Can you please describe what this KORSA group therapy model is and why uOttawa has decided to offer it to students?
KORSA is a group therapy model developed in 2012 that’s currently being used by many post-secondary institutions in Canada and in Europe. Research has shown that the KORSA program has a positive impact on a student’s ability to reduce stress, anxiety and burnout and improve their psychological wellbeing. It also found that students who had participated became more engaged with their studies. We decided to offer these workshops at uOttawa to help students develop evidence-based coping mechanisms that they can use throughout their studies (and beyond!) when facing stress and anxiety. The KORSA group therapy consists of 5 two-hour workshops that use grounding techniques, meditation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which gets participants to recognize when things get out of control but then pledge to take action.
Who is it for?
This workshop was designed specifically for university and college students. Anyone from a first-year undergraduate student to someone taking a master’s or PhD can benefit from KORSA. The workshop starts with the premise that stress is inevitable for students. The KORSA program aims to help students learn to live with that stress, as opposed to letting it control them. It can help students clarify what really matters to them, identify pitfalls that contribute to their stress and anxiety, and put in place simple and effective strategies to circumvent these pitfalls. The KORSA program also helps students identify their values and discover ways in which they can live a more value-driven lifestyle.
How is it different from peer support, student support groups and all the other mental health services provided to students?
KORSA is unique and differs from other mental health services provided to students. It’s a therapeutic group that’s facilitated by a KORSA-certified professional. It consists of individual work as well as work in both small and large group discussions. While students are encouraged to share, they’ll never be put on the spot. They can engage with the group in the way they feel the most comfortable with. Students often find participating in therapeutic groups helpful. They report feeling validated and less alone in their struggles.
The service is free, but students are asked to commit to attending 5 two-hour group therapy sessions. What would you say to those students who may feel that this a lot of time to set aside in a hectic student schedule?
I understand if there is some hesitancy based on the time commitment! Our time is precious, and students are often balancing multiple priorities. I like to see the KORSA program as an investment. Participants will learn skills that they’ll be able to use to help them succeed for years to come. Participants also find that the workshops themselves provide a refreshing and engaging break from their busy routines.