The Counseling and Mental Health Center offers a wide variety of services and programs to meet students’ mental health needs. The services listed below are free workshops and events intended to provide valuable life skills.
While these wellness workshops and events are often led by a licensed mental health professional, and students may certainly find them to be therapeutic, they are not considered formal therapy. Any student can attend the programs listed below regardless of whether they are receiving other services at CMHC. Some options are one-time events, some are drop-in based, and others are brief series requiring prior enrollment.
We hope to expand these offerings over time and are interested in student feedback about what kinds of topics or events would be of most interest. Please click here to submit your suggestions for wellness events or series you would like to see offered.
Please note: Workshops taking place in person at the Counseling and Mental Health Center will observe the center’s current COVID-19 protocols. CMHC groups and workshops are not eligible for currently enrolled UT Austin students to observe for class assignments.
Friday 4/14, 9:00 – 11 a.m. CST
9 to 11 a.m. CST
Integrated Health/CMHC staff
CMHC Main Conference Room (SSB 5th floor)
UT-Austin students, staff and faculty are invited to join CMHC’s Integrated Health staff to cultivate intentions such as groundedness, acceptance and connection during challenging times.
This free retreat will consist of silent meditation, yoga and guided visualization, with time to process these experiences together.
Registration – Click below to register. As there is limited space, please email us if you realize at a later time you cannot make it in order to make your spot available to others.
Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. CST
1/18 - 4/12 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Kim Orchowski
CMHC (SSB 5th floor)
No previous art experience is necessary or required.
This six-session workshop offers participants a chance to learn and explore new ways of coping with stress, grief, anxiety, depression and/or trauma through different weekly visual art activities. Participants are invited to engage in self-exploration and self-expression through a variety of art materials—without the expectation to do so verbally. These workshops facilitate increased emotional awareness/identification, relaxation, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, stress management, self-confidence, connections, and joy. Focusing on the process of art making, as opposed to the end product, is encouraged to challenge perfectionistic tendencies and practice mindfulness.
Supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring supplies/materials/small found objects they already own. The following art materials are NOT permitted: X-Acto blades, oil paints or pastels, spray paint or toxic chemicals/solvents.
The series is activity-based and may include brief discussion of concepts/skills. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshop at any time of the semester.
This is not a therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST
1/30 - 3/6
Cassy Moreno
GAR 1.134
This three-session workshop will teach participants skills and provide tools to help students survive and thrive in the College of Liberal Arts. Workshop topics include:
The series is primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills. Participants are asked to attend the workshop series for three weeks in a row. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshops at any time.
Seating is limited.
This is not a therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Wednesdays, 5 to 6 p.m. CST
1/11 - 4/19 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Louis Haling
Virtual
In this one-session workshop, CMHC staff will guide you through the process of finding a counselor outside of UT. If you are considering therapy but are unsure whether it’s for you, don’t know how to pay for counseling or are wondering how to find the right counselor, this workshop can help. Participants will learn the basics of accessing mental health care in the community, including:
This is not a therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Tuesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. CST
1/17 - 4/18 (no meeting during Spring Break)
Abby Simpson
CMHC – SSB 5th floor
Skills for navigating stress and overwhelming emotions.
This four-session workshop allows participants to learn concepts and skills for:
The series is primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills. Participants are asked to attend the workshop series for 4 weeks in a row. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshop at any time of the semester.
This is not a traditional therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST
3/20 - 4/10
Cassy Moreno
GAR 1.134
Skills for navigating stress and overwhelming emotions.
This four-session workshop allows participants to learn concepts and skills for:
The series is primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills. Participants are asked to attend the workshop series for 4 weeks in a row. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshop at any time of the semester.
You must be a student in the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) to participate.
This is not a traditional therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
2 Sections:
Mondays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. CST
1/30 - 4/10 (meets every other week except Spring Break)
Jennifer Barnoud, MS, RD, LD, CEDS
SSB G1.104
Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. CST
1/26 - 3/23 (meets every other week)
Hannah Garcia, MS, RD, LD
Virtual
Bonus Earth Day Session: Sustainable Nutrition for a Healthy Planet
Friday, 4/21, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. CST
Virtual
This free, educational workshop series is facilitated by a registered dietitian/nutritionist from University Health Services. Participants will learn evidence-based answers to nutrition-related questions and concerns commonly experienced by students. These workshops are open to all currently enrolled UT Austin students. Scroll down to view dates and descriptions for each topic.
The information provided in all nutrition sessions is weight inclusive, meaning an emphasis will not be put on weight loss diets or strategies. These workshops are primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills.
ROTATING SINGLE SESSION WORKSHOP TOPICS:
Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping and Cooking (1/26 virtual, 2/27 in person)
Learn the basics of meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking and how to manage these tasks with a busy schedule. These foundational nutrition related skills will help you to meet proper nutritional guidelines in a way that fits into your life as a Healthyhorn.
Nutrition for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (2/9 virtual, 3/27 in person)
Learn how PCOS affects the body with an emphasis on complementary nutritional management of PCOS. Participants will learn evidenced-based nutrition information addressing specific concerns for menstruating people with PCOS.
Nutrition for Heart Health and Diabetes (2/23 virtual, 4/10 in person)
Learn evidenced-based recommendations for promoting heart health, improving insulin sensitivity, and improving the nutrient density of your diet to prevent long-term complications.
