This 10-week in-person therapeutic group helps students strengthen social connections and develop meaningful relationships through guided conversations, experiential activities and a supportive group setting. Participants gain communication skills, build confidence and enhance their sense of belonging in a safe, welcoming space.

Who’s it for? Students who want to improve their social skills, connect more authentically with others and feel more comfortable in social settings.

Language: One English group, one French group

Facilitators: 

• Kali Musa (psychotherapist) and co-facilitator — English group
• Bernadette Ingungu (psychotherapist) and Karianne Blanchard (intake officer) — French group

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Modality: In person only

Schedule:

This weekly in-person therapeutic group offers a safe, affirming space for students who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Sessions focus on lived experiences and themes such as identity, joy, pride, stigma, microaggressions, relationships, isolation and coming out. Each session begins with a check-in and evolves organically based on the group’s reflections. The group fosters connection, self-expression and personal growth in a respectful, inclusive environment.

Who’s it for? Students who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are looking to connect, reflect and grow in a supportive group setting.

Language: English

Facilitator: Em Patton (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Modality: In person only

Schedule:

This 10 week in-person group provides a safe, supportive space for students who have lost a loved one in the past five years. You’ll explore the complex emotions of grief, develop self-compassion and learn how to communicate your needs and set boundaries while navigating daily life. The group fosters connection, healing and shared understanding among those experiencing a similar situation.

Who’s it for? Students who’ve experienced the death of a loved one within the last five years and are seeking connection, understanding and support.

Language: English

Facilitators: Caroline Bradley (psychotherapist) and co-facilitator

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Modality: In person

Schedule:

The ADHD Therapeutic Group is designed to help you better understand the realities of living with diagnosed or suspected ADHD. You’ll gain knowledge about ADHD, build the skills to become an active participant in developing your treatment plan and explore strategies to improve your daily functioning. Throughout the group sessions, you’ll connect with peers who’ve had similar experiences, strengthen your academic resilience and develop tools to support your success at university and beyond.

Who’s it for? Students with diagnosed or suspected ADHD who want to better understand the condition, develop practical coping strategies and connect with peers in a supportive group setting. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Language: English

Facilitators: Ashley Scott (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Modality: In person only  

Schedule:

This in-person support group offers a safe, inclusive space for students on the autism spectrum to explore the challenges of university life. Over 11 weeks, you’ll discuss topics such as sensory and social overload, masking, burnout, executive functioning and communication. The group fosters connection, emotional regulation and self-advocacy through guided strategies and peer support.

Who’s it for? Students who identify with autism spectrum traits and are seeking tools and community support to enhance their well-being. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Language: Bilingual

Facilitator(s): Kayla Spicer and Mikayla Long (case manager)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Modality: In person only

Schedule :

This therapeutic group is intended for students who experience difficulties identifying and managing their emotions. You’ll explore how emotions function, learn concrete coping strategies to reduce emotional distress and gain perspective through guided discussions in a safe, supportive setting. You must attend 80% of the sessions to support group cohesion and progress.

Who’s it for? Students who have difficulties identifying and regulating their emotions.

Language: English

Facilitator(s): Isabelle Guertin (psychologist), Karianne Blanchard (intake officer)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Format: In person only

Schedule:

This therapeutic group is for students who experience anxiety or challenges with thoughts, feelings or coping that interfere with their daily lives, relationships or academic performance. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, emotions, beliefs and coping patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of how your internal experiences shape the way you respond to challenges. Through guided group conversations and shared reflection, you’ll explore patterns potentially contributing to distress, grow your self-awareness and learn new ways of relating to difficult thoughts and feelings. This process-oriented group provides a supportive space to connect with peers, gain perspective from shared experiences and build greater confidence in navigating life’s challenges.

Who’s it for? Students who experience anxiety or challenges with thoughts, feelings or coping that affect their daily lives. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Language: English   

Facilitator(s): Em Patton (psychotherapist) and Kali Musa (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Format: In person only

Schedule:

This therapeutic group is for students who want to better understand themselves or get support with mental health concerns. You’ll explore what therapy is and how it can support personal growth and well-being. You’ll also begin to develop a better understanding of your own experiences, emotions and patterns. Through open group conversations and guided reflection, you’ll have the opportunity to normalize common student challenges, connect with peers and build confidence in undertaking therapeutic work. This group provides a supportive space to begin self-exploration, develop self-awareness and prepare for deeper therapeutic conversations. New members are welcome to join throughout the term.

Who’s it for? All uOttawa students.

Language: Bilingual

Facilitator: Étienne Sarazin-Frey-Pépin (psychotherapist) and Victoria Barker (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Open group — new members can join throughout the term

Format: In person only

Schedule: