This group counselling program is facilitated by trainee counsellors enrolled in the Master of Professional Counselling program at Monash University Malaysia and conducted under professional supervision as part of their practicum training.
Why This Group Exists
People connect when they feel understood.
Stress has become a common part of modern life. Whether it comes from work, studies, relationships, or personal challenges, or the impact of recent global events, prolonged stress can affect our mood, concentration, and sense of wellbeing. Many people also find that during stressful periods, it becomes harder to experience joy, balance, and emotional clarity.
This group provides a supportive space to pause, reflect, and learn practical ways to respond to stress with greater awareness and resilience.
What This Group Offers
In this group, participants will:
• Develop awareness of how stress affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviour
• Learn practical mindfulness-based coping strategies
• Explore small, meaningful practices that restore balance and joy
• Connect with others who may be facing similar challenges
The group is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)-informed, integrating mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioural approaches to support emotional wellbeing.
Who This Group Is For
This group may be helpful if you:
• Often feel stressed, overwhelmed, or mentally exhausted
• Experience frequent worry or tension
• Notice your mood dropping during stressful periods
• Would like to develop healthier ways to cope with challenges
Group Details
Location: Monash University Malaysia, Sunway Campus
Number of sessions: 4
Duration: 2 hours per session
Group size: 4–6 participants
Program fee: This program is offered free of charge as part of a counselling practicum conducted by trainee counsellors from Monash University Malaysia. Participants are encouraged to commit their time and engage meaningfully throughout the sessions.
What to Expect
Participants will have opportunities to:
• Share experiences (voluntary sharing)
• Practice mindfulness exercises
• Reflect on personal coping strategies
• Learn from others in a supportive environment
No prior experience with mindfulness is required.
Confidentiality and Safety
To help create a safe and supportive space, all group members are expected to respect the confidentiality of what is shared within the group and contribute to a respectful and non-judgmental environment.
Group counselling sessions may be recorded for supervision and educational purposes as part of the practicum training. These recordings will only be accessed by the trainee counsellors, their supervisor, and the practicum coordinator.
Interested in joining?
Complete the form below to express your interest. Selected participants will be contacted with further details about the group.
Joining with Friends
If you and a few friends are interested in joining together, you are welcome to register as a group.
If at least four people from the same group are interested, please indicate your preferred date and time under “Others” in the registration form. We will do our best to arrange a session that works for your group, depending on availability.
If you would like to discuss possible arrangements for your group, feel free to reach out to us.
Contact us via email:
yyon0023@student.monash.edu or
ttak0008@student.monash.edu
*Sessions are subject to facilitator availability and scheduling feasibility.
Meet the Facilitators
Eugenia is a counselor-in-training currently completing her practicum as part of her professional counseling training.
Before transitioning into counseling, she spent over a decade working in the corporate world across finance, audit, and leadership roles in international firms. Through these experiences, she understands the pressures, expectations, and stress that many individuals face in their daily lives.
Alongside her professional career, Eugenia also embarked on a long personal journey of learning and self-discovery after experiencing depression earlier in her life. This journey led her to explore mindfulness, emotional awareness, and personal growth practices for more than a decade.
These experiences have shaped her compassionate, open, and non-judgmental approach to supporting others. In this group, Eugenia hopes to create a safe and supportive space where participants can pause, reflect, and reconnect with balance and joy even during challenging times.
Tomoyo brings diverse life experiences that reflect many of the challenges people face in balancing work, family, and personal wellbeing.
She previously worked in a major television production company in Japan, where she experienced the fast-paced and demanding nature of the media industry.
As a mother of three, she has also navigated the realities of balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining emotional wellbeing and resilience. These personal and professional experiences have shaped her understanding of how stress can affect individuals and families.
Drawing from both her counselling training and lived experiences, Tomoyo hopes to support others in discovering their own strengths, cultivating self-awareness, and finding moments of balance and joy during stressful periods.
In this group, she aims to create a supportive space where participants can reflect, connect, and grow together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is group counselling?
Group counselling is a form of counselling where a small group of participants meet regularly with facilitators to explore shared experiences, learn coping strategies, and support one another in a safe and respectful environment.
Participants are not required to share more than they feel comfortable with, and everyone is encouraged to respect confidentiality within the group.
Is this therapy?
This group is a counselling and wellbeing-focused program, informed by principles from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
While the group may offer therapeutic benefits, it is not intended to replace individual psychotherapy or mental health treatment. Participants who require more intensive or individualized support may be encouraged to seek individual counselling services.
What are the benefits of group counselling?
Group counseling can offer several benefits, including:
- Learning practical ways to cope with stress and emotional challenges
- Gaining new perspectives through shared experiences
- Realizing that others face similar struggles
- Developing greater self-awareness and resilience
- Building supportive connections in a safe environment
What if I miss a session?
Because the group experience builds across sessions, participants are encouraged to attend all sessions whenever possible.
If you are unable to attend a session, you may inform the facilitators in advance. While brief summaries may be provided, some group discussions and activities cannot be fully replicated outside the session.
Do I need prior experience with mindfulness?
No prior experience is required. All practices and activities will be introduced and guided during the sessions.
Do I have to share personal experiences in the group?
Sharing is always voluntary. Participants are welcome to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. Listening and reflecting are also valuable ways of participating in the group.
Is what I share kept confidential?
All participants are expected to respect the confidentiality of the group. This helps create a safe and supportive environment where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences.