Wellness Groups, Events & Trainings

We offer a number of student-only, multi-session therapy groups and one-time events. These aim to provide participants with the opportunity to learn skills to improve their health and well-being while also connecting with other students and health professionals. Spaces fill up fast so register now to reserve your spot.

Calendar

Student-Only Therapy Groups

These are facilitated by health care professionals and run 4 to 10 weeks depending on the group. These groups are offered fall and winter with select groups running in the summer. Available to students only. Spaces are limited for each group and each one fills up fast.

Email counselling.services@queensu.ca to find out more or if you know you want to attend a certain group, go ahead and register now.

Indigenous students are welcome to join beading and/or drumming circles that alternate each week. For beading, supplies will be available and students can pick up a new skill, work on an existing project, or just hang out. For drumming, beginner and experienced drummers welcome.

F2024 dates/times: Thursdays from 2:00-4:00pm (Beading starts Sept 12 and Drumming starts Sept 19).

Find out more on the Four Directions (4D) Indigenous Student Centre events calendar

This professionally facilitated trauma informed resistance training group enables female identified students to access the benefits of resistance training and body based trauma therapy to mitigate symptoms of trauma, that have been interfering with daily and academic life. The program is based on recent research that indicates the effectiveness of exercise in managing symptoms of trauma, including anxiety and depression and building resilience and confidence.  This program will involve weekly resistance training sessions coupled with a psychotherapy component. Each week we will work with our bodies and minds to build strength and resilience together. 

In this group you will:

Learn some body based ways to manage your symptoms of trauma
Learn some body based ways to manage your symptoms of anxiety and or depression
Have an opportunity to build physical as well as emotional/mental strength
Connect with other folks who understand most of what you are experiencing so that you know you are not alone
Become familiar with the ARC in case you want to continue to use that space

Criteria: Female identified student, with self-identified trauma or adverse childhood experiences (sexual assault, childhood trauma, bullying etc.), and an interest in resistance training and group therapy.

F2024 dates/times: Wednesdays, Oct. 23 to Nov. 27 from 10:00-11:30am

Offered in-person

This wellness group is specifically designed for Smith Engineering students who are looking to integrate mindfulness techniques into their exam preparation and overall academic life. Stress and pressure during exam periods can be overwhelming, and this group aims to provide tools and strategies to help manage that stress effectively.

In this group, you will:

Learn and practice mindfulness exercises that can help you stay calm, focused, and centered during exams and other high-stress situations.
Discover ways to reduce anxiety and enhance your ability to handle academic pressures with a calm and composed mindset.
Develop skills to improve concentration and performance, making your study time more effective and less stressful.
Connect with students experiencing similar challenges and share experiences and strategies.

F2024 dates/times: Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00pm, Oct 22nd, Nov 5th, Nov 19th, and Dec 3rd

Offered in-person

Register for Engineering Calm

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).

F2024 dates/times: Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm (Sept 25, Oct 9, 23, Nov 6, Dec 11).

Find out more on the Yellow House events calendar

This professionally facilitated group is EXCLUSIVELY for Queens Grad students. Grad students have a unique set of circumstances and challenges that they juggle. If you are one of them, you deserve the support this confidential group of like-minded students can offer you. Don’t struggle alone!

In this group you will:

Have an opportunity to share your concerns and receive support from other grad students and from a therapist.
Share solutions and coping mechanisms to better manage the unique pressures you face.
Learn some strategies to manage your mental well being.
Experience the benefit of a community who understands exactly what you are going through.

W2025 dates/times: Thursdays 1:30-3:00pm, January 23 to March 13 (excluding February 20)

Offered in-person

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.

F2024 dates/times: Mondays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 8 OR Oct. 22 to Dec. 2 from 6:00-7:30pm

Offered in-person

Email chaplain@queensu.ca for more information and to register.

This group will focus on providing students who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) with strategies to navigate university. Students do not need to have a formal diagnosis of ADHD to attend this group and can be at any phase of university. Participants will be encouraged to share areas of struggle as well as solutions they have found helpful. Each week students will discuss a different topic and leave with strategies they can try during the week.

Topics include: dealing with stuck-ness and avoidance, feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, feeling unmotivated, getting more organized, and learning how to prioritize. Topics may change depending on the needs of the students in the group. This group is professionally facilitated by a psychotherapist with lived experience of managing ADHD as well as by a psychotherapy intern.

