If you are dealing with concerns like depression, anxiety, or stress, your counsellor may recommend group counselling. UBC Counselling Services also offers support groups for specific concerns that you can join at any time.
If you're feeling persistently stressed, anxious, or sad, you can also book an appointment with Counselling Services.
Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. It can also benefit you in different ways.
Connect with other students
You are not alone. The group experience can help you connect with other students experiencing similar challenges. The group environment seeks to be encouraging, supportive, and safe.
Learn new skills
Groups offer opportunities for you to realize your strengths and gather new skills to try out. Most groups are offered once a week.
Get “unstuck”
Group therapy can offer a different perspective on your situation and a sense of accountability which can help motivate you to try new strategies.
Build social confidence
It is common for students to feel nervous before coming to their first group. The groups are clear about the purpose of the group and what will happen during the session. You can share as much or as little as you like in the group. The supportive environment can provide an opportunity to practice new skills to help reduce anxiety in a social setting.
Easy access
As long as you have access to a stable internet connection and are in British Columbia, you'll be able to participate in group counselling.
All groups will be offered online for the 2022 academic year. For more information on how to access these programs, read the group descriptions below.
We recognize the unique individual needs of each student and the clinician working with you will provide alternate options if group programming is not an appropriate referral option or fit.
if you are a UBC Vancouver student, you can also access online groups and workshops offered by UBC Okanagan Counselling Services.
Have you ever stopped yourself from reaching out for help because you weren’t sure how? Have you ever wondered what your conflict style is? And what is an “emotional bank account”? Happy Together is a skills-based group for students of any gender who want to improve communication skills, connect with others more genuinely, improve boundaries, assess values in relationships, and to deepen relationships. The skills are intended to address a variety of relationships. We will answer all these questions and more!
Group sessions are stand-alone and students are encouraged to attend as many (or few) sessions as they may find helpful.
To participate, you must be currently residing in British Columbia and attend from a private and quiet space with a stable internet connection that can support Zoom. Both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan students are welcome to attend.
Facilitators
Group session details
List of sessions
|
Date for first round |
Date for second round |
Session topic |
|---|---|---|
|
Tues, Jan 31 |
Tues, Mar, 14 |
My relationship with me |
|
Tues, Feb 7 |
Tues, Mar 21 |
Understanding how I am in relationships |
|
Tues, Feb 14 |
Tues, Mar 28 |
How to deepen and maintain our relationships |
|
Tues, Feb 28 |
Tues, Apr 4 |
Managing conflicts and fighting together |
|
Tues, Mar 7 |
Tues, Apr 11 |
Healthy goodbyes |
Registration details
Registration closes temporarily 60 minutes before the start of each group session. Instructions for joining the meeting will be emailed to registered students before the session.
If you're interested, register through this online form.
Feeling stressed out? Come and join our online weekly stress management group, helping you to learn and practice new skills to manage your current stressors. With mindfulness support, this group offers an introduction to skills focused on coping with difficult emotions, practicing relaxation, and self-compassion.
Topics may include:
Group sessions are standalone; you can attend the group starting at any time, and students are encouraged to attend as many, or few, sessions as they may find helpful.
To participate, you must be currently residing in British Columbia and have access to both a private and quiet space, as well as a stable internet connection that can support Zoom. Both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan students are welcome to attend.
Facilitators
Group session details
Registration details
If you're interested, register through this online form.
Are you a graduate student feeling overwhelmed, stuck, isolated, lacking support, or feeling challenged in relationships or with balancing your work and life responsibilities? If so, consider joining Getting through Grad School with Grace & Grit, an online support group for graduate students.
What to expect
Graduate students face many unique challenges such as feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Maintaining a sense of community is important, so seize the opportunity to connect with others to share the ups and downs of grad school experiences. In this support group, you can expect the following:
Topics are generated by participants. Past topics have included motivation, managing relationships with mentors, handling uncertainty about career goals, feelings of being an imposter, procrastination, and perfectionism. These issues may be easier to talk about in a support group compared to in a small program, a competitive environment, or with supervisors.
