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
Retrain The Brain is an 8-session online CBT Skills Group that blends mindfulness and practical tools to support mental health.
Led by Dr. John Kim from the Student Wellness Centre, 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.
Tuesdays, September 9 to November 4, except Sept. 30 | 2:30-3:30pm | Zoom
With John Kim (physician).
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 series of 8-10 virtual interactive sessions featuring presentations from the fields of medicine, psychology, nutrition, learning strategists, and spiritual care providers.
Email swgroups@uvic.ca with your student number to register for one or more of the virtual sessions. For students with a known diagnosis of ADHD.
Wednesdays, September 24 to December 3, except Nov. 19 | 3:30-4:30pm | Zoom
With James Felix (physician).
Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.
Wild & Well
This nature-based group helps students struggling with anxiety, burnout, or disconnection to restore wellbeing by reconnecting with the Earth. Through simple, accessible practices, participants will slow down, experience the natural world, and rediscover vitality, awe, and a sense of belonging. Open to all students – no prior experience needed.
Location: Sessions will be outdoors and held in Finnerty Gardens. We’ll be meeting rain or shine – even as we move into the Fall season – so please be prepared and dress appropriately for the weather. Additional details will be sent to students who register.
Tuesdays, October 28 to December 2, except Nov. 11 | 2:30–4:00pm
With Adam Tran (counsellor).
Registration required: Please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre for more information.
Emotional Regulation Group
The Emotional Regulation Group helps participants understand the factors that influence self-regulation and teaches strategies to manage emotions in healthy, authentic ways. Each week features experiential CBT, mindfulness, and body-based practices to build and strengthen these skills.
Please contact the SWC front desk to schedule a required pre-group interview with the group facilitator.
Thursdays, October 2 to November 27, except Nov. 13 | 2:30-4:00pm
With June Saracuse (counsellor).
Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.
Honouring Our Diversity
This 5-session Student Wellness Centre group offers a confidential, supportive space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to connect, share, and explore identity, culture, heritage, and inclusion. Members will co-create the agenda, fostering open, respectful conversations that honour lived experiences, strengths, and collective wisdom.
Please contact the SWC front desk to schedule a required pre-group interview with the group facilitator.
Wednesdays, September 24 to October 22 | 2:30-4:00pm
With Wendy Lum (counsellor).
Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.
Knit Connect
Learn how to knit for free! Come and take your first lesson - knitting is a great way to destress. Facilitated by the Beehive Wool Shop.
Free! All materials supplied.
Two dates:
Friday, September 26th 11:00am – 1:00pm
Thursday, October 9th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
In-person:
at the Student Wellness Centre - Health and Wellness Building, Room 230 (Student Wellness Multipurpose Room)
Registration required: email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.
Ready, Set, Maybe
Join us for a four-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 self. Whether you’re feeling uncertain, ambivalent, or just starting to explore your relationship to body and eating-related behaviors, 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.
Students who are self-referring to the group should contact the SWC front desk to schedule a pre-group interview with the group facilitator.
(Students who are being referred to this group by a Student Wellness counsellor, physician or nurse do not need a pre-group interview, but should check with the SWC front desk to ensure that their information and consent form is completed and current).
Wednesdays, October 29 to November 26, except Nov. 12 | 2:00-3:30pm
With Lorna Breen (pre-doctoral resident).
Registration required: For more information please call 250-721-8563, email swgroups@uvic.ca or come visit us at the Student Wellness Centre.