Students affected by events in Iran

We are aware that recent events in Iran may be distressing for members of our college community. At Counselling Services, student wellbeing and mental health are central to our work. If you have been personally affected or are finding this time emotionally challenging, we encourage you to reach out for support. You do not need to navigate this alone. Our counselling team is here to listen, provide care, and support you during this time.

Students impacted by these events are welcome to contact Counselling Services, and we will make every effort to prioritize the appointments and help you connect with a counsellor as soon as possible.

Support Groups

Counselling Services offers a variety of support groups. Please review what is available each term, as offerings may change and participation requirements vary between registration and drop-in.
Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons (Registration Open)

Make friends, learn tools for managing social anxiety and stress, and have fun!

This is a ten-week counselling group that requires registration to join. You will join a group of Langara students to play Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons, a tabletop roleplaying game where you face off against the forces of evil as powerful heroes in a fantasy setting! Facilitated by a Langara counsellor, you will gain skills in communication, problem solving, empathy, teamwork, and resilience. This theoretical mode of therapy has been proven to reduce symptoms of both social anxiety and loneliness. Some participants have reported a reduction of 20%!

Please note that you must be able to attend every session on time to sign up. This group will meet in person on Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30 pm on the following dates:

  • Session 1: February 3, 2026
  • Session 2: February 10, 2026
  • Session 3: February 24, 2026
  • Session 4: March 3, 2026
  • Session 5: March 10, 2026
  • Session 6: March 17, 2026
  • Session 7: March 24, 2026
  • Session 8: March 31, 2026

 

Registration form:

2SLGBTQIA Support Circle

Langara 2SLGBTQI+ Support Circle for students is a place where 2SLGBTQI+ people can come together as a community and share their knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences with one another.
 

This circle will be Indigenous led by Two-Spirit counsellor Randal Defant who comes from the Haida Nation. This group will follow a healing circle format where community members can speak their truth in a safe and supportive environment.
 

This is a 7-week closed group that requires registration to join.

 

Langara 2SLGBTQI+ Support Circle Registration Form will resume in the Summer 2026 term.

Emotions 101

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your emotions, unsure of how to manage them, or want to feel more grounded and connected? You're not alone and this group is here to help.

Join us in a supportive and compassionate space where you’ll build practical skills
to better understand your emotional patterns, navigate difficult feelings like sadness, anger, shame, and anxiety, and connect more deeply with yourself and others.

This counsellor-facilitated group is designed to strengthen emotional resilience, increase self-awareness, and nurture a more compassionate inner voice.

Please note this is not a therapy group but a group for education and building awareness.

Registration for the Emotions 101 group will resume in the Summer term.

The Cultural Connections Community

Welcome to the Cultural Connections Community!


Are you struggling to make new friends or feeling like a newcomer in Canada? Do you enjoy learning about different cultures while munching on some snacks? Then this group is for you!
 

Join us in a fun and welcoming environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, develop social skills, and expand your cultural knowledge.

This counsellor-facilitated group provides a safe, supportive space to share, learn, and grow together.
 

Please note that you must be able to attend every session on time to sign up.

 

The CCC group is currently not being offered this term.

Stress Relief Drop-in Group

Find community during a stressful time in the semester and learn strategies to relieve anxiety and stress.
 

This drop-in group will be facilitated by a Langara counsellor for students struggling with academic stress, anxiety, and are looking for a safe, confidential, and comfortable space to talk with their fellow students about their issues and learn how to manage their stress.

 

Stress Relief Drop-in Group is currently not being offered this term.

Student Success Workshops

Learn fundamental skills and receive practical tips designed to enhance your productivity and academic success at Langara and beyond. These free workshops are offered in person or online via Zoom and are open to all Langara students. No registration is required; please arrive on time and be respectful of others.
Time Management for Success

Presenter: Kaveh
Duration: 20 minutes
Zoom Meeting ID: 659 3489 3126

Description:
Effective tips on how to budget time for classes, studying and “off time” (non-study/school time).

Sessions:

  • Tuesday, January 13, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Thursday, January 15, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Monday, January 19, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Wednesday, January 21, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Monday, January 26, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Friday, January 30, 2026 — 11:00 AM

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — 3:30 PM

  • Tuesday, March 17, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Overcoming Procrastination

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop examines why we procrastinate and the ways in which we can overcome our procrastination.