Types of sessions
There 3 new types of session for 2022/23 Winter Term 2:
You may join the support group at any point during the term and your attendance can be flexible as needed. To participate, you must be in British Columbia and you must attend from a private and quiet space with a stable internet connection that can support Zoom.
We recognize the unique individual needs of each student and will provide alternate options if group programming is not an appropriate referral option or fit.
Facilitators
Group session details
List of sessions
|
Date |
Session type |
|---|---|
|
Tues, Jan 24 |
Coffee Break |
|
Tues, Jan 31 |
Staying on Track |
|
Tues, Feb 7 |
Coffee Break |
|
Tues, Feb 14 |
Skills and Strategies |
|
Tues, Feb 21 |
No session due to Reading Week |
| Tues, Feb 28 | Staying on Track |
| Tues, Mar 7 | Coffee Break |
Registration details
Registration will close temporarily 60 minutes before the start of each group session. Instructions for joining the meeting will be emailed to registered students before the session.
If you're interested, register through this online form.
(Re)Claim and Connect is a guided storytelling group for people of Asian heritage in Canada, including multiracial and all regions of Asia, that aims to foster connection to self and to others through witnessing and sharing personal stories. Each session focuses on themes related to Asian Canadian identity, including place, race, and family. You can find more details in the program information (pdf).
This group was developed by Dr. Fred Chou and his colleagues at the University of Victoria and is being piloted at UBC Counselling Services. Visit the Growth and Solidarity website for details. Participants will receive a $5 e-gift card to Starbucks as a token of appreciation for taking part in the group.
Facilitators
Group session details
Registration details
If you're interested, register through this online form.
Do you have ADHD or do you think you might have ADHD? If so, this 6-week, skills-based support group may be what you are looking for. This is a non-clinical, non-diagnostic group for students who are struggling with executive functioning concerns. An ADHD diagnosis is not required to join this group.
Group sessions are standalone. You can attend the group starting at any time, and students are encouraged to attend as many, or few, sessions as they may find helpful.
To participate, you must be currently residing in British Columbia and have access to both a private and quiet space, as well as a stable internet connection that can support Zoom. Both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan students are welcome to attend.
We recognize the unique individual needs of each student and will provide alternate options if group programming is not an appropriate referral option or fit.
Facilitators
Group session details
List of sessions
| Date | Session topic |
|---|---|
| Tues, Feb 7 | What is your cognitive style: strengths and struggles |
| Tues, Feb 14 | How to sharpen memory and manage distractions |
| Tues, Feb 21 | How to cope with emotions and nurture self-compassion |
| Tues, Feb 28 | Planning, procrastination, and prioritization |
| Tues, Mar 7 | Getting unstuck: how to start and switch tasks |
| Tues, Mar 14 | Living your best life with ADHD |
Registration details
Registration will close on the Monday before the start of each group session. Instructions for joining the meeting will be emailed to registered students before the session.
If you're interested, register through the online form.
This drop-in group was designed to help you learn strategies and skills to understand, accept, and manage a variety of anxiety-related concerns including panic, fears, obsessive worrying, test anxiety, and social anxiety.
Topics and strategies are drawn from evidence-based theories such as Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
For more severe concerns (i.e., self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating, substance use, and trauma), please contact your health professional or a Wellness Advisor at 604-822-3811 for referral options. We also recognize the unique individual needs of each student and will provide alternate options if group programming is not an appropriate referral option or fit.
Group sessions are standalone and you are encouraged to attend as many sessions as you find helpful.
To participate, you must reside in British Columbia and attend from a private and quiet space with a stable internet connection that can support Zoom. Both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan students are welcome to attend.
Facilitators
Vanita Sabharwal, MSW, RSW, Counselling Services
Alysha Chan Kent, MSC, Pre-Doctoral Intern
Vanessa Peynenburg, MA, Pre-Doctoral Intern
Group session details
List of sessions
| Date | Session topic |
|---|---|
| Tues, Jan 24 | Panic and anxiety attacks |
| Tues, Jan 31 | Excessive worry and rumination |
| Tues, Feb 7 | The impact of food, sleep, exercise, caffeine, and other substances on anxiety |
| Tues, Feb 14 | Negative self-talk |
| Tues, Feb 21 | Managing procrastination, avoidance, and perfectionism |
| Tues, Feb 28 to Tues, Apr 11 | Please check back for session topics. |
Registration details
Registration will close on the Monday before the start of each group session. Instructions for joining the meeting will be emailed to registered students before the session.
