Counseling Services

We offer groups and seminars based on student interests and needs.

• Men’s Group: Addressing masculinity, fathers, manhood and the silent struggles men have with lust, masturbation and pornography in a confidential environment: Together you will explore why these issues have a gained a grip on your life and how to move toward freedom.
• Women’s Group: For those actively struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, learn triggers and coping strategies, in a safe and confidential environment.
• Taking the Next Step A premarital seminar series for engaged couples. Small fee required for materials.
• Relationships 101: A group to learn more about relationships; communication, boundaries, etc.
• Coping Skills for Stress