Intuitive and Mindful Eating: What You Missed in Your Nutrition Education (1/30 in person, 3/9 virtual)
Learn how to create a lifelong alliance with your body instead of a constant disagreement over what, when, and how much to eat. We will discuss common counterproductive thought processes that interfere with healthy eating, how to utilize your body’s innate wisdom and cues to guide your eating so you can feel your best both physically and mentally. We will experience a moment of mindful eating during this workshop so be sure to bring a snack.
Emotional and Stress Eating (2/20 in person, 3/23 virtual)
Learn common triggers for emotional eating, evidence-based strategies to reduce and prevent emotional eating and develop a personalized plan to address your specific eating concerns. You will also learn when it is appropriate to seek more specialized care to help you with making changes to your eating behaviors.
*Bonus Earth Day Session* Sustainable Nutrition for a Healthy Planet (virtual meeting on 4/21, 2:30-4:00 p.m. CST)
Learn about the effects of the modern-day food system on planetary health and dive into the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet which provides guidance on how to nourish yourself in a way that contributes to the health of both you and the planet with a positive and healthy perspective. This workshop is ideal for students who want to reduce their planetary impact and learn more about plant-based nutrition.
Fridays, 1:30 to 2 p.m.
1/13 - 4/28 (not meeting on 3/24 and during Spring Break)
Hannah Garcia, MS, RD, LD and Jennifer Barnoud, MS, RD, LD, CEDS
Virtual
Join a UHS dietitian to learn how to meal plan through this weekly 30-minute virtual drop-in workshop. This unstructured meeting provides a dedicated time to help you plan your meals and grocery list with a dietitian present to answer questions and provide guidance on creating a plan that meets your needs and ensures nutritional balance.
Workshops for Graduate Students
Tuesdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST
1/31 - 4/25 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Laura Sandoval-Sweeney
FAC 2.134
This three-session workshop will teach participants skills and provide tools to help students survive and thrive in the graduate school. Workshop topics include:
The series is primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills. Participants are asked to attend the workshop series for three weeks in a row. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshops at any time.
This is not a therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Fridays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. CST
2/24 - 4/21 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Joey Hannah
Virtual
Skills for managing your emotional well-being during graduate school.
Please note this workshop section is only for graduate students.
In this free 4-session workshop series, participants learn concepts and skills for:
This workshop series is primarily informational with brief group discussions about the skills. Participants are asked to attend the workshop series for 4 weeks in a row. Since the modules can be completed in any order, students can start the workshop at any time of the semester.
Yoga Groups and Workshops
Thursdays, 5 to 7 p.m. CST
1/26 - 4/27 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Geeti Mahajan, LCSW, C-IAYT
CMHC Main Conference Room (5th floor SSB)
Please note that discussion groups are not therapy groups.
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Come have tea, talk and practice yoga with fellow Iranians looking for a way to connect with one another and engage in yoga practice for stress reduction. This group is led by an Iranian American psychotherapist/yoga therapist.
Participants can meet and mingle in the SSB lobby from 5 to 5:30 p.m. The group facilitator will escort students to the 5th floor at 5:30. Please note that elevator and stair access to the 5th floor is restricted after 5 p.m.
Registration – Not necessary. Participants are not required to participate each week and can drop in for one, some or all group sessions. Click below to receive reminder emails about the group.
For questions or more information - Contact Contact Geeti Mahajan.
Thursdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. CST
2/2 - 3/30 (not meeting on 2/16 or during Spring Break)
Alexandra Okeke-Banks, LPC, RYT and Carly Coleman
GWB Multipurpose Room
Please note that discussion groups are not therapy groups.
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Through discussion, examination, processing, community and yoga, this drop-in group provides an open space for students with BIPOC identities. Yoga engages individuals in mind-body connection, mindfulness and grounding. It can also assist with coping and processing issues related to identity-based trauma. Students can participate in one, some or all workshop sessions. No prior yoga experience is required.
Registration - Not necessary. Participants are not required to participate each week and can drop in for one, some or all group sessions. Click the link below to receive reminder emails about the group.
For questions or more information - Contact Alexandra Okeke-Banks.
Fridays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
1/27 - 5/5 (Will not meet 2/17/2023)
Maria Timm, PhD, RYT-200
Jeffers Courtroom (TNH 3.140)
Root to Rise is a drop-in style rotating yoga workshop for students in the School of Law. Attend one or all workshop sessions and repeat sessions if desired.
Participants should arrive wearing comfortable workout clothing. Yoga mats will be supplied, but students are welcome to bring their own. No prior yoga experience necessary. This workshop is open to all fitness and ability levels. Modifications will be offered for accessibility. Themes are noted below.
This is not a therapy group, and you do not have to be a CMHC client to enroll.
Tuesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. CST
1/24 - 4/18 (not meeting during Spring Break)
Ayesha Akbar, RYT-200 and Kristen Pearson, RYT-200
CMHC – SSB 5th floor
This weekly yoga workshop is for students who have experienced trauma and are looking for support with their own healing experience.
Trauma-informed yoga focuses on themes of grounding, choice, connection with one's body, trauma/stress response and regulation. Through the practice, participants will also learn mindfulness skills to practice being in the present moment with intention.
No prior yoga experience is necessary. Open to all fitness and ability levels. This is not a traditional therapy group, and you do not need to be a CMHC client to enroll. Click below to receive more information about this workshop.