If you're interested, register through the online form.
The overall goal of the Balancing Emotions Program is to learn skills to change unwanted behaviors, emotions, thinking, and events that may cause your life to be difficult.
Structured as an interactive class, the program consists of two parts: an online group and regular individual check-ins with your health professional. The online group is based on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), which was developed to offer concrete strategies to help people build a better life.
The four main areas of focus are:
To participate, you must be currently living in British Columbia and have access to a private and quiet space with a stable Internet connection that can support Zoom.
Facilitators
Group session details
We anticipate this group will be offered again in Fall 2023. The group is likely to be held on Mondays, at approximately 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm. Counselling Services is currently accepting referrals.
Registration details
Find more information by connecting with a UBC health professional, such as a counsellor, physician, mental health nurse, or a Wellness Advisor at Counselling Services.
Are you an international student at UBC and are feeling overwhelmed? If so, consider joining Global Connections, UBC's in-person international student support group. Meet other international students in a safe and relaxing space, connect and build a community of support on campus, and learn ways to navigate the unique challenges often experienced by international students.
Group topics are generated by participants so that relevant themes may be addressed, topics will also be guided by group facilitators.
Group topics may include:
You can join the support group at any point during the term and your attendance can be flexible and as needed. This group is open to any UBC Vancouver student. Since the group sessions will be held in person at UBC Counselling Services, students will need to be on campus in order to participate in the group.
Facilitators
Group session details
This group will be offered every other Wednesday, starting Wed, Feb 1, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (PST).
Dates: Feb 1, Feb 15, March 1, March 15, March 29, April 12, April 26
Registration details
Registration closes 60 minutes before the start time of the group session.
If you're interested, register through the online form.
This group is for survivors of interpersonal violence of all genders to support each other while also exploring various topics such as safe coping strategies and skills, boundaries, and inviting resilience and self-compassion.
To participate, you must be living in Canada and have access to a private and quiet space with a stable internet connection that can support Zoom.
Facilitators
Group session details
This group will be offered again in Fall 2022. Counselling Services is currently accepting referrals. The group is likely to be held on Wednesdays, from approximately 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm via Zoom.
Registration details
Find more information by connecting with a UBC health professional, such as a counsellor, physician, mental health nurse, or a Wellness Advisor at Counselling Services.
Cisgender women’s bodies are everywhere and nowhere at the same time; they are hyper-visible through the sexualized imagery we see every day, yet censored through stigma that creates misinformation and limits opportunities to talk about sex. As a result, many cis women experience challenges in the sexual domain of their lives and have few avenues to access support and accurate information to address these areas of concern.
In this group, we aim to provide a safe and sex-positive space in which cisgender women can ask questions and learn information to help them address any challenges they are facing relating to sex and sexuality. Our goal is to empower attendees through knowledge about sex, sexuality, and offer information about how to increase sexual satisfaction/pleasure and autonomy. We will replace the many myths and attend to the confusion and judgment that so often surrounds sexuality with scientific-fact based evidence and a model of acceptance.
Topics may include:
To participate, you must be a student who identifies as a cis woman, currently live in British Columbia, and have access to a private and quiet space with a stable Internet connection that can support Zoom.
Facilitators
Group session details
Registration details
Find more information by connecting with a UBC health professional, such as a counsellor, physician, mental health nurse, or a Wellness Advisor at Counselling Services.
There are a variety of groups and meetings on campus which offer a sense of community and support for mental health and wellness related concerns.
Kaleidoscope
The Kaleidoscope offers weekly peer led support groups for undergraduate and graduate students living with the experience of mental health concerns.
UBC Student Recovery Community (SRC)
For students who are in recovery, or curious to explore their relationship with alcohol, drugs, and/or addictive behaviours such as disordered eating, the SRC offers peer led support meetings.
UBC Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC)
SASC Support & Advocacy staff facilitate peer support groups for prospective, current and recent UBC students of all genders who have experienced any form of sexualized violence, harassment and/or abuse.
