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Level Up for ANU Success

You've finished school, got your results and your offer to ANU. You've said goodbye to family and friends and moved away from home. A new life looms, which is both exciting and a bit scary (procrastination - study routines - or making friends - anyone?).

This four-week introduction to the challenges you could face - plus some new skills to help you level up - could save you lots of stress later. Plus, you'll know where the Counselling Centre is, if you ever need us.

This course has been designed by one of the counsellors from ANU Counselling, based in sound psychological practice, using principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Program details:
Dates: Thursdays (5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26^th March)
Time: 3pm-5pm 
Group size: Maximum 15 participants
Commitment: To get the full benefits of the program, we strongly encourage students to attend all four sessions

Facilitators:
This group is facilitated by two staff members of ANU Health and Wellbeing Services: Anna (she/her) and Deb (she/her). 

Anna is a Registered Psychologist at the ANU Student Counselling Centre; Deb is a Cadet Counsellor who has years of experience as a Case Manager in the Student Safety and Wellbeing Team. Together, they hope to create a group space where students feel welcome and respected, no matter where they have come from to attend ANU. 

Interested?
Register in early February through .

Finding Balance – Skills for an Effective Relationship with your HDR Supervisor

This four-session group informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) will help you build practical skills to communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and maintain positive relationships — both personally and professionally. You’ll learn how to express your needs, manage conflict, and stay true to your values, even in stressful situations. 

Each week includes discussion, reflection, short videos, and mindfulness practices to support learning and self-awareness. 

By the end of the program, you’ll have learned how to: 

• Communicate clearly and assertively.
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Balance your needs with others’.
• Build relationships based on mutual respect and authenticity.
• Use mindfulness to stay grounded and emotionally aware. 

Program details:
Dates: Thursdays (19^th February, 26^th February, 5^th March and 12^th March 2026) 
Time: 10am-12pm 
Group size: Maximum 12 participants
Commitment: To get the full benefits of the program, attendance at all four sessions is strongly encouraged

Facilitators:
This group is facilitated by Sophie and Qianwen, counsellors at the ANU Counselling Centre. Both are AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Workers with a strong commitment to supporting students of all backgrounds.

Interested?
Register on or or email the team to express your interest. A staff member will follow up with you to ensure the group is the right fit.

Finding Balance - Skills for Handling Stress at University

University life can be intense. Deadlines, exams, and daily challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Finding Balance is a supportive small-group program designed to help you build the skills you need to stay calm, manage stress, and navigate emotions more confidently.

Grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), this four-week series will equip you with practical tools to:

• Regulate emotions effectively
• Manage distress in high-pressure situations
• Build resilience and focus for academic and personal success

Whether you're feeling the weight of upcoming assessments or simply want to better manage everyday stress, Finding Balance offers a chance to connect, learn, and build confidence in a supportive space.

Program details:
Dates: Tuesdays (3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th March)
Time: 10am-12pm 
Group size: Maximum 12 participants
Commitment: To get the full benefits of the program, attendance at all four sessions is strongly encouraged

Facilitators:
This group is facilitated by two caring and experienced staff members of ANU Health and Wellbeing Services: Qianwen (she/her) and Courtney (she/her).

Qianwen is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker at the ANU Counselling Centre, and Courtney is a Case Manager with the Student Safety and Wellbeing Team. Together, they are passionate about creating a safe, welcoming group space where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered.

Interested?
Register on in early February or email the team to express your interest. A staff member will follow up with you to ensure the group is the right fit.

Let Finding Balance be your first step toward feeling calmer, more grounded, and in control this semester.

ADHD Skills Group Information Session

The ADHD Skills Group Information Session is a pre-requisite for registering for the ADHD Skills Group.

This is in order to encourage commitment and attendance and to maintain a mutually supportive space. It will also ensure that all participants can benefit from the skills being covered in each session.

The information sessions will be on:

• Tuesday 17 February 10.00am - 11.00am (O Week)
• Tuesday 24 February from 10.00am - 11.00am (Week 1)

Please note you only need to attend one of these sessions.

The ADHD Skills Group will be facilitated by our counsellor from ANU Counselling. The group will be open to all currently enrolled students who have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of ADHD (i.e. a formal diagnosis is not required for attendance). Each week the facilitators will present on various topics relevant to ADHD and will provide suggested strategies for you to try during the week between sessions. You will also be given the opportunity to share your experiences, tips and tricks with each other on each topic during the group. Topics covered include managing distractibility, planning and organisation, adaptive thinking, problem-solving, emotion regulation and managing procrastination.

This program will be presented in-person only.

Interested?
Register on . If you have any queries about this group you can contact Juan Ayala at counselling.centre@anu.edu.au.

Expression of Interest: Nature-Based Wellbeing Program!

Feeling stressed or anxious? Do you enjoy spending time in the nature? Are you an ANU student?

Come join our Nature-Based Wellbeing Program! This weekly, one-hour morning session is designed to help you slow down, manage stress, and recharge in the beautiful natural spaces on campus.

Through gentle mindfulness and nature-connection activities, you will have the chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and nature around you. No experience needed - everyone is welcome.