Student Counselling
Student Groups & Workshops
If you are interested in joining one of the groups or workshops listed below, please speak to your counsellor or contact reception@counselling.cam.ac.uk
We do not usually arrange for individual and group counselling to be undertaken at the same time. We also limit students to one group or course at a time. But you are welcome to book places on our one-off workshops alongside your other counselling commitments.
Unless otherwise stated all our groups and workshops are open to undergrads and postgrads.
For general information about groups at the Counselling Service, please click here.
Date of information: 5th March 2012
Workshops
These workshops are generally one-off events and do not require any ongoing commitment. Book in advance by phoning (3)32865 or emailing reception@counselling.cam.ac.uk
Can't work?
Tuesdays 3.30 - 5.00pm, one-off workshop every Tuesday of Full Term
For immediate problems of work block, procrastination, lack of motivation etc. Undergrads or postgrads. 6 places available each session.
Relaxation
Monday May 21, 4.00 - 5.30pm
Would you like to be able to 'switch off' and relax? This one-off session will give some tips and techniques and a chance to try them out.
Overcoming Sleep Problems - a CBT approach
Thursdays May 17 and 31, 5.00 - 6.30pm
This two part workshop is aimed at those experiencing a range of different problems with sleep, but especially those who feel they are not getting enough sleep or that their sleep is very disrupted. It will increase your understanding of the process of sleep and help you consider strategies and ideas about how you might work towards being happier with your sleep. The workshop is in two parts to give participants an opportunity to practice skills in between.
Introduction to Mindfulness - a CBT approach
Thursday May 24, 5.00 - 6.30pm
Do you find yourself getting lost in your thoughts and dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? Are you prone to ruminative thinking patterns? This workshop will help you to try a different approach through a series of practical exercises to increase your awareness and focus on the present moment.
Exam Preparation Group
Mondays April 30 and May 7, 4.00 - 5.30pm
Two workshops on 'exam technique' focusing on planning and preparation, revision and memory, and handling exams themselves. The sessions will also include some simple relaxation exercises. The sessions are not subject specific.
Short courses & focused groups
These groups have a clear focus and are for people who want some help with a particular issue. They typically last between 4 to 8 weeks. The groups tend to be fairly practical in nature, with time for discussing personal experiences, understanding current ways of coping and finding some strategies for handling things differently.
To join any of these groups you need to ask at Reception or speak to your counsellor about arranging a pre-group exploratory meeting with the group counsellor. For under-grads or post-grads unless otherwise stated.
Learning to be more Assertive
Wednesdays 2.00 - 3.30pm, starting May 2, 4 sessions
Do you find it difficult to express needs and feelings? A series of four workshops for those wishing to explore how to express their preferences in ways which respect our rights and those of others.
Healthy Self-esteem - a CBT approach
Thursdays 3.00 - 4.30pm starting May 10, 5 sessions, postgraduates only
Is your opinion of yourself generally negative? Do you tend to be self critical or self blaming? This group will help you learn cognitive behavioural strategies to encourage a more compassionate view of yourself. To benefit from the group you will need to commit to work on self esteem issues between group sessions.
Managing Emotions - a CBT approach
Wednesdays 3.30 - 5.00pm starting starting May 9, 7 sessions, postgraduates only
Do you have difficulty tolerating distress and regulating your emotions? Do you feel you are overly emotionally sensitive, or seem to take a long time to recover after an 'emotional spike'? This group will increase your understanding of your emotions, improve your emotional resilience and help you manage urges to use unhealthy coping methods.
Overcoming Worry - a CBT approach
Thursdays 1.00 - 2.30pm starting May 10, 5 sessions, postgraduates only
This is a group for people who find themselves locked into worrying every day about numerous things. It is for worry that is hard to stop and that prevents people enjoying their life or leads to procrastination. The group will increase your understanding of what worry is, what keeps it going and how to reduce the time spent in unproductive worry.
Surviving the Loss of a Parent
Thursdays 5.30 - 7.00pm, 8 sessions, starting as soon as the group is full
This group offers a safe place to acknowledge and support people’s unique experiences of this bereavement. The focus will be on gaining a greater understanding of the processes of grief and mourning, alongside sensitive and supportive sharing of personal experiences.
To join any of these groups, ask at Reception or speak to your counsellor about arranging a pre-group exploratory session with the group counsellor. Commitment to regular attendance is vital to allow trust to build up within the group.
Longer-term ‘ongoing’ groups offer an opportunity to address a range of ‘life issues’ such as relationships, identity, direction, difficulties in academic life, or to gain support over the longer term with problems which are not going to be resolved quickly. They can be a ‘time out’ from university life, which might feel either pressurised or isolated. The supportive and nurturing environment of a group provides an opportunity to see yourself through the eyes of others and to bring your own understanding into the group to help others.
Undergraduate groups tend to last for up to 3 terms. Their aim is to help you get the most out of Cambridge. They may help you address for example the difficulties of engaging with greater independence and handling the pressures of university life.
Postgraduate groups carry on through the vacations as well as terms. They offer, among other things, support through the sometimes solitary experience of independent study and research. Group members need to be prepared to commit for at least one term, but most members stay for more than a year. Group membership adjusts when a member leaves and is replaced by another.
Undergraduate Group 1
Wednesdays 2.00 - 3.30pm, ongoing
Undergraduate Group 2
Fridays 1.15 - 2.45pm, ongoing
Undergraduate Group 3
Tuesdays 5.00 - 6.30pm, ongoing
MPhil / PGCE Group
Tuesdays 5.30 - 7.00pm, ongoing
Postgraduate Group 1
Thursdays 5.30 - 7.00pm ongoing
Postgraduate Group 2
Tuesdays 3.00 - 4.30pm, ongoing
Postgraduate Group 3
Mondays 11.00 - 12.30, ongoing
Postgraduate Group 4
Thursdays 1.30 - 3.00, starting date tbc
If you have any further questions about our groups - or suggestions for other groups we might offer - please contact us or mention these to your counsellor.