: Strategies to Manage
Facilitator: Tiffany D’Souza (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: February 23 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV2207)
Do you have ADHD, think you might have ADHD or are you just curious to learn more about it?
Join us for this introductory and psychoeducational workshop providing insights into the characteristics of ADHD. Participants will learn strategies to transform common ADHD challenges into opportunities for growth.
This workshop is open to all students, no diagnosis is required to attend!
In this workshop, we will be covering the following topics:
- Defining and enhancing our understanding of ADHD
- Learning about the different types of ADHD
- Prevalence and statistics
- Influences and factors
- The Role of Executive Functioning
- Exploring Interventions: Medical and Non-medical Interventions
- Strategies for Different Settings
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Reclaiming Joy: Radical Self-Care for Healing from Gender-Based Violence
Facilitator: Asha Ramsumair (she/her) MSW, RSW and Maria Merenda (she/her) MSW Placement Student
When: February 25 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV2207)
Reclaiming joy is possible, and radical self-care is the key to unlocking it!
Whether you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment, discrimination, or any other form of gender-based harm, this workshop is for you.
We also welcome those who have been indirectly impacted or have witnessed such violence.
This workshop is being presented with support and funding from the SVPS Centre.
*Spots are limited, register by February 18th.
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Overcoming Test Stress and Anxiety: Tips, Tricks & Strategies
Facilitator: Katrina Levasseur Nedamat (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: March 2 | 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV2207)
Feeling overwhelmed by exams? You're not alone.
Exams can be stressful—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. In this workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies and coping skills to manage stress, stay grounded, and build confidence before and during exams. Whether you experience mild nerves or intense anxiety, this workshop will help you approach exams with a clearer mindset.
Take the first step toward a calmer exam season—your future self will thank you!
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Growing Through Change: Making Sense of Life Transition & Loss
Facilitator: Maria Merenda (she/her), MSW Student
When: March 16 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV2207)
Change is an inevitable part of student life, often accompanied by shifts in identity, relationships, and expectations.
This workshop invites students to explore how grief, loss and emotional adjustment show up during transitions, while building practical skills to navigate change with insight and self-compassion.
Join us for flower pot decorating and seed planting as we reflect on growth, change and self-compassion
Register here!
*Spots are limited, register by March 9th.
Skills Groups
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Dealing with Hard Feelings
Facilitator: Asha Ramsumair (she/her) MSW, RSW
When: Wednesdays | February 25, March 4, 11 & 18 | 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207 )
For many of us, experiencing certain emotions can be difficult and uncomfortable. Whether it be feeling anxious, sad or angry, it is natural to want to avoid feeling upset and to find ways to make these emotions go away.
At times, we may our actions during these challenging times may hurt us in the long run. Emotions are a part of being human and we cannot avoid them.
In this 4-week group, participants will learn more about the role of emotions in their lives, what happens when we can’t deal with our emotions, and learn skills drawn from mindfulness, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) to help them to manage emotional distress in a safe way.
By the end of this group, participants will develop their own personal plan for dealing with feelings that challenge them the most!
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Calm and Connected: A Skills Group for Managing Symptoms of Anxiety
Facilitator: Tiffany D’Souza (she/her), MSW, RSW
When: Thursdays | February 26, March 5, 12 & 19 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207 )
Are you struggling with frequent worry or anxiety that’s affecting your academic goals, relationships and overall enjoyment of life? If so, this group is for you!
During this 4 – week psychoeducational group, you'll discover practical strategies to manage the thoughts, feelings and physical discomfort associated with anxious thoughts and worry.
We’ll explore specific techniques to help you stay present, navigate stress more effectively, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Find relief and connect with other students who understand what you’re going through.
Together, we'll work towards a more balanced and calming mindset.
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Building Social Confidence: An RPG Group
Facilitator: Isha Saini (she/her), RP
When: Tuesdays | March 3, 10, 17, & 24 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Wellness Den | Student Hub (DV 2207 )
Want to build your confidence in social situations while having fun and learning new skills? If so, this quest is for you!
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!
Graduate Student Workshop Series
In collaboration with IMI and the Office of the Vice-Principal and Dean, HCC is happy to offer a workshop series that specifically addresses the unique challenges of graduate students.
*Bookmark this page and check back to see updates.
On Going & Drop-ins at the Den
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Crafts & Chill: A Queer & Trans Drop-in 🌈
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!
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🧩 Community & Connections: A wellness drop-in for students identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).
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.
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Meditation & Movement
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?
Not finding what you are looking for?
Check out the Past Workshops and Skills Groups page and read through our past programming! Got a question or an idea for a new workshop or skills group? Send us an email with your inquiry or suggestion!
