Counselling Groups and Workshops

Who? Students looking to build skills, improve distress tolerance, and make connections via a DnD campaign.

What? “Your party meets in a tavern counselling office”. Roll for Resilience is a therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons group that is being offered to U of L students via Counselling Services. No experience with therapy or DnD is required, only a willingness to participate and a commitment to attend. DnD 5e (2024) will be the format used for the sessions. Participants are not required to have or bring any DnD materials as these will be provided. Due to success and valuable feedback, we are excited to offer two Roll for Resilience groups for the Winter, 2026 semester!

Why? Participants can expect to practice skills that are based in therapeutic concepts like acceptance, contacting the present moment, values clarification, committed action, distress tolerance, and more, all accomplished via a DnD campaign run by a counsellor. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own individual goals, such as anxiety management, building social skills, improving self-advocacy, and challenging perceptions about self, among many other possibilities

When: Starting January 23rd, 2026, both groups will meet on Fridays for 10 weeks, excluding reading week:

• Party A will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Party B will meet from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Where? In person. Location to be confirmed upon registration. 

Register: Students can email us at counselling.services@uleth.ca or call 403-317-2845. 

Registration Deadline: January 16th, 2026

*Space for these groups are limited and there may be a waitlist for participation. The amount of interest shown for these groups will help determine how often/many similar groups will be offered in the coming semesters, which could even include summer semesters.

*This is a closed group meaning you must sign up prior to the start date. 

Who? Students who identify as being on the autism spectrum and are seeking a supportive and understanding environment to connect with self and peers. No diagnosis disclosure required to participate.

What? An 8-week facilitated group focused on shared experiences, emotional experiences, and skill development. Each session incorporates guided discussion, self-reflection, and peer connection around weekly topics. The group emphasizes support, self awareness, and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, engage respectfully, and contribute at a level that feels comfortable.

Why? Participants can expect to build a sense of connection and belonging, self-understanding, validation and empowerment, and communication skills.

When: Starting February 2nd, 2026 this group will meet on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for 8 weeks, excluding reading week. 

Where? In person. Counselling Services AH153.

Register: Students can email us at counselling.services@uleth.ca or call 403-317-2845. 

Registration Deadline: January 26th, 2026

*This is a closed group meaning you must sign up prior to the start date. 

Who? Anyone who has ever been in a relationship, friendship, and/or situationship, that didn’t work out- anyone who has ever experienced a broken heart. 

What? Exploring the 7 stages of a break-up, this group designed to dig deep into the experiences we go through after the end of a relationship including attachment science, boundaries, and emotional regulation. We will come together, not to “rehash” or “vent” about our ex’s, but to examine and make sense of our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, following a break-up and exploring the science behind what drives them.

Why? Because, in the words of Amy Chan, “It’s never just about the ex”. Most relationships are not THE ONE, but learning how your brain reacts in love and relationships is essential to discovering what it is you are looking for in a partner, and within yourself. This group will help you to understand the big emotions you might be having at the end of a relationship and learn that those feelings, actually might make sense. Starting to recognize your own patterns in relationships and learning how to set healthy boundaries will help you foster new, healthier relationships with yourself and others.

When: Starting on February 6th, 2026, this group will meet on Friday's from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. for 7 weeks, excluding reading week. 

Where?  In person. Location to be confirmed upon registration. 

Register: Students can email us at counselling.services@uleth.ca or call 403-317-2845. 

Registration Deadline: January 30th, 2026

* This is a closed group meaning you must sign up prior to the start date. 

Who? This group is for people who identify as having a chronic medical illness that impacts their life such as: multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, post-concussive syndrome, Crohn's, colitis, Lyme disease, PCOS, endometriosis, arthritis, diabetes, ALS, IBS and more. No diagnosis needed.  

What? Chronic Illness Connection and Support Group is a space dedicated to individuals to support building connection and community, build their relationship and connection with their body, strengthen their mind-body relationship, and foster strategies to support the many struggles that arise with chronic illness. Group discussion, body awareness, self-compassion, mindfulness and expressive arts will be used.  

Why? People experiencing chronic pain/illness may also have limited social support networks, decreased energy, and increased occurrence of mental health concerns (stress, anxiety, depression, grief, etc.). Group therapy is supported by research for a wide range of concerns and may offer health management coping strategies, self-understanding, connection, safety, support, and improved quality of life.  

When: Starting January 20th, 2026, this group will meet on Tuesday's from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for 8 weeks, excluding reading week. 

Where?  In person. Location to be confirmed upon registration. 

