Today@Dal

MINDFULNESS GROUP
Kathrine Lincoln, M.Sc. R.Psych

The Mindfulness Group is for students who would like to learn and practice being aware, present, attentive and focused.  Mindfulness practice involves paying attention on purpose with compassion, non-judgmentally, fostering kindness and compassion toward self and others. (Jon Kabat-Zinn, 2004)

Cultivating Mindfulness by learning how to pay attention to present experiences ?can directly improve the functioning of the body and brain, subjective mental life with its feelings thoughts, and interpersonal relationships?. (Siegal, 2007)

Drop In:
       Tuesdays                        9:00 - 9:45 am
       Wednesdays                      3:00 - 3:45 pm

For more information contact:
Dalhousie Counselling Centre, 4th Floor, SUB or e-mail: groupcps@dal.ca or phone: 494 2081

-----

Gaining Social Confidence
Joan Hanley, Ph.D.

The Gaining Social Confidence Group is for students who experience anxiety when interacting with others and would like to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.  Some of the topics covered are:  understanding symptoms of anxiety, managing anxiety and strategies for increasing confidence in social interactions.  Treatment approaches include:   cognitive-behavioural strategies and relaxation skills.

The group will meet weekly for 5 weeks on Wednesdays, from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, starting September 25th, 2013.

You can register at the Counselling Centre, 4th Floor, S.U.B., Dalhousie University or e-mail: groupcps@dal.ca

For further information telephone 494-2081 or visit our website at http://counselling services.dal.ca.


-----

MANAGING ANXIETY GROUP
Kathrine Lincoln, M.Sc. R.Psych.

The Managing Anxiety Group is for students who would like to understand and manage their anxiety.  Some of the topics to be covered are:understanding symptoms of anxiety, managing physical discomfort, panic, anxious/worrisome thoughts and associated behaviors.  Treatment approaches include: cognitive-behavioral strategies, relaxation training, and mindfulness.

A session is devoted to yoga for anxiety (Caelin Nadin, Yoga Instructor)
The group will meet weekly Thursdays from 10:30am - 12:00 noon, starting September 26th, 2013 until October 31, 2013

You can register at the Counselling Centre, 4th Floor, S.U.B., Dalhousie University or e-mail: groupcps@dal.ca

For further information, telephone 494-2081 or visit our website at http://counsellingservices.dal.ca

------

REDUCING ANXIETY & GAINING CONFIDENCE  with Dr. Joan Hanley

You may register for one or more of these sessions to learn more effective strategies for dealing with anxiety.

Monday, October 21st         10:30 - noon   UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
Monday, October 28th         10:30 - noon   REALISTIC THINKING
Monday, November 4th         10:30 - noon   PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Monday, November 18th        10:30 - noon   BUILDING CONFIDENCE

For further information you may contact or visit the Counselling Centre, 4th floor, S.U.B., Dalhousie University.  Telephone 494-2081, or visit our website http://counsellingservices.dal.ca
Email: groupcps@dal.ca

-----

MMI: An Introduction for Pre-Med Students

The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) protocol is an innovative selection procedure designed to assess the (non-cognitive) qualities and characteristics of applicants to professional programs. This interactive presentation is designed to explain the MMI process as well as to demonstrate strategies and exercises to help you build skills, reduce anxiety, examine your style, and increase your confidence.

-        Learn the difference between traditional (standard) interviews and the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

-        Explore what admission committees look for when they are interviewing applicants.

-        Find out how to prepare for those challenging questions, scenarios and situations.

-        Share strategies for improving your interview skills.


       Opportunities will be provided to demonstrate and improve your skills through role-playing and discussions. Additional helpful supports and resources will be provided.


Thursday,   19 September, 2013      6-7:30    303 SUB


Space is limited.      Register:   Jeanette.Hung@dal.ca

Jeanette Hung MEd (Counselling) CCC, RCT is the Career Counselling Services Coordinator, Counselling Services.  Jeanette has provided workshops to pre-med students, medical students, residents and fellows. She has also presented to staff and students at Journal Clubs and Grand Rounds.


---

Communication Skills for Pre-Med Students: Understanding Doctors


Date:        Thursdays:  Oct 3, 10, 24, 31   (a four-session program)
        (Note:  no workshop on October 17th)


Time:    6-7:30 pm

Location:        Room 302 Oct 3 and Room 307 Oct 10-31
Student Union Building

Physicians who are perceived as ?understanding? have typically mastered the art of communication by actively listening to their patients. Active listening enhances conversations and is an essential counselling skill.

These skills are valuable when working with patients and colleagues and will improve how you communicate in your personal relationships. They are also very helpful in preparation for the communication scenarios you will experience if the medical school you are applying to uses the multiple mini interview (MMI) protocol.

This four-evening experiential workshop is a highly practical and interactive opportunity to enhance your active listening skills by:

-         examining the skills of effective listeners;
-         reflecting on your communication style;
-         identifying common communication problems and barriers;
-         examining the role of non-verbal communication;
-         refining effective questioning skills;
-         increasing your ability to listen empathically; and
-         developing and practicing listening and responding skills.

You will be working both individually and in small groups on a variety of exercises, discussions and skill building role-plays. Practise and skill development is done in a safe and supportive environment.

Register:      Jeanette.Hung@dal.ca

Jeanette Hung MEd (Counselling) CCC, RCT is the Career Counselling Services Coordinator, Counselling Services.  Jeanette has provided workshops to pre-med students, medical students, residents and fellows. She has also presented to staff and students at Journal Clubs and Grand Rounds.


---

Pre-Med Interview Skills Clinic

Designed for Pre-Med students who are already knowledgeable about the Medical
School Admission Interview process, these interactive Clinics are interview
practise opportunities.

In small group role-plays and discussions you will:

-        Select, ask and respond to MMI scenarios and standard interview questions.
-        Examine and evaluate your answers while receiving peer feedback and support.
-        Develop your personal strategies for answering difficult questions.
-        Increase your empathy for interviewers through role-playing and discussions.
-        Increase your confidence as you reduce your stress and anxiety.
-        Connect to helpful supports and resources on campus.


All role-playing and practise opportunities are offered in a confidential and
supportive environment.


Dates:       Thursdays, 7, 14, 21  November, 2013     6-730   Room 307 SUB


Space is limited    Register:Jeanette.Hung@dal.ca

This Clinic, conducted by Jeanette Hung, Counselling Services, is a follow-up
to the workshops: MMI: An Introduction for Pre-Med Students and Communication Skills for Pre-Med Students:Understanding Doctors.

--

 EATING DISORDERS  DROP-IN GROUP

The Eating Disorders Group is an on-going group which continues until the end of the academic year.  The Group is for students who are experiencing difficulties with eating in the form of severe restrictions or anorexia nervosa, binging with or without purging or bulimia, and compulsive overeating.  The focus of the group is to provide a safe setting, support self-defined change, and resolve underlying feelings.

Tuesdays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm - starting September 24th, 2013

For further information you may contact or visit the Counselling Centre, 4th floor, S.U.B., Dalhousie University.
Telephone 494-2081, or visit our website http://counsellingservices.dal.ca

Email: groupcps@dal.ca