Groups & workshops

Click on one of the groups or workshops below to learn more about mental and physical health and wellness programming available at UVic.

Groups are offered either in-person or via Zoom. To sign up for any of the following, please email swgroups@uvic.ca and include your name, V-number and the workshop you are interested in.

Retrain The Brain

An 8-session online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills group that blends mindfulness and practical tools to support mental health. Each 1-hour session is designed for busy students, with an optional 15-minute discussion for deeper exploration. Ideal for those experiencing mild anxiety or low mood.

With Dr. John Kim (physician).

Tuesdays, Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 17, 24 | 3:30-4:30pm | via Zoom

Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.

ADHD Virtual Workshop

A 10-session weekly 1 hour group exploring ADHD from a holistic and practical perspective. Topics include: ADHD neurobiology and medication, executive functioning, academic accommodations and learning strategies, emotional self-regulation, nutrition and lifestyle, and CBT-based strategies for time awareness, scheduling, motivation and activation, prioritization, and procrastination.

Sessions are led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in medicine, pharmacy, counselling, academic accessibility and learning support, and spiritual care.

For students with a known diagnosis of ADHD.

With Dr. James Felix (physician).

Wednesdays, Sept. 23-Dec. 9; No session Sept. 30 or Nov. 11 | 3:30-4:30pm | via Zoom

Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.

Emotion Regulation

What contributes biologically, developmentally, and socially to our ability to self-regulate? What concepts, strategies, and techniques can be used to express and manage our full range of emotions in a way that feels right for us? This group utilizes CBT, mindfulness, and body-based practices. New skills are taught and practiced each week to complement the core concepts.

With June Saracuse (counsellor) and Crystal James. Practicum counsellor TBD.

Thursdays, Oct. 8-Dec. 3; No session Nov. 12 | 2:30-4pm

A meeting with facilitator(s) is required prior to registration. Please email swgroups@uvic.ca to set this up.

Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.

Rooted: A Space for Racialized Students

A group for racialized students to connect, share experiences, and build community. Through open conversations and shared reflection, we’ll explore the challenges and strengths that shape our university experiences while supporting one another and celebrating our identities. If you’re looking for connection or simply a space to be yourself, you’re welcome here!

With Staci Coleman (counsellor).

Fridays, Oct. 2 & 16, Nov. 6 & 20, Dec. 4 | 1:15-2:30pm

Pre-registration is required; students do not need to attend all five sessions.

Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.

Being Your Own Bestie: Self-compassion Skills

Ever notice that you’re kinder to your friends than you are to yourself? In this group you’ll learn practical skills for responding to yourself with more kindness, understanding, and encouragement—especially when things don’t go as planned.

Each week, we’ll explore a different self-compassion topic and practice short, accessible skills that you can use in everyday life. Think of it as building your “inner bestie” toolkit: ways to work with self-criticism, difficult emotions, stress, and setbacks without beating yourself up.

No experience with self-compassion is needed—just come as you are.

With Mackenzie Barnett (Pre-doctoral Resident). Practicum counsellor TBD.

Wednesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 2. No session Nov. 11 | 2:30-3:45pm

Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.

Into the Transverse

A group for students who identify as trans, nonbinary, or gender diverse/non-conforming. This group will draw on Art Therapy and Narrative Therapy to explore resilience, building affirming connections, and trans joy. Through creative exploration, session focus will be collaboratively determined with group members. No previous art-making experience is required.

TBD

This group is not yet scheduled for Fall 2026; please check back soon for updates. You may also email swgroups@uvic.ca and request that we email you once the group has been confirmed and registration is open.

Ready, Set, Maybe

Join us for a 4-week group incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Narrative approaches for folks with concerns related to disordered eating who are curious about their relationship to body, food and eating-related behaviours. This group offers a space to reflect, connect with others with shared experiences, and begin to understand the ways in which disordered eating might be affecting you and your life.

TBD