Today@Dal

--

OVERCOMING  PROCRASTINATION   PROGRAM

  Counselling Services is offering a 4 session group program on how to overcome academic  procrastination.

It will take place on Tuesdays, 3 to 4:30 pm, October 22 nd to November 12th.

Pre-registration is required.    For more information, phone 494-2081, e-mail: groupcps@dal.ca or come in person to Counselling Services, 4th floor, S.U.B,

---

Sleep and Relaxation Workshop

This workshop includes tips on how to fall asleep and feel more refreshed during the day. Participants will also learn relaxation techniques including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.

Thursday October 10, 2013, 1:30-3pm

You can register in person at the Counselling Centre, 4th Floor, S.U. B., Dalhousie University, by calling 494 2081 or by e-mail: groupcps@dal.ca

For further information visit our website at http://counselling services.dal.ca

---

SPEAK EASY PROGRAM

The SPEAK EASY Program is for you if:

-        Anxiety makes it difficult for you to give class presentations or participate in group discussions.

-        You would like to talk to groups calmly and confidently.

Public speaking anxiety is typically associated with worried thinking and physical tension or other physical sensations (e.g. sweaty palms, dry throat, blushing etc.).  Strategies and skills on how to moderate worried thinking and physical tension will be provided.  Another goal of the Speak Easy Program is to provide opportunity to practice these skills and strategies.
The program consists of five small group sessions, one and a half hours each.  The following topics are addressed in the sessions:  understanding anxiety, identifying worry thoughts, constructing replies to bothersome thoughts, progressive muscle relaxation, and brief applied relaxation.  Practical suggestions or tips on public speaking are integrated with the practice sessions.

The SPEAK EASY Program is not recommended for students who already feel comfortable speaking to groups, but who would like to polish their skills.

This group will meet weekly for 5 sessions on Wednesdays, from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, beginning October 16th, 2013 (with further sessions on Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13).

For more information or to register in person visit the Counselling Centre, 4th floor, Student Union Building, or call 494-2081, or email:groupcps@dal.ca.

---

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

---

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

---

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

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