Sessions:

  • Friday, February 13, 2026 — 11:00 AM

  • Monday, March 9, 2026 — 1:30 PM

  • Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — 3:30 PM

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Thursday, March 12, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM

  •  

Learning-Memory & Academic Success

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop provides you with the latest scientifically-researched techniques to enhance your focus, concentration, learning and memory.

Sessions:

  • Monday, January 12, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Friday, January 16, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Thursday, March 12, 2026 — 2:30 PM

  • Monday, March 16, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Your Sleep, Your Wellness and Your School

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop discusses the importance of restful (REM) sleep and its impact on school performance (GPA), focus, learning, memory and as well as our emotions, thoughts and moods.

Sessions:

  • Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — 12:30 PM

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — 12:30 PM

Speed-Reading

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This is a practical hands-on workshop that teaches you to read faster and to master larger ‘chunks’ of information in shorter periods of time. This workshop incorporates the latest research in reading strategies.

Sessions:

  • Thursday, January 22, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Take Better Notes-Get Better Grades

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
In this workshop, we will focus on a variety of strategies for taking good notes. We will also briefly discuss how our memory system takes in information and how effective note taking can facilitate the learning process.

Sessions:

  • Thursday, January 22, 2026 — 2:00 PM

  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 1:00 PM

How to Learn Math and Physics

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop will cover the latest research on the most effective learning and study strategies for Math and physics courses; study and learning strategies for other lab courses and computer science will also be discussed.

Session:

  • Thursday, January 29, 2026 — 11:30 AM

How to Learn Biology

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop will cover the latest research in the field of Biology learning and focus on the most effective learning and study strategies for Biology courses.

Session:

  • Friday, January 30, 2026 — 1:00 PM

Your Brain and Your Mental Wellness

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop explores the relationship between your brain, emotions, and mental health.

Sessions:

  • Monday, February 2, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Monday, February 9, 2026 — 11:30 AM

Learning the Science of Happiness

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop provides the latest scientifically-based research on happiness and how these can be applied into our everyday lives for wellness and success.

Session:

  • Wednesday, February 4, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Your Smartphone, Your Health and Your IQ

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop focuses on the most recent scientific studies examining the relationship between the use of smartphones, social media and all Wifi-based devices – and their impact on mental and physical health, and IQ (especially school performance).

Session:

  • Thursday, February 5, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Mid-Term Test Preparation Tips

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop provides you with the most effective and efficient strategies to help prepare for and write exams for (in-person) classrooms and online course.

Sessions:

  • Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Wednesday, February 11, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Thursday, February 12, 2026 — 11:30 AM

  • Friday, February 13, 2026 — 1:00 PM

Tips for Preparing For Final Exams

Presenter: Kaveh
ZOOM: Zoom Meeting ID 659 3489 3126
Duration: 20 minutes

Description:
This workshop provides the latest tips and strategies for how to prepare most effectively for final exams as well as tips for taking exams for (in-person) classrooms and online courses.

Sessions:

  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Friday, March 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Monday, March 23, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Tuesday, March 24, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

  • Thursday, March 26, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon)

Upcoming Events

See below Counselling Services' latest events & workshops

Langara Return to Learning (LRTL) course

Academic Suspension and LRTL

If you received an academic suspension notice, we recommend enrolling in Langara Return To Learning (LRTL)course. The course is designed to help student reflect, learn new strategies, and connect with college resources for future success.
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Langara-campus-parthway-to-TBuilding

Student and Faculty FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

At Langara College Counselling Services, we value interdepartmental collaboration. We appreciate the interest that faculty and staff show in the well-being of our students and the pivotal role that YOU have in connecting students with campus services. 

Students may or may not ask for help directly. Faculty and staff are often in positions to identify and refer students in difficulty. Recognizing signs of distress and making timely responses may be critical factors in helping students resolve problems that are interfering with their success or are otherwise putting them or others at risk. 

Student distress has many forms, and supporting students to seek professional counselling has been shown to provide significant relief and to be a factor in student success, well-being, and resilience.  

Faculty can consult with us or refer their students to our office by calling 604.323.5221, emailing us at counselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca), and/or visiting us in our office in B111. Students with urgent needs will be seen at the first available time. Counselling for registered students is free and confidential. No information is released unless authorized by the student or required by law. When appropriate, students may be referred to other Langara college student service departments or community services. 

