Upcoming Workshops

Knowing Your Limits: Prioritizing Safe Consumption

Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Access Zoom Meeting | Password not required
Description: Join mental health nurse Julie to learn about drug use and misuse, addiction, withdrawal, and what to do if you need help. When it comes to using drugs, your choice should be an informed one.

What is Anxiety? The Connection to Mind and Body

Jan. 18 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our I Can't Find My Keys anxiety modules.

Using the Student Wellness Centre, Remotely 

Jan. 19 | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Access Zoom Meeting | Password not required
Description: Even though classes are being remotely, you can still access the services of the Student Wellness Centre. In this session, we will explain how to access all of our services, programs, and workshops while you study remotely. 

Self-Care and Resilience

Jan. 21 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Email wellness@wlu.ca by 1 p.m. for link | Password not required
Description: Do you find that you “crash” or “shut down” when you feel overwhelmed? This workshop will provide you with strategies to manage stress and improve your self-care habits. You will also learn relaxation techniques and strategies to improve your sleep. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Stress Management and Avoidance

Jan. 21 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Good stress? Yes, there is such a thing. Stress can sometimes be helpful, but it is important to recognize when it is taking a toll. In this session, the facilitator will explain how stress impacts your life including what it looks like, what it feels like, and how to recognize it in your own behavior. We will also discuss some key strategies to manage your own stress during COVID-19 and beyond. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Learn to Manage Anxiety Through Mindfulness and Creative Expression

Jan. 25 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our I Can't Find My Keys anxiety modules.

Consent and Healthy Relationships

Jan. 26 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Healthy relationships are essential for well-being. In this workshops we will talk about respectful relationships, how to maintain one's wellness within them, and coping if they end. It will address the development of positive conversations about consent and the importance of personal boundaries. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Words Hurt and Their Invisible Scars

Jan. 27 | 10 a.m. – noon
Register in Advance | Password not required
Description: Let’s be honest, words hurt. They can break your spirit, cripple your confidence, and even make you physically ill. The damage left behind by verbal and emotional abuse can be equal to that of physical abuse. Have you heard the comments that someone is “too sensitive,” or is “blowing everything out of proportion,” or even “trying to start a fight?” These can be some of the warning signs that verbal abuse is present. Join counsellor Stephanie to learn how to recognize verbal abuse, the signs, and consequences of it in a relationship and the need for change.

Managing Emotions

Jan. 28 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Negative emotions are a biological human reaction, but sometimes they can feel scary or unbearable. In this workshop, you will learn about the purpose of emotions, as well as emotion regulation with the use of distress tolerance skills and opposite action. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Anxiety and Exposure

Feb. 1 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our I Can't Find My Keys anxiety modules.

Coping with Difficulty

Feb. 2 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Everyone experiences times when challenges build up and overwhelm.  This workshop offers simple but effective strategies to help you develop distress tolerance skills to help you cope during difficult times. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Feb. 4 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Ever wanted to try mindfulness and/or meditation, but unsure where to start? Or, perhaps you have experience but would like to gain additional skills? This workshop is open to all levels! This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Examining Patterns of Thinking and Feeling

Feb. 8 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our I Can't Find My Keys anxiety modules.

Pawsitive Puppy Hour

Feb. 11 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Access Zoom Meeting | Password not required
Description: Join our counsellor Stephanie and her puppy Leonard the French Bulldog to discuss ways to practice self-care with our furry friends. Learn how to interact with your pet to self-soothe, promote relaxation, and ease stress before exams.

Get Up and Go

Feb. 11 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Are you struggling to get out of bed? Do you struggle with procrastination? In this workshop, you will discover strategies to improve motivation and overcome unhealthy habits. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Self-Care for Anxiety

Feb. 22 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our I Can't Find My Keys anxiety modules.

Step by Step: Conquer your Presentation and Speaking Inhibitions

Feb. 23 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Start taking steps to overcome the fear of public speaking: one of the most common fears shared by the majority of the population!  Through valuable insights and practical strategies this workshop provides guidance to help you break down and overcome the barriers to speaking more comfortably and confidently. These skills can be applied to learning and social environments both in person and virtually. 

 Manage Exam and Performance Anxiety

Feb. 25 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Quizzes, midterms, finals, oh my! In this workshop, you will discover strategies to overcome exam and performance anxiety and find tips on moving forward from mistakes. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Grounding and Mindfulness for Graduate Students

Feb. 26 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Learn strategies to increase your self-awareness and focus on the present moment.  This workshop teaches skills that are great for daily practice and to help you cope when feeling stressed. This workshop is open to Masters and PhD students.

Thrive Week Programming

Mar. 1 to 5 | View full schedule
Description: Thrive is a week-long series of events based on building positive mental health. Check out the full schedule for all the free events, workshops, and giveaways.