Offered in-person

F2024 dates/times: Tuesdays from 1:30-3:00pm, Sept 24 to Nov 19th (excluding Oct 15th)

Indigenous students are invited to join Cultural Counselor Lisa for a Male Identifying Sharing Circle.

F2024 dates/times: Thursdays from 5:30-7:00pm (Sept 19, Oct 3, 24, Nov 7 and 21).

Find out more on the Four Directions (4D) Indigenous Student Centre events calendar

This professionally facilitated therapy group is for students who are struggling to manage overwhelming emotions. It is designed to help you deal with crises and teaches you to 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 concrete strategies, including mindfulness, to improve your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that you are no longer feeling overwhelmed

W2025 dates/times: Wednesdays 1:30-3:00pm, January 29 to March 26 (excluding February 19th)

Offered in-person

Build your academic survival kit with more than just caffeine and ramen noodles! Weekly sessions include snacks and activities led by seasoned therapists. Learn how to tackle the University chaos and stress with laughter, and a touch of sarcasm. We will guide you through adjusting to academic demands, navigating campus and adulting. The 1.5 hours you sacrifice will save you so much time and stress in the long run!

More and more Queen's students are attending groups to bolster their coping and success. Limited spots available; register now to save your spot.

Offered in-person

F2024 dates/times: Thursdays, October 3rd to November 28th from 2:00-3:30pm (excluding October 17th)

This professionally facilitated group is designed to help students with autism succeed in a university environment. This group takes the view that there is no one “normal” or “right” brain. There are diverse forms of processing social information, cognitions, and sensory information. In the same way that there isn’t a “right” gender, race, class, or sexual orientation, there isn’t a “right” way for the brain to be wired. Neurodiversity can be a powerful asset for society, a business, or a family. However, it does pose more challenging trying to operate in a system like a university, that is designed only for “neuro typical” brains.

In this group you will have an opportunity to come together with other autistic students to:

Share common concerns and Identify challenges you may experience at university and learn/share coping strategies.
Gain the supports of a community who understands exactly what you are experiencing.
Identify and share your strengths to increase your self-esteem.
Explore topics like identifying and managing emotions, relationship issues, masking, stimming, sensitivities and more.

F2024 dates/times: Wednesdays, Sept. 25 to Nov. 20 (excluding Oct. 16) from 4:00-5:30pm

Offered virtually

This psycho-educational group will be a mix of theory and practice. It is for students who want to improve their focus and decrease signs of anxiety and stress, without having to spend hours in sitting meditation. During each of the weeks, you will get the opportunity to experience a variety of mindfulness exercises (e.g., body scan, mindful eating, and mindful self-compassion) in an environment that allows you to ask questions and receive feedback. Many of them do not require you to sit still! The group also provides accountability to keep you on track as you integrate the practice of ‘mindfulness-based stress reduction’ into your daily life. You will learn ways to regulate your mood and improve focus during stress filled times.

In this group, you will:

Learn the theory and practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: a clinically supported program for alleviating stress, anxiety, panic, and improving focus and signs of depression.
Learn how to focus on the present moment to permanently change the way you handle stress.
Practice a variety of formal and informal mindfulness techniques.

W2025 dates/times: Wednesdays 4:00-5:30pm, January 29 to March 12 (excluding February 19th)

Offered in-person

This professionally facilitated group is a safe space for students who have experienced sexual violence. Through support and education, you 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

W2025 dates/times: Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm from January 28 to March 25th (excluding February 18th)

Offered in-person

Email pegasus.group@queensu.ca to register.

This is a bi-weekly therapeutic creative writing circle open to all 2SLGBTQ+ students. This group uses writing as a way 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).

F2024 dates/times: Mondays from 4:30-6:30pm (Sept 16, 30, Oct 28, Nov 25, Dec 2, 16)

Find out more on the Yellow House events calendar.

This wellness group is specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Smith Engineering students. It aims to support your well-being through a blend of mindfulness practices, social-emotional skill building, and community connection. Each session is designed to address unique challenges and promote your well-being.