Counselling Services supports faculty and staff in several ways: 

  1. Providing personal, career, educational, and/or group counselling to their students.
  2. Consultation regarding student issues to discuss concern about a particular student or to debrief about any incidents with students involving mental health.
  3. Supporting faculty with referring students to our services.
  4. In class workshops
  5. Providing resources to faculty.
  6. Orientation to counselling services (share our website or request a counsellor to provide a presentation to your class).
How do I connect students to Langara Counselling Services? 

As a staff member, you have an important role to play in helping us spread the word within your area and ensuring that students have access to accurate information. Encourage faculty members to include health and wellness content, such as Counselling Services brochures, counselling group posters, mental health initiative events, Student benefit package brochures, and more. If you would like some material, feel free to drop by our office at B111. 
 

Multiply the message! Collectively, we send thousands of messages to students every week. Consider including a link to Langara Counselling Services in your e-mail signature for the next few months, such as:“Have you heard about Langara Counselling Services?” 
 

If you believe one of your students could benefit from our services, we suggest you provide them with information about the services we offer including how to book an appointment: either by visiting our office in-person in B111 or by emailingcounselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca).  
 

Sometimes it may be helpful for the students if you accompany them to our office to support them in making the initial appointment.Except in cases of imminent risk, where a students life is in danger, Counsellors do not make the first outreach to a student.  This means that, generally, students must request a counselling appointment themselves by contactingcounselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca)or dropping by the counselling Front Desk in B111. 
 

If you are concerned that a student may be a safety risk to themselves, in addition to the above, we encourage you to reach out directly to our office,counselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca)or our Department Chairjspray [at] langara.ca (jspray[at]langara[dot]ca)to discuss your concerns and consult with a counsellor about next steps. 

If I refer a student to counselling, how soon can they get an appointment with a counsellor? 

We aim to provide counselling appointments for students in as timely a manner as possible.The wait-time often depends on the type of counselling appointment needed. When an immanent safety risk is involved, students will be seen on the same day.For other types of appointments, please contact counselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca) to determine the current average wait-time. 

Where should I send students after-hours? 

There are numerous resources located in the community that operate outside of the. Please consult the following link to our After-hours resources. 

Can a Counsellor do an orientation of available Counselling services in my class

Yes.We would love to visit your class to let students what Counselling supports are available to them.Please emailcounselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca)to book a counsellor. 

 

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

In-class presentations or workshops are a great way for counsellors to build a connection with your students. These are the most common formats and topics, but we’re open to your ideas/suggestions! We would be happy to visit your classroom in person or virtually over zoom. 

  • 5–10-minute classroom visit with a brief intro to counselling services, normalizing the stress of being a student and encouragement to prioritize overall wellness as part of academic success.
  • 30- or 50-minute presentation/workshop. Some past workshops have included: study skills, time management, surviving the stress of being a student, mindfulness, self-compassion, and managing transitions. If there’s another topic that you would be interested in, please let us know.
  • If a critical incident occurs in your class or to one of your students, please know that we are available to provide support to the group (in the form of a classroom discussion or presentation) and of course also individually to students. Offerings will vary depending on the campus, time of semester, and counsellor availability. If you would like one of us to visit your class, please contact:counselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca) 
What should I do if a student mentions harming themselves or suicide? 

If you know someone who is at risk of harming themselves or others, please call911. 

If youoranother Langarafaculty or staff member is inimmediate dangerand you are working at the Main or West Broadway Campus, you can call 911 orCampus Security at local 4444 or dial 604.562.1011.In a non-emergency situation or for any general security concerns call local 5270 (from any internal phone), dial 604.562.1011, or email Security Dispatch atsecurity [at] langara.ca (security[at]langara[dot]ca). 

If you are at the West Broadway Campus, please note that the Langara Counselling Department does not have a counsellor stationed there. 

If I am concerned about the mental health of one of my students, can I consult with a counsellor? 

Yes.We are pleased to offer advice and support to any faculty or staff member who is concerned about a students mental health. Please email our front desk atcounselling [at] langara.ca (counselling[at]langara[dot]ca)or our Department Chair, Jamie Spray atjspray [at] langara.ca (jspray[at]langara[dot]ca)to request a consult.