Therapy for University and College Students
Finding Your Balance in University & College Life AT Sherwood Psychology Ottawa
It’s Sunday night. You have three essays due, a group project to coordinate, and an exam
tomorrow morning. Your phone is buzzing with messages from friends you barely have time to
see. Your stomach knots, your mind races, and you wonder—am I the only one feeling this
overwhelmed?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. College and university life is exciting, but it’s also
intense. Managing academics, work, social life, and personal growth can feel like walking a
tightrope. At Sherwood Psychology, we help students in Ottawa gain the strategies, confidence,
and support to thrive—not just survive the next exam.
Therapy isn’t only for anxiety or depression. Many students come to us for:
● Performance coaching: Improve focus, productivity, and study habits
● Stress management: Learn to handle deadlines, exams, and life pressures
● Confidence building: Speak up in class, network, or make decisions without second-guessing yourself
● Personal growth: Explore goals, values, and career direction
● Executive functioning support: Strategies for ADHD, organization, and prioritization
Think of therapy as a co-pilot for your student life—practical, supportive, and focused on
helping you reach your goals.
You Don’t Have to Be “Struggling” to Come to Therapy
Real-Life Student Challenges We Support
● Overwhelming coursework, exams, and deadlines
● Balancing work, academics, and social life
● Feeling isolated or disconnected from peers
● Managing roommate or relationship conflicts
● Navigating career uncertainty and future planning
● Co-occurring mental health or neurodivergence (like ADHD and Autism)
We focus on turning challenges into growth opportunities, helping you develop skills that last far beyond your degree.
What You’ll Gain from Therapy
Learn techniques to stay calm, focused, and effective under
pressure.
Boost Focus & Productivity
Build strategies for planning, prioritizing, and completing
assignments efficiently.
Strengthen Emotional Resilience
Understand your emotional patterns and develop tools to
respond confidently to challenges.
Enhance Social & Relationship Skills
Communicate effectively, navigate conflicts, and build
supportive networks.
Clarify Goals & Personal Growth
Identify priorities, values, and strategies for academic and
life success.
Support for ADHD or Learning Differences
Tailored strategies to improve focus, time management, and executive functioning.
We meet students where they are. Our approach is:
● Practical & Results-Oriented: Focus on skills, strategies, and real-world solutions
● Strengths-Based Coaching: Build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness
● Mindfulness & Emotion Regulation: Reduce overwhelm and improve focus
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based techniques for anxiety, stress, and low mood
● Collaborative & Student-Led: You choose your goals—therapy is a partnership
Our aim is to help you thrive academically, socially, and personally—not just manage
stress
Our Approach
What to Expect
● Explore what’s overwhelming you and/or where you want to grow most
● Identify your goals for therapy or coaching
● Build practical strategies to use immediately
● Develop a plan for ongoing support and growth
Sessions are collaborative, student-focused, and tailored to your unique needs. Many students
describe therapy as having a co-pilot to navigate university life—someone to help you stay grounded, confident, and on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Sessions are private, except in cases of risk of harm to self or others or suspected abuse,
which are explained upfront.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to meet a therapist, discuss your goals, and see if our
approach fits your needs.
Can therapy help with academic performance?
Absolutely. We provide strategies for focus, organization, time management, and study skills.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to come to therapy?
No. Many students seek support to manage stress, boost performance, or grow personally.
Therapy is for anyone who wants to thrive.
