Programs - Student Wellness Centre

ACT on Anxiety

Winter term (Various start dates)

Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm

Participants will learn Acceptance & Commitment Therapy strategies to decrease the impact of anxious thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories on living a valued life. For more information or to register, email Carla Glanville (MA) at glanvic@mcmaster.ca or Kerri-Ann Fitzgerald (MSW, RSW) at fitzka@mcmaster.ca.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Winter term (Various start dates)

Tuesdays 5:00 - 7:00pm

In supportive small-group environment, participants will learn helpful ways to cope with periods of intense emotional distress. The group will focus on understanding painful emotional experiences and developing concrete strategies to prevent, decrease or manage painful life experiences. There are 3 modules that rotate through the year which include emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interperson…

Queer Trans Resilience

Winter term (Various start dates)

Thursdays 3:30 - 5:30pm

A 10-week psychoeducational-process group aimed to support queer and trans students in learning about how to cultivate resilience For more information or to register, email Blair Wilson (MSW, RSSW, RSW) at wilsob13@mcmaster.ca.

Managing Your Social Anxiety

Winter term (Various start dates)

Thursdays 1:30 - 3:30pm

This group aims to address difficulties with anxiety in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to practice specific techniques that may be helpful in reducing their social anxiety. By referral or self referral. For more information or to register, email Sharon Hopkins at hopkis6@mcmaster.ca.

Managing Your Worry and Anxiety

Winter term (Various start dates)

Fridays 9:30 - 11:30am

Participants learn about the connection between worrying and generalized anxiety through an exploration of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) concepts/strategies. Weekly experiential exercises will be used to challenge thoughts, manage worries, and provide a greater sense of calm to mind and body. For more information or to register, email Sheila Ortlieb (MA, RP) at ortliebs@mcmaster.ca.

Managing Your Emotions

Winter term (Various start dates)

Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:30pm

A basic introduction to Cognitive Therapy. Participants will practice specific ways to handle feelings more effectively. For more information or to register, email Nathan Cooper (Psy. D., C. Psych.) at ncooper@mcmaster.ca.

Mend Your Mood

Winter term (Various start dates)

Fridays 1:30 - 3:30pm

This group will focus on developing a better understanding of depression, and learning evidence-based skills to change patterns that trigger depression symptoms. This group will be appropriate for those with mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Pre-group meeting required For more information or to register, email Michelle Charles (MSW, RSW) at charles2@mcmaster.ca.

Art and Emotions

Winter term (Various start dates)

Mondays 1:30 - 3:30pm

For those interested in exploring how to utilize art to develop different strategies to cope with overwhelming emotions. No art experience is needed! For more information or to register, email Carla Glanville (MA) at glanvic@mcmaster.ca.

Emotion Regulation Skills

Winter term (Various start dates)

Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm

Participate in this 12-week coping skills group, where you will learn mindfulness and how to manage emotion dysregulation, distress, and interpersonal difficulties. For more information or to register, email Debra Earl (RN) at earld@mcmaster.ca.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Winter term (Various start dates)

Various times

Be Moved: Yoga & Mindfulness Skills for Mood Sessions offer mindfulness-based teachings and a variety of accessible yoga poses and breath techniques that can help to elevate mood and to improve energy. Each practice closes with a guided mindfulness meditation practice. All yoga mats and supplies are provided. Please wear clothing that allows you to…

Mindfulness Meditation

Winter term (Various start dates)

Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30am

Mindfulness meditation is about learning to pay attention to the present moment. The benefits of developing mindfulness include a reduction in stress and anxiety, improved concentration, and a clearer understanding of how one’s emotions, thoughts and behaviors affect one another and contribute to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. For more information or to register, email Igor…

Walk in Nature Sessions - Drop-in

Winter term (Various dates)

Wednesdays 12:30 - 1:30pm

Location: PGCLL 201

Connect with nature and leave your worries behind as you unwind on the trails with others in a positive, mutually supportive environment. Meet inside the Wellness Lounge (PGCLL 201). Open group - no registration required. We have a secure spot to leave your bags for the duration of the hike. Jan 8 - Apr 8…

Who am I? - Drop-in

Winter term (Various start dates)

Thursdays 1:30 - 3:30pm

Location: SWC Lounge - PGCLL 201

An art based drop in group for individuals who are interested in expanding their understanding of self. The focus of this group is to learn and embrace parts of your personality that are outside of your awareness or just beginning to emerge into your awareness. For more information, email Carla Glanville (MA) at glanvic@mcmaster.ca. Dates: Thursdays…

ADHD - Drop-in

Winter term (Various start dates)

Fridays 11:30am - 12:15pm

Location: PGCLL 206 (Meditation Room)

This group provides a space for students to develop a specialized skill set that is the key to minimizing the effects of ADHD on day to day performance. For more information, email Maryam Rahat (MA, RP) at rahatvam@mcmaster.ca.