Register: Students can email us at counselling.services@uleth.ca or call 403-317-2845. 

Registration Deadline: January 13th, 2026

* This is a closed group meaning you must sign up prior to the start date. 

This group is being offered by the Counselling Services Practicum Centre in Partnership with Counselling Services.

Who? This group is for students who are curious about personal growth and self-discovery, and want space to reflect on life’s fundamental questions. This group may be helpful for those feeling uncertain, disconnected, or seeking greater clarity in their values, relationships, and life direction. No previous experience with counselling or expressive arts is required.

What? Over five weeks, this group explores four universal human concerns using handouts and expressive arts activities. Together, we will look at: 

• Meaning: How we create purpose and meaning in our lives and understand what matters to us.
• Isolation: How our individuality shapes connection and how to engage authentically in relationships.
• Mortality: How awareness of life’s finiteness influences the way we live and interact with the world around us.
• Freedom: How we navigate choice, responsibility, and the creation of our own path. 

In the final week, we will integrate what we’ve learned and reflect on how these themes shape our past, present, and future.

Why? This group offers a supportive space to explore core questions that often shape stress, uncertainty, and personal growth. By examining meaning, connection, mortality, and choice, participants can deepen self-understanding, build resilience, and develop a clearer sense of direction. Engaging with these themes can help reduce feelings of isolation, increase intentionality in daily life, and foster greater confidence in navigating challenges and life transitions.

When: Starting January 29th, 2026, this group will meet on Thursday's from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. for 5 weeks, excluding reading week. 

Where?  In person. TH172 (Turcotte Hall Room 172) 

Register: Students can email the Counselling Services Practicum Centre at practicum.centre@uleth.ca or call 403-329-2654. 

Registration Deadline: January 16th, 2026

* This is a closed group meaning you must sign up prior to the start date. 

* This group will be co-facilitated by a U of L Master's of Counselling intern and Sandy Witdouck, Clinical Practicum Supervisor.

This workshop is being offered by the Accessible Learning Centre and Counselling Services.

Who? This workshop is intended for students with a formal medical diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

What? This workshop series will provide specific tools to work with your ADHD, not against it. Some topics that will be covered are:

• Organization, planning and scheduling
• Prioritizing and breaking down tasks
• Reducing distractibility
• Adaptive thinking
• Procrastination

Why? The sessions will provide you with knowledge, skills and tools that will benefit you both during your university years and after you begin your career.

When? Starting January 27th, 2026, this group will run weekly on Tuesday's from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 6 weeks, excluding reading week.

Where? Zoom. Link to be provided prior to first session.  

Register: Students can email counselling.services@uleth.ca to register or call at 403-317-2845 for more information.

Registration Deadline: January 20, 2026.

This group is being offered by the Counselling Services Practicum Centre in Partnership with Counselling Services.

Who? This workshop is open to all U of L students are curious about improving their wellbeing. Whether you're navigating academic pressures, personal challenges, or just looking for support navigating the pressures of university life, this group is for you. No prior experience with counselling is necessary, and you’re welcome to attend whether you’re new to counselling or already connected to supports on campus.

What? A rotation of standalone, drop-in sessions focused on various challenges you may experience as a university student. Each session offers practical strategies you can use right away. Join us for one, a few, or all topics that resonate with you.

Topics may include: 
•    Accepting Uncertainty: Developing psychological flexibility
•    Break the Scroll: Digital wellness & managing social media overload
•    Creating Connection: Addressing loneliness & social isolation
•    Dear Brain, Chill: What is anxiety & what can we do about it
•    Self-Compassion Skills: Reframing negative self-talk
•    Staying Present: Identifying & managing cognitive distortions
•    Taming the Inner Critic: Tools for perfectionism & overthinking
•    The Art of Saying No, Without the Guilt: Building healthy boundaries
 

Why? Mind Over Major offers a space to pause, reflect and strengthen your mental well-being with strategies you can use right away. Each workshop is designed to be relatable and practical to help you navigate the stress, uncertainty and pressure of university life with more confidence and clarity. 

When? Starting January 16th, 2026 this group will meet Friday's from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for 8 weeks, excluding reading week. 

Where? In person. TH172 (Turcotte Hall Room 172) 

Register: Students can email the Counselling Services Practicum Centre at practicum.centre@uleth.ca or call 403-329-2654 to pre-register. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration Deadline: Any time prior to the workshop start time. Pre-registrations are welcome! Registration is limited to 10 participants per workshop. 

* Each workshop will be co-facilitated by a U of L MC or M.Ed. intern and Sandy Witdouck, Clinical Practicum Supervisor.