What is a group?
- In-person groups offer a space for between 8-12 members.
- Each group is facilitated by experienced practitioners.
- Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes.
- Sessions are held at the Student Services Centre.
Some groups focus on discussion, with the content of each session evolving from what you and the other members bring each week.
Others take a more experiential approach, where you'll explore your thoughts and gain insight through hands-on activities and practical exercises.
Every group is founded on the principles of trust, respect, and confidentiality.
Why join a group?
Group work is as effective as individual counselling for many reasons.
Benefits include:
- Recognising that you're not alone.
- Receiving and offering support to others in a safe and consistent environment.
- A supportive space to openly share your perspectives and experiences.
- Developing self-awareness/compassion and exploring how you relate to others.
Sign up for a group
Most groups are open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can attend one per term.
It's important to attend every session, so please check your schedule before you complete a registration form.
You can search and register for a group running this term below.
What happens after you’ve submitted a form
A group facilitator will contact you to arrange a 1:1 pre-group appointment.
These appointments last around 30 minutes and give you the opportunity to learn more about the group. The facilitator will also talk to you about your needs and any mental health support you’re currently accessing.
It’s not always suitable to attend both individual counselling and a therapeutic group at the same time. Together, you’ll decide whether the group is the right one for you.
Groups for Easter Term 2025
This group is for Black, Asian, and Minoritised Ethnic (BAME) students. It offers culturally-grounded activities and peer support. This is a place to share experiences and build cultural pride. You will learn tools to succeed in university life.
- Starts on: Monday 12 May
- Time: 3:00pm to 4:30pm
- Location: Student Services Centre
- Runs for 6 weeks
The group seeks to offer psychological support and a sense of community. It is for students facing economic, social, cultural, or educational challenges. Share personal stories and gain insights in a supportive space. This group is open to all students who feel minoritised.
- Starts on: Wednesday 21 May
- Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
- Location: Student Services Centre
- Runs for 4 weeks
A safe space to express your feelings and share your experience of bereavement if you've lost someone close to you.
We do not recommend the group for students whose bereavement is less than three months ago as the group is not suitable for students who are in the early stages of their grief. In those cases, we recommend to request support via individual counselling first.
A support group for students who have experienced sexual harassment, violence and/or intimate partner abuse at any time of their lives. A mix of group discussions and activities, exploring themes of connection, identity, self-compassion and empowerment.
What previous group members have said about the group:
“For the first time I didn't feel alone, and I promise you aren’t either.”
“Powerful, validating, and inspiring. I never felt as secure in myself and my own experiences as I did in this group.”
- Starts on: Wednesday 14 May
- Time: 1:30pm to 3:00pm
- Location: Student Services Centre
- Runs weekly for 6 weeks
We offer two separate therapeutic groups for postgraduates to explore life issues, experience mutual support, and gain personal insights from being part of the group.
- Group 1 runs on: Thursdays
- Time Group 1: 3.15pm to 4.45pm
- Group 2 starts on: Fridays
- Time Group 2: midday to 1:30pm
- Location: Student Services Centre
- You must attend a minimum of 6 sessions.
- Both groups run weekly on a rolling basis and can be joined at specific points in the year. We will explain this to you in a pre-group appointment.
This group offers a supportive space for students with caring responsibilities. You can connect, share experiences and challenges. There will be space to explore self-care, exchange tips and strategies. You will learn grounding and soothing techniques. Create a moment of calm and self-reflection in your busy week.
A student carer is anyone with unpaid caring responsibilities (other than parental responsibilities). This could mean caring for someone with an illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction. It could be a family member, partner, close friend or member of your community.
- Starts on: Thursday 15 May
- Time: 3:00pm to 4.30pm
- Location: Student Services Centre
- Runs weekly over 5 weeks