Week 1: Stress-Free Schematics. Activities will include mindfulness techniques such as breath work, guided meditation with body scans, and grounding exercises.
Week 2: Building Together Activities will include a Lego design competition and marshmallow tower challenges.
Week 3: Engineers Unplugged. Participate in an open forum where students can share their experiences and insights. Learn from each other and build a sense of community through shared understanding and support.
Week 4: Healing in Colour. Explore creative outlets such as art and colour therapy to support self-expression and reflection along with emotional healing.

F2024 dates/times: Fridays from 3:30-5:00pm, Oct 25th, Nov 8th, Nov 22nd, and Dec 6th

Offered in-person

Student-Led Initiatives

Questions about student-led initiatives? Email peerwell@queensu.ca

Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers put together Fresh Food Boxes that contain all the fresh produce and key ingredients to prepare a quick, easy and healthy recipe which makes approximately 4 servings.

Cost: $5.00 per student

F2024 dates/times: Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28 from 1:00-4:00pm

*registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date.

Visit events calendar to register

Join Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers for this hands-on educational workshop that covers nutrition basics, how to meal plan and create grocery lists. Participants will head out to grocery shop at Food Basics together and each student will be given a gift card to purchase food.

Cost: $5.00 per student

F2024 dates/times: Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 from 5:30-8:30pm

*Note registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date.

Visit events calendar to register

Peer Health Educators have recorded webinars and podcasts to help students increase their health-related knowledge. Topics include: financial literacy, sexual health, mental health, healthy eating, interviews with predominant professors on campus, and more!

Rest & Relaxation Webinar: Relax… Take It Easy
Sexual Health Webinar: Safer Online Dating: Spotting Red Flags, Setting Boundaries & Safety Planning
Mental Fitness Webinar: Fitspiration and Internet Stress: How Social Media Impacts our Mental Health
Substance Use Webinar: Harm Reduction at Queen’s
Financial Literacy Podcasts:
Healthy Eating Webinars:
- How to Store Food in Your Fridge and Freezer 101
- Nutrition Basics and Food Labels

Join our Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers and/or student staff for a 60 minute interactive cooking session to learn how to prepare a quick, easy, inexpensive and healthy recipe. Upon registration, students will receive the location, time and safety details. All students are welcome, regardless of your skill level in the kitchen.

Cost: $10.00 per student

F2024 dates/times: Sept. 16, Oct. 28 and Nov. 21 from 5:30-8:00pm

*registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date.

Visit events calendar to register

Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers put together Mason Jar Meals for students to order and pick up on campus. Mason Jar Meals contains all the ingredients and spices to prepare a quick, easy and healthy soup or stew.

Cost: FREE

F2024 dates/times: Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12 from 1:00-4:00pm

*Note registration is only open for 1 date at a time and will only display 1 week in advance to the session date.

Visit events calendar to register

Join our Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers for weekly beginner/intermediate runs during the fall and/or winter terms if you want to start running, increase your distance, improve your time, and/or simply find some running buddies.

How to sign-up:

Visit gogaelsgo.com and select "Recreation"
Select Register for a Rec Club
Register for a QRec Clubs account or sign-in
Upon completing registration, you will receive an email
Follow the link in the email to pay your club fee
Attend your rec club events; our runs!

F2024 dates/times: Mondays at 5pm, Tuesdays at 7am, Fridays at 6pm starting week of September 9th until final week of classes (no runs Sept. 30 or Oct. 14)

Location: Meet outside ARC at Earl Street Entrance.

To receive regular updates on the run club or for more information, follow @queens_run_club on Instagram and/or email qrun@queensu.ca

Join our St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) Therapy Dog Oscar and his handler John as they wander through the Mitchell Hall atrium and Student Life Centre.

See events calendar for Dogs on Campus dates/times.

Unable to join us on campus? Check out some virtual therapy dog videos.

Student, Staff, Faculty Trainings

If you are interested in organizing a private group training, please complete our online request form. Please note, we require a minimum of TWO WEEKS notice to schedule a training.

Training Request Form

This interactive training in suicide first aid teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.

At the end of this 2-day training, participants will:

Be able to recognize when someone is having thoughts of suicide
Be able to work with someone who is having thoughts of suicide to create a plan to support their immediate safety
Develop important skills to keep someone with thoughts of suicide safe for now through audio-visual learning aids, discussion, and practice
Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life promotion and self-care

All participants must attend both full days. Participants will receive program materials including a workbook and a certificate of completion.