Free Fruit Fridays - Drop-in

Fridays

Starting at 9am (while quantities last)

Location: SWC Lounge - PGCLL 201

Getting your 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day? Drop by for a piece of fruit. Fridays, January 10 - April 3 (except February 21)

Food for Thought - Cooking Classes

Winter term (Various start dates)

Various Times

Location: Alumni House, Kitchen or the McMaster Community and Teaching Garden

Cooking Class - 3 Week Series 3 week introductory group to explore and practice topics related to cooking skills, meal planning, nutrition, and food safety. Light meal included each week. All skill levels encouraged to join. Register for the January 15, 22, 29 - 3 week series For more information or to receive an email…

safeTALK

Various Dates

safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay…

StressLess - Drop In

Winter term (Various dates)

Mondays, 2:30 - 3:30pm, Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:00pm

Location: SWC Lounge - PGCLL 207/206

The StressLess session is designed to explore the similarity and differences between stress, anxiety, and fear, identify stressors, explore stress physiology, discuss existing stress management strategies, and introduce progressive muscle relaxation. Starting January 13 to April 30 (except for Jan 27, and for the week of Feb 17-21) Mondays: 2:30 - 3:30pm (Wellness Lounge -…

Break Free from Binge Eating

Winter term (Various start dates)

Mondays 9:30 - 11:30am

A six week group for Binge Eating or Bulimia. Participants will learn about the causes of disordered eating and find ways to make peace with food. Identify specific triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage food restriction and binge eating patterns. Screening interview required. For more information or to register, email Cheryl Laird (MACP, RP(Q)…

Connections Curriculum

Winter term (Various start dates)

9:30 - 11:00AM

A 12 session psychoeducational curriculum that helps participants develop and or build on their shame-resilience. Connections will enable participants to be more self-compassionate, emotionally aware, and interpersonally effective. For more information or to register, email Blair Wilson (MSW, RSSW, RSW) at wilsob13@mcmaster.ca.

Peace of Mind

Winter term (Various start dates)

Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30am

This 8 week group will help participants break free from generalized anxiety, worrying and over-thinking. This group will eclectically pull strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioural therapy and self-compassion therapy. Participants will be given the tools to work toward “peace of mind”. 8 week closed group beginning January 29. Must complete screening appointment.…

Grief Support Sharing Circle - Drop-in

Winter term (Various start dates)

Thursday 9:30-11:00pm (Monthly)

Location: Mills Library, Community Room L304

This drop-in style group is a collaboration between Student Wellness and Open Circle for students who are experiencing grief or loss. This group will provide a safe and confidential space for sharing experiences of grief while respecting each other’s questions, feelings, viewpoints, or spirituality as it relates to each person’s healing process. This group will…

Caring Communities Network

Fall term (Various dates)

Location: SWC Lounge - PGCLL 201

Incorporating wellness in an MSU Club looks like many things. It's being able to navigate resources, both on campus and in the community. It involves recognizing volunteers both in and out of meetings. It means sharing best practices and experiences. Being able to add a wellness lens to your club events and campaigns. By designating…

Indigenous Student - Drop-In

Winter term (Various start dates)

Fridays 1:30 - 2:30pm

Location: LRW 1811 (ISP/ISS space)

Come meet with Wellness counsellor, Brittany Vincze and Student Success Advisor, Jordan Carrier to gain support in navigating the various barriers of university. This is reserved for self identifying Indigenous students. No registration required. Questions or concerns can be directed to Brittany Vincze (MSW, RSW) at vinczeb@mcmaster.ca

Healthy Relationships

February 24 - March 23, 2020

Mondays 5:00 - 7:00pm

A 5-week psycho-educational group designed to explore the dynamics of intimate partner relationships. Topics that will be explored include: healthy relationship characteristics, warning signs of abuse and violence, healthy communication, setting healthy boundaries, and establishing safety. Registration is required. For more information or to register, email Simone Gomes at gomessf@mcmaster.ca.

Steps to Self-Care

Winter term (Various start dates)

Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm

Join us for a 5-week workshop exploring the biopsychosocial-spiritual model of self-care. This group will focus on maintaining self-care while introducing new practices and routines through SMART goals. For more information and to register, email Aklima Sarkar (MSW, RSW) at sarkaraa@mcmaster.ca.

Meditation Circle

Winter term (Various start dates)

Mondays 3:30 - 4:20pm (beginning January 13)

Location: Student Wellness Centre (PGCLL - Meditation Room 206)

Join Open Circle to learn about meditation and to support each other in becoming more mindful. Each session begins with a check-in about our experience of the past week, then a meditation practice is introduced and guided for 15-20 minutes of practice, followed by an opportunity to discuss any questions or insights. Each week we…

Mental Health First Aid

Winter 2020

January 22 & 23, 9:00am - 4:30pm

Location: LR Wilson

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a two day interactive course with a focus on adults with mental health problems. Practical skills are taught using a model that is easy to apply in real life settings. Previous experience dealing with mental health issues is not required. Please note: These workshops are open to only current…