Buddhism and Mental Health Psychoeducation Groups

4 Tuesday Afternoons of Experiential Learning & Sharing (Feb 3 to Mar 3, 2026, 3-5 pm)
Open to students at the University of Toronto
Young Adult Groups (age 18-25) – Register early, space is limited to 12 participants/group.
Register here (use your utoronto email address to sign in)

Free Admission @ Rm 54G, 300 Huron Street, Toronto
Please share our flyer with your communities and friends.

1. Mindfulness Practices for Difficult Relationships (February 3rd)
~Exploring the suffering that can arise in relationships, and how Buddhist teachings might help with effective communication, healthy boundaries, and working with social anxiety.
2. Identity and the Nature of Self (February 10th)
~What is the Buddhist teaching of ’non-self’? Exploring some practical ways we might tap into the fruits of this teaching in our everyday lives.

Co-facilitators:
Daniel Hughes, MD FRCPC
Melissa Perez BA (Hons – Psychology), MPS (Candidate)

Daniel is a psychiatrist who works in a variety of general outpatient settings as well as in a private psychotherapy practice. His approach to therapy is generally informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while also integrating elements of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practice. Daniel is a practitioner of Vipassana Buddhist meditation for the past eight years. Daniel recently completed a Fellowship in Buddhism and Psychiatry through the University of Toronto.

Melissa is a a Buddhist counsellor at TCAB and student psychotherapist under supervision. She is committed to transformative approaches that foster self-awareness and help clients better understand their own minds. Her Buddhist lens grounds her in compassion and an ethical commitment to alleviating suffering. With a background in nursing, her journey into mental health counselling is fuelled by a deep passion for helping clients navigate life’s complexities with clarity and resilience.

3. Tibetan Mind Training (February 24th)

Facilitator: Bianba Deji PhD (Candidate), MPS (Candidate)

Bianba is a PhD candidate in Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong. She defended her thesis in Tibetan Mind Training in November 2025. She is also a 2nd year student in the Master of Psychospiritual Studies (Buddhism) program at the University of Toronto. Bianba was born in a Buddhist community and has been trained in Tibetan, Theravadin, and the Chinese Buddhist traditions. She is a Buddhist counsellor with TCAB and a meditation teacher.

4. Cultural, Personal and Buddhist Values in Daily Life (March 3rd)

Co- Facilitators:
Shukyu Christine Ng, MPS, RP
Katya Hortogiannos BSc (Candidate)

Chris is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Diploma in Buddhist Mindfulness and Mental Health and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies (Buddhism) from the University of Toronto. She practices in the Theravada and the Chan meditative traditions. She is a Buddhist Counsellor with TCAB and a Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist in private practice.

Katya is a student in U of T’s Psychology and New College’s Community Engaged Learning & Buddhism Psychology and Mental Health Programs. 

Email: admin@appliedbuddhism.ca for further information.

Sponsor: New College, University of Toronto

Refreshments Served