Counselling Workshops
The Counselling Service offers a suite of workshops throughout the academic year. These workshops include weekly workshops, workshop series, and one off workshops.
Our Workshop listing for the academic year 2022-2023 is below grouped by category. You can download a list of workshops by month if you prefer
Counselling Workshops Sept and Oct
Our online brochure is available here;
All Counselling Service workshops are free of charge so we hope to see you there.
KORU SERIES
Open your mind. Manage your stress. Learn mindfulness & meditation. Join our 4 week Mindfulness Program running via Teams.
The course is designed to teach mindfulness in a way that is accessible and relevant to Maynooth students' lives, based on the Centre for Koru Mindfulness program. To find out more visit https://korumindfulness.org/
You can also learn more about the complete Koru Basic curriculum, by checking out the book The Mindful Twenty-Something which we read as part of the 4 week course. You can access this book from the MU library where there are hard copies available.
Koru Retreat is a half-day silent retreat for Maynooth University Students. Hit the pause button, take some time to rest, restore and nurture yourself through meditation and mindfulness practices at the Koru Retreat. This retreat is designed to be a useful experience for students who have already taken one or more Koru classes as well as students who are brand new to mindfulness.
Places limited to max 12 students
KORU - SEMESTER ONE
GROUP 1:
Monday October 17th & 24th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Monday November 7th & 14th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
GROUP 2:
Wednesday November 16th, 23rd, 30th - 11-12.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Wednesday December 7th - 11-12.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Semester One Retreat (online only): Thursday January 5th @ 12-2pm
KORU - SEMESTER TWO
GROUP 1:
Monday February 13th, 20th, 27th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Monday March 6th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
GROUP 2:
Thursday March 23rd, 30th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Thursday April 6th, 20th - 12-1.15pm (An Tobar, Student Services)
Semester Two Retreat (online only): Thursday May 11th @ 12-2pm
NOT ON YOUR OWN
Sometimes it can be difficult to ask for help. Workshop addresses some of the myths and fears about seeking help and outlines how Counselling can be of benefit.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION | WORKSHOP LINK |
| Thurs Oct 6th | 3-4pm | Online via Teams | Join here |
FIRST YEARS - Orientation Meet & Greet (6 week workshop)
Make new connections with other first years. All first years welcome on any Wednesday during this sIx week get together. Free tea/coffee and biscuits!
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Weds Sept 21st | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Weds Sept 28th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Weds Oct 5th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Weds Oct 12th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Weds Oct 19th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Weds Oct 26th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
POST-GRAD SERIES
A series of workshops that will help Post-Grad students learn the difference between stress amd anxiety, and work on ways to reduce these through self-regulation and self-care. Also to understand the 'window of tolerance' and identify signs & symptoms of stress and strategies to reduce it.
| TOPIC | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Learning to respond to stress signals - Understanding The Window of Tolerance | Thurs Oct 13th | 2-3pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Relaxation & Mindfulness Practice Combined: Navigating The Overload by Introducing Mindfulness Practice. | Thurs Nov 24th | 2-3pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Understanding Anxiety Through Self-Regulation, Theory & Practice | Thurs Feb 9th | 2-3pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Relaxation & Mindfulness Practice Combined: Regulating Through Mindfulness & Relaxation Practices | Thurs May 4th | 2-3pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
MINDFULNESS SERIES
Meditation & Weekly Practice
If we notice a sense of pressure and stress in life, it is important that we counterbalance with positive activities. Regular time out for meditation and relaxation practice can support a reduction in stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and enhance our sense of joy.
All Welcome. This class is for complete beginners, for those who are well practiced with meditation, and for those attending the MU Koru Mindfulness Programme and wish to have a weekly group to meet with to practice. Being part of a group really helps us create and stick to new habits.
This class will offer a mix of mindful movement, standing/ sitting meditations, visualisation, progressive muscular relaxation and hopefully we will have some laughter mixed in too.
Weekly class, every Tuesday for 10 weeks. Starting Oct 4th @ 1-2pm.
Semester One dates;
October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
November: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
December: 6th & 13th
Stretch & Relax Yoga
Free weekly class, every Thursday for 10 weeks. Starting Oct 6th @ 1-2pm
Learn to relax, reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and feel happier with yoga. Drop in anytime for a taster class or complete 5 sessions at any point during the semester and receive a free gift!