Queen’s University subsidizes cost for LivingWorks Trainings to increase accessibility for staff, faculty, and students.

The standardized pricing for non-students, staff, or faculty is $250+tax.

2024-25 costs: $65+tax for students, $95+tax for staff/faculty

The purpose of this workshop is to give students, staff and faculty a chance to understand and appreciate health from a holistic lens. Participants will reflect on what they are currently doing and learn evidence-based practices to proactively take care of themselves and approaches to managing stress. During the session, participants will learn how to create an action plan that they can implement easily into their current habits.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

Learn about the different dimensions of wellness
Identify how your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours differ along the mental health spectrum
Gain knowledge of different strategies to maintain wellness and manage stress
Create your own action plan around health behaviours
Explore wellness resources available to you

Cost: free

Not able to attend this training? Take the self-directed module

This training gives an overview of what contributes to stigma and the various types that exist. Participants will learn how prevalent mental illness is among students on campus and discuss the impact stigma can have on people living with a mental illness. Using lived experience videos, interactive case studies and discussion, participants will learn how to spot stigma using the S.T.O.P approach and learn how to stand up and/or speak up against stigma using a bystander intervention model.

At the end of this training, participants will:

Increase knowledge and awareness of mental illness
Gain insight into the various components of stigma and its' impact
Learn how to spot subtle and over stigma
Learn approaches that help you stand up and speak out against stigma

Cost: free

Available to groups upon request (please email mhp.sws@queensu.ca)

The purpose of this session is to help students, staff and faculty recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health and what to do to support them. Participants will learn about the dual continuum model for mental health and be given strategies to help someone who is in immediate distress and/or in crisis. Practical tips on what to say and do will be discussed so participants leave the session knowing how to connect someone with the appropriate resources.

At the end of this training, participants will:

Gain mental health literacy skills
Be able to recognize when someone is in distress
Know steps to take to help someone with a mental health problem
Discover what mental health resources exist on campus and in the community

Cost: free

2024-25 dates/times: Wed. Jan. 22 from 11:00am-12:00pm

Offered virtually

Not able to attend this training? Content is available in our Identifying and Responding to Students in Distress self-directed module

We do not offer MHFA on campus however you can find a course through the Mental Health Commission of Canada Opening Minds website.

As an alternative to MHFA, your group/department may benefit from bundling some of our existing trainings into a 1-day professional development session. By taking Identifying and Responding to Someone in Distress (1.5 hours), How to Spot, Speak Out and Stand Up to Stigma (1.5 hours) and safeTALK suicide alertness (3 hours), participants would gain mental health knowledge, learn effective helping skills, and better understand campus and community resources. By also taking Caring for Present and Future You (1 hour), participants would be better equipped to take care of their own mental well-being.

We invite you to reach out directly to discuss a customized session that would best support your training needs at mhp.sws@queensu.ca.

This 2-hour self-directed evidence-based online training module introduces learners to a four-step model for helping keep someone safe from suicide. It uses simulations and interactive videos to build and practice helping skills.

By the end of this training, participants will:

Learn the importance of suicide alertness
Learn how to recognize people who are having thoughts of suicide
Be able to connect people who are having thoughts of suicide with resources.

2024-25 Costs: $40 for students, $50 for staff/faculty

Available to groups upon request using the form above. Because this is a standardized training, we recommend that groups pair this with a 30-minute live debrief to review campus and community resources with one of our safeTALK trainers.

This training prepares participants to recognize when people are having thoughts of suicide and connect them to intervention resources. Powerful videos illustrate the importance of suicide alertness, while discussion and practice stimulate learning.

At the end of this training, participants will be better able to:

Move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide,
Recognize people who are having thoughts of suicide, and
Apply the TALK steps to connect a person with thoughts of suicide to a suicide first-aid intervention caregiver

Queen’s University subsidizes cost for LivingWorks Trainings to increase accessibility for staff, faculty, and students.

The standardized pricing for non-students, staff, or faculty is $60+tax

2024-25 costs: $20+tax for students and $30+tax for staff/faculty

This workshop will help support a successful EL experience, by offering an opportunity to proactively reflect on what might be stressful and how to manage those challenges. The session will include a mix of lecture, small group discussion and independent reflect to create a personalized self-care plan.

At the end of this training, participants will be better able to: