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: English

Facilitators: Kali Musa (psychotherapist and co-facilitator)

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: Bilingual

Facilitator: Em Patton (psychotherapist)

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

Modality: In person only

Schedule:

This five-session in-person therapeutic series supports students in managing stress, anxiety and burnout through guided mindfulness exercises, reflective exercises and meaningful group discussions. You’ll develop tools to build psychological flexibility, reduce mental agitation and reconnect with your personal values in a calm, welcoming space.

Who’s it for? Students seeking to strengthen their stress management skills, improve focus and enhance overall emotional well-being.

Language: French or English (separate groups)

Facilitators: Victoria Barker, psychotherapist (English group), Étienne Sarazin-Frey-Pépin, psychotherapist, (English group), Pierre Bercy, psychotherapist (French group), Bernadette Ingungu, psychotherapist (French group)

Closed group? Yes. You must attend all five 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), Em Patton (psychotherapist)

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

Modality: In person

Schedule:

This three-part educational series helps you better understand ADHD and its impact on learning, focus and everyday functioning. You’ll explore common challenges and strengths, learn practical strategies for academic success and access tools to manage symptoms and navigate support services at uOttawa.

Who’s it for? All uOttawa students. 

Language: English

Facilitators: Ashley Scott (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Yes. You must commit to attending all three sessions.

Modality: In person only  

Schedule:

This weekly mindfulness-based group provides a calm, supportive space to pause and reset with intention. Each session is 15 minutes and offers guided mindfulness practices to support stress management, grounding and overall well-being. Held in a private online setting with cameras and microphones off for comfort and accessibility, this group offers a simple way to cultivate presence and self-care, and end your week with intention.

Who’s it for? Students seeking to reduce stress and take care of their mental health

Language: English

Facilitator: Étienne Sarazin-Frey-Pépin (psychotherapist)  

Closed group? No (drop-in)

Modality: Virtual 

Please note that the Weekly Chill is not being offered until further notice.

This group is for international students experiencing symptoms of depression, cultural adjustment difficulties, stress, isolation or significant academic pressure. It offers a confidential, supportive space to express emotions, share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. You’ll explore practical strategies to better manage emotional difficulties and strengthen your mental well-being.

Who’s it for? International students experiencing difficulties related to adjustment, mental health or academic life.

Language: French

Facilitators: Bernadette Ingungu (psychotherapist), Krystina Roberte Sainté (case manager)

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

Format: In person only

Schedule:

This group is for international students facing symptoms of depression, cultural adjustment difficulties, academic stress or isolation. It provides a safe, supportive environment to share experiences, connect with peers and develop practical strategies for emotional well-being. You’ll explore your emotions, strengthen your coping skills and build meaningful connections to support both your mental health and academic success.

Who’s it for? International students dealing with cultural adjustment, academic pressure, isolation, depression or stress.

Language: English

Facilitators: Pierre Bercy (Canadian Certified Counsellor)

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

Modality: In person only

Schedule:

This three-session therapeutic group is for students who identify with the personality traits of high sensitivity and want to better understand and embrace them. Each session explores common HSP traits and challenges, offers strategies for managing overstimulation and emotional intensity, and fosters a sense of community through shared experiences. You’ll strengthen your self-awareness and celebrate the unique strengths that come with being highly sensitive.

Who’s it for? Students who’ve experienced a lifelong pattern of emotional, physical or social sensitivity and want to better understand themselves and improve their mental well-being. Not intended for students seeking support for ADHD, sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder.

Language: English (Francophone referrals accepted for waitlist; Francophone group may be offered based on demand)

Facilitator(s): Anne Leblanc (psychotherapist)

Closed group? Yes. Three-session commitment required.

Modality: In person only

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 :

Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group weekly themes :

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), Carolyn Mirotchnick (psychologist)

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

Format: In person only

Schedule:

This in-person group is designed for students experiencing disordered eating behaviours or body image challenges. In a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, participants will connect with peers, share their experiences and learn strategies to better cope with eating-related issues. All body types are welcome.

Who’s it for? Students experiencing symptoms of disordered eating (diagnosis not required) or anyone looking to explore coping strategies and connect with others in a safe, respectful environment.

Language: Bilingual. Materials will mostly be in English, but certain items can be provided in French as needed.   

Facilitator(s): Dr. Carolyn Mirotchnick (psychologist) and co-facilitator 

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

Format: In person only

Schedule:

This group offers a space to explore common challenges and barriers that law students experience. The series will focus on topics such as prioritizing wellness in law school, perfectionism and self-compassion. The series is designed to help students develop evidence-based coping mechanisms they can use throughout their studies and in their future legal career. 

Who’s it for? Common law students at uOttawa who want to reflect, connect and strengthen their mental wellness during their academic journey

Language: Bilingual (English and French)

Facilitator: Victoria Barker, psychotherapist (Common Law Section)

Closed group? Yes. You must commit to attending at least two out of three sessions. Late joiners may be accepted for the last two sessions if space allows.

Format: In person only

Capacity: 10 to 15 participants 

Schedule: