Groups and workshops
In addition to our 1:1 support services, our experienced practitioners also facilitate a range of recurring groups and one-off workshops.
Whether you want to talk things through, try out new strategies or simply feel reassured that you're not alone with a particular challenge, our confidential groups and workshops offer different ways to gain support and learn together with other students.
Groups can be just as effective as individual counselling for many people. They also provide a weekly rhythm that students often find helpful.
Each group provides a confidential and encouraging space for 8–12 members, guided by experienced facilitators. You’ll meet weekly with fellow students who share similar experiences, giving you the chance to share, listen and gain support.
Workshops focus on building and strengthening skills to support you during your studies, life at Cambridge, and beyond.
Each workshop is a 90 minute interactive, one-off session exploring a specific topic, facilitated by experienced practitioners.
As long as there’s space, you can join as many workshops as you like in one term. You only need one registration form for multiple workshops.
If this is your first time registering for a group, find out more about how they work before signing up.
What's coming up in Michaelmas Term 2026
To learn more about the groups and workshops running this term and to register, click on the headings below. Most groups and workshops are open to all students, but some are only for specific student groups—so make sure to read the details carefully.
Groups
Starts: Thursday 22 October and runs weekly for six weeks
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Student Support Centre
Aims
By the end of this group, you will have had the opportunity to:
- Explore and practise new skills to manage distress
- Share helpful tips and experiences with other students
The sessions will be delivered by a member of the Mental Health Advice Service and two members of the University Counselling Service.
Next steps
Once you've registered, a group facilitator will contact you to arrange a 1:1 pre-group appointment. We'll confirm the location after your registration is complete.
Starts: Wednesday 28 October and runs weekly for six weeks
Time:14:30 - 16:00
Location: Student Support Centre
Aims
By the end of this group, you will have had the opportunity to:
- Connect with others who have had similar experiences in a supportive space.
- Build a clearer understanding of the impacts of sexual and/or domestic abuse.
- Develop positive coping skills to help you manage these impacts.
- Feel more empowered as an individual and as a survivor.
The sessions will be co-facilitated by one member of the Harassment and Violence Support Service and one member of the University Counselling Service.
What previous group members have said
“Before this group I felt so alone in my experiences, but this group helped alleviate my feelings of shame, and provided me with a lovely community”.
“Powerful, validating, and inspiring. I never felt as secure in myself and my own experiences as I did in this group.”
Next steps
Once you've registered, a group facilitator will contact you to arrange a 1:1 pre-group appointment. We'll confirm the location after your registration is complete.
Day: Tuesday 27 October
Continues: Weekly
Time: 15:15 - 16:45
Location: Student Support Centre
Aims
By the end of this group, you will have had the opportunity to:
- Experience mutual support
- Explore life issues
- Gain personal insights from being part of the group
The sessions will be facilitated by members from the University Counselling Service.
What previous group members have said
“You are not alone. There is a group supporting each other. People will listen and share.”
“A space where you can truly be yourself and always feel welcome, regardless of why you joined or who you are.”
“It surprised me how much group counselling was beneficial for me, and how much I’ve learned from others. It was intimidating at first, but I am happy that I reached out and took the steps to look for support at the university.”
Next steps
Once you've registered, a group facilitator will contact you to arrange a 1:1 pre-group appointment. We'll confirm the location after your registration is complete.
Workshops
Duration: 2 weeks (2 November and 23 November)
Time: 14:30 - 16:00
Location: Student Services Centre
Aims
By the end of this workshop, you will have had the opportunity to:
- follow guided creative activities to help explore your thoughts & feelings
- connect with others
This workshop will be delivered by members of the University Counselling Service.
Next steps
Once you've registered you'll get a text message to confirm your place on the workshop(s).
Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Location: Student Support Centre
Aims
By the end of this workshop, you will have had the opportunity to:
- Develop a clearer understanding of imposterism and how it impacts wellbeing
- Understand what imposterism is and what it is not
- Learn practical skills to challenge imposterism
- Connect with others who have had similar experiences.
This workshop will be delivered by members of the University Counselling Service.
Next steps
Once you've registered you'll get a text message to confirm your place on the workshop(s).
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Online
Aims
By the end of this workshop, you will have had the opportunity to:
- To learn about grounding and how it can help bring your attention back to the present moment.
- To learn practical grounding techniques that can be used when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, dissociated or emotionally active.
- To experience, through guided exercises, self- soothing techniques to help you feel more present and calm using the 5 senses
This workshop will be delivered by members of the University Counselling Service.
Next steps
Once you've registered you'll get a text message to confirm your place on the workshop(s).
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Location: Student Support Centre
Aims:
By the end of this workshop you will have had the opportunity to:
- Explore how journaling can provide fresh perspectives on yourself, your relationships and your work.
- Learn a simple, practical skill that takes just six minutes a day.
This workshop will be delivered by members of the University Counselling Service.
Next steps
Once you've registered you'll get a text message to confirm your place on the workshop(s).
Aims:
By the end of this workshop you will have had the opportunity to:
- Explore practical approaches to maintaining wellbeing and resilience during postgraduate study.
- Discuss common challenges associated with research degrees and managing competing demands.
- Share and normalise experiences of the ups and downs of postgraduate research.
- Learn about the wellbeing, mental health and disability support available through the University.
This workshop will be delivered by a member of the Student Wellbeing Service.
Next steps
For information on dates times and to register, visit the University Training Booking System
Guidelines to support your experience of a group
Group-work gives you the chance to both give and receive support with up to 12 other students. To get the most out of your experience and help the group create a safe and supportive space, you’re generally expected to attend every session. Attending both individual counselling and a group at the same time is generally not recommended.
After we receive your application form, you’ll be invited to discuss your personal circumstances in a 1:1 pre-group meeting. This meeting helps ensure that the group can meet your needs and gives you the opportunity to:
- meet the group facilitator
- discuss your personal goals
- explore the type of support that would be most helpful for you
- review any current mental health support you're accessing
- identify any potential conflicts of interest or pre-existing relationships with other group members
- talk through any time commitments you have
- ask any questions you may have
You can also speak to the facilitator during the course of the sessions if your circumstances change.