Available online and in person in An Tobar, Student Services Centre
To find out more about this class, or about our instructor, read the overview here;
Stretch & Relax Yoga
Semester One dates;
October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
November: 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
December: 8th & 15th
For students wanting to join online, the link will be here nearer the time!
SSP MONTHLY WORKSHOPS
A monthly space for students using the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) to meet and reflect on the process.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION | WORKSHOP LINK |
| Tues Oct 5th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Nov 1st | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Dec 6th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Feb 7th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Mar 7th | 12-1pm | Online only | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Apr 4th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues May 2nd | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services & Online | An Tobar & Online |
DBT SERIES
The main goal is to build a life worth living by understanding yourself better, learning skills to improve your quality of life and balancing acceptance of your situation with changes you can choose.
| DATE | TOPIC | TIME | WORKSHOP LINK |
| Tues Nov 1st | WK 1 - 7 week series introducing self-assessment models including ‘window of tolerance’ & learning about fight/flight responses | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Nov 8th | WK 2 - Exploration of what distress tolerance is & how to widen our window of tolerance | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Nov 15th | WK 3 - Exploring the science behind the practical exercises through understanding Neuroception and Neuroplasticity | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Nov 22nd | WK 4 - Continuation into the exploration of emotional regulation | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Nov 29th | WK 5 - Introduction to strategies of Self Care. Thinking, observing and responding to needs that support self-regulation and wellbeing | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Dec 6th | WK 6 - Exploring interpersonal effectiveness including skills to support boundaries, respect and consent | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
| Tues Dec 13th | WK 7 -Reviewing skills as participants reflect on previous learning through a self-compassion lens | 3.30-4.30pm | An Tobar & Online |
All DBT Workshops to be held in person (location TBC) and online via Teams.
Workshop links will be accessible nearer the time here
ANXIETY SERIES
This series offers top tips on how to cope with exam anxiety; learn what is triggering your anxiety and how you can manage it; and will help you identify practical strategies for enhaincing personal resilience. Theory and practice using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
| TOPIC | DATE | TIME | LOCATION | WORKSHOP LINK |
| Resilience Workshop | Tues Oct 11th | 3.30-4.30pm | Online & in An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor | Join here |
| Resilience when Studying Abroad | Tues Oct 17th | 10-11am | School of Modern Languages | n/a |
| Exam Anxiety | Weds Nov 2nd | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor | n/a |
| Tackling Your Anxiety with CBT | Weds Nov 9th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor | n/a |
| Tackling Your Anxiety with CBT | Weds Feb 8th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor | n/a |
| Exam Anxiety | Weds April 26th | 12-1Pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor | n/a |
DEVELOPING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SERIES
This series of workshops focuses on peer to peer supportive listening and sign-posting when a friend/peer discloses sexual assault, harassment or abuse. It also supports students living on campus to get to know each other, and promotes healthy relationships and boundaries.
| TOPIC | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Supporting a Friend. Disclosure Information Workshop | Tues Jan 31st | 3.30-4.30pm | TBC |
| Navigating Dating & Relationships | Tues Feb 14th | 3.30-4.30pm | TBC |
| Developing Healthy Relationships & Boundaries | On Request |
GRIEF SERIES
Three-part series on understanding the impact of grief and loss and how we cope with the emotional and physical loss of someone we love.
| TOPIC | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Is this normal?' Coping with the impact of Grief & Loss | Tues Nov 15th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| 'What helps?' Coping Strategies for managing our grief | Tues Nov 22nd | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
| Memories' Dealing with loss at special times of the year | Tues Nov 29th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
PROCRASTINATION
Exploring the factors behind our procrastination habits and offer strategies to address them.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Tues Nov 8th | 12-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground floor |
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
In conjunction with TENI and the Equality & Diversity office, we are pleased to be able to offer this workshop on International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia & Biphobia.
| TOPIC | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Self-Care Creative Workshop for International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia & Biphobia May 17th | Weds May 17th | 11am-1pm | An Tobar, Student Services Ground Floor |