Student Workshops
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing issues each semester. Mental Health First Aid and other training programs are also available for both students and staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Changes to the student workshop program
To prioritise the health and wellbeing of our students and staff, we are modifying the delivery of some workshops to webinars and will progressively be offering more throughout the semester. Please check the details of the individual workshops below for the latest updates. If you have questions about registrations or have technical issues, please ring CAPS Reception at 03 8344 6927 or email caps-workshops@unimelb.edu.au.
On this page:
COVID-19: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing webinar series
Tuesday workshops
International student programs
Mindfulness programs
Social anxiety webinar
Special interest workshops
Mental Health First Aid training
2020 Semester 1 Student Workshop Program
Download a copy of the 2020 Sem 1 Student Workshop Program (PDF 207.1 KB)
COVID-19: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing
A new interactive webinar series facilitated by CAPS counsellors for UniMelb students to boost your resilience and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are welcome to attend all sessions in the series to learn different skills, or just attend one or two. You will need to register for each webinar individually using the registration link.
| Date/Time | Webinar | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 5 May 3-4 PM | COVID-19: Building resilience and wellbeing | This feature webinar on University Mental Health Day will help you understand why we respond the way we do in uncertain and challenging times. In discussions guided by CAPS counsellors, discover a range of healthy and adaptive ways we can stay psychologically healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Webinar completed |
| Tuesday 12 May 1-2 PM | Corona and chill: managing stress and how to relax | Understand how our bodies and minds respond to stress, and how knowing this information can help you build relaxation skills. You will be guided through a range of evidence-based relaxation strategies. | Webinar completed |
| Thursday 14 May 1-2 PM | Staying connected during COVID-19: Managing isolation and loneliness | Being physically distant doesn't mean we have to be socially disconnected. This webinar will explore creative ways to stay connected in our relationships. | Webinar completed |
| Tuesday 19 May 1-2 PM | Stuck at home? How to get along with others | Understand what healthy relationships look like while we’re in home quarantine. We’ll discuss the importance of boundaries, how to set them, and helpful negotiation and effective communication skills to resolve conflicts. | Webinar recording (available till 2/6/2020) |
| Thursday 21 May 1-2 PM | Level up your thinking | Identify common unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and other difficult feelings during this time. Learn and practise how to reframe and balance your thoughts. | Webinar recording (available till 4/6/2020) |
| Tuesday 26 May 1-2 PM | How to be kind to yourself during COVID-19 | Understand what self-compassion is (and is not!), and how this approach can enhance motivation and resilience. Learn practical ways you can show yourself a little kindness when you need it most. | Register here |
| Thursday 28 May 1-2 PM | Let it go: unhooking from unhelpful thoughts and worry | In difficult times, we can easily get caught up in worries or persistent negative thoughts, but this is often not useful. Learn and practise ways to unhook from unhelpful thoughts so they have less power over your life. | Register here |
| Tuesday 2 June 1-2PM | Being effective during a tough time | Learn creative ways to get things done! We’ll cover a range of tools and strategies to help you plan and carry out effective actions and build your motivation. We’ll also consider what productivity means during a pandemic. | Register here |
Tuesday workshops
Learn strategies to enhance your learning, wellbeing, and relationships.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimising focus and attention | Train your attention, build concentration, remain calm and focused under pressure | Tuesday 31 March 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Overcoming procrastination | Explore ways to stay on track and get things done | Tuesday 21 April 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Resilience and wellbeing | Build resilience, manage stress, and live a happier, more meaningful life | Tuesday 28 April 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
International student programs
Reflect on your experience as an international student and extend your social network. Gain support from counsellors and other international students in learning ways to adjust to a new environment, build meaningful relationships, and maintain positive wellbeing.
| Webinar | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigating challenges as an international student during COVID-19 | International student life is an enriching and unique experience. During these unusual times, there can be added complexities that may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Join this webinar to connect with people with similar experiences, get support from each other, and learn ways to better cope with stress and take care of yourself. | Thursday 7 May 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Managing loneliness (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | Lockdown means that many students are physically distancing, but we should remind ourselves that we are not socially disconnecting. This webinar will explore how to deal with loneliness and suggest ways to bridge the gaps. | Wednesday 13 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Webinar completed |
| Building structure in your stay-home routine (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | Some students may be struggling with building structure in their stay-home routine and find themselves procrastinating. Join this webinar to learn how to forgive yourself when you do, and how to start anew the next day. | Wednesday 20 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Register here |
| Dealing with anxiety (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | With end-of-semester exams fast approaching, it's common to experience exam stress and anxiety. Under the unique circumstances we're in, some of the usual coping mechanisms or studying hacks may not be available. In this webinar, share ways students can deal with stress and anxiety while physically distancing. | Wednesday 27 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Register here |
| CAPS and GSA Graduate International Student Program | Connect, share, and learn about wellbeing as a graduate international student in this 6-session program. More information coming soon. | To be advised | To be advised |
Mindfulness programs
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Regular practice can help us better manage stress and anxiety, improve our focus, engage more fully in life, and take effective action.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midday mindful moments (Uni Mental Health Day) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. On University Mental Health Day (and beyond!), give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Launching on University Mental Health Day - Tuesday 5 May, 12PM - 12.30PM Every Wednesday and Friday thereafter, 12PM - 12.30PM | Webinar completed |
| Midday mindful moments (Wednesdays) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. Give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Every Wednesday till 5 June 12PM - 12.30PM | Register here |
| Midday mindful moments (Fridays) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. Give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Every Friday till 5 June 12PM - 12.30PM | Register here |
| Mindfulness for stress management for graduate researchers | This program aims to provide a supportive learning environment for graduate researchers to develop a regular mindfulness practice to better manage stress. This requires a commitment to attend 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions and 20 minutes of practice per day. | Every Thursday (28 May - 2 July) 2.30PM - 3.30 PM | Registrations full |
| Mindfulness for stress management for graduate researchers | This program aims to provide a supportive learning environment for graduate researchers to develop a regular mindfulness practice to better manage stress. This requires a commitment to attend 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions and 20 minutes of practice per day. | Every Tuesday (16 June - 21 July) 12.30PM - 1.30PM | Expressions of interest open |
Webinars
| Webinar | Date/time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Social anxiety program This three-week online program will help you understand social anxiety and offer strategies to overcome it. | Friday 24 April, Friday 1 May, Friday 8 May 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
Special interest workshops
| Workshop | Date/time | Details | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studying on the spectrum How to survive and thrive at uni with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). |
Tuesday 7 April 1-2PM | Webinar delivery | Webinar completed |
| Coming out of your cultural zone Struggling with sexuality or questioning gender identity from a different cultural perspective? Join a safe space for discussion, ideas, and support. | To be advised | To be advised | Register an expression of interest |
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
Learn to recognise and assist someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.