Anxiety and Depression 101

Mar. 1 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Turning the Light Back On (formerly known as Coping with Grief)

Mar. 2 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Join workshop | Password not required
Description: Grief not only has the potential to leave us feeling sad and overwhelmed, but it can have lasting effects on our memory, concentration, and cognition. Coping with loss requires us to gain an understanding of the stages of grief so that we can implement the appropriate strategies to help us deal with these unresolved emotions.  The grief workshop will help you recognize where you are in your personal recovery, while introducing you with the necessary tools for your healing journey. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet

Mar. 2 | 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Register in advance | Password not required
Description: A healthy mind and body is fueled by a nutritious diet. Join us to learn about how the foods we eat impact our physical health, as well as our mood, cognition, and mental well-being. Whether you're already vegetarian, or you're a meat-eater who is just curious about the benefits of plant-based eating, you are welcome to register for this workshop. Emily and Sarina will offer a practical guide to incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet without buying expensive ingredients or fancy equipment. Participants can enter to win a $100 prize pack to get you started on your plant-based journey. After the presentation, all participants will receive a free PDF guide with recipes, facts, and tips to support you in making healthy, plant-based choices. This workshop is part of Thrive Week programming.

Anxiety and Depression 101 (repeat)

Mar. 3 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Self-Care and Resilience

Mar. 4 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Do you find that you “crash” or “shut down” when you feel overwhelmed? This workshop will provide you with strategies to manage stress and improve your self-care habits. You will also learn relaxation techniques and strategies to improve your sleep. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Exploring Anxiety and Depression through Mindfulness and Creative Expression

Mar. 8 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression. 

Stress Slayers

Mar. 9 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Good stress? Yes, there is such a thing. Stress can sometimes be helpful, but it is important to recognize when it is taking a toll. In this session, the facilitator will explain how stress impacts your life including what it looks like, what it feels like, and how to recognize it in your own behavior. We will also discuss some key strategies to manage your own stress during COVID-19 and beyond. 

Roommate Communication and Conflict Resolution

Mar. 9 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join workshop | Password not required
Description: We will address the common disputes and communication issues that can arise between roommates, especially when access to other social contact and activities outside the house are severely limited.  This workshops will pay particular attention to the fact that at this unusual time, our roommates may be our parents, siblings, or other immediate family members whom we did not expect to be living with under such stressful circumstances. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Exploring Anxiety and Depression through Mindfulness and Creative Expression (repeat)

Mar. 10 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression. 

Managing Emotions

Mar. 11 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Negative emotions are a biological human reaction, but sometimes they can feel scary or unbearable. In this workshop, you will learn about the purpose of emotions, as well as emotion regulation with the use of distress tolerance skills and opposite action. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Taking Back Control (Cycles, Exposure and Behaviour Activation)

Mar. 15 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Digital Fatigue

Mar. 16 | 9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Join workshop | Password not required
Description: The pandemic has urged us to shift to a virtual world, and even though we have encountered many challenges, it has opened the door to new opportunities.  Working online offers a new and meaningful way to stay connected; however, it requires us to take extra precautions to ensure we stay well and avoid digital fatigue.  This workshop will review the importance of incorporating self-care into our daily routine to reduce the risk of burnout.  It will offer best-practice strategies as we continue working with online platforms. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Taking Back Control (Cycles, Exposure and Behaviour Activation) (repeat)

Mar. 17 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mar. 18 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Ever wanted to try mindfulness and/or meditation, but unsure where to start? Or, perhaps you have experience but would like to gain additional skills? This workshop is open to all levels! This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Examining Patterns of Thinking and Feeling

Mar. 22 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Self-Compassion

Mar. 23 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join workshop | Password not required
Description: Do you find it difficult to turn off the critical voice inside your head? In this workshop you will learn how to practice self-compassion to improve your mood, increase your resiliency and motivation, and feel more comfortable with yourself overall. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Examining Patterns of Thinking and Feeling (repeat)

Mar. 24 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Get Up and Go

Mar. 25 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: Are you struggling to get out of bed? Do you struggle with procrastination? In this workshop, you will discover strategies to improve motivation and overcome unhealthy habits. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Self-Compassion for Graduate Students

Mar. 26 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Join Workshop | Password not required
Description: Do you find it difficult to turn off the critical voice inside your head? In this workshop you will learn how to practice self-compassion to improve your mood, increase your resiliency and motivation, and feel more comfortable with yourself overall. This workshop is open to Masters and PhD students.

Self-Care for Anxiety and Depression

Mar. 29 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Grounding and Mindfulness

Mar. 30 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join workshop | Password not required
Description: Learn strategies to increase your self-awareness and focus on the present moment.  This workshop teaches skills that are great for daily practice and to help you cope when feeling stressed. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Self-Care for Anxiety and Depression (repeat)

Mar. 31 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting | Password not required
Description: This session is counsellor-led and is part of our anxiety and depression modules helping you learn to go with the flow of anxiety and depression.

Manage Exam and Performance Anxiety

Apr. 1 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Link Coming Soon | Password not required
Description: Quizzes, midterms, finals, oh my! In this workshop, you will discover strategies to overcome exam and performance anxiety and find tips on moving forward from mistakes. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Hawk’s Guide to Thriving series.

Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating

Apr. 6 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Link coming soon | Password not required
Description: This workshop you will learn how to cultivate your awareness with mindfulness techniques to learn intuitive eating. This workshop is counsellor-led and is part of our Ride the Wave series.

Planning for Wellness

Apr. 6 | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Register in advance | Password not required
Description: It's safe to say this term has been a challenge and it often feels like we are just reacting to what happens around us. While it can be hard to try and plan ahead, there are simple ways we can get better at it. In this session, Nathan will talk about how to be intentional with strategies we are using and choose simple activities now that will help us stay well later. We will talk about achieving goals through micro-steps, discuss choosing self-care activities wisely, and practice building a simple routine to stay well and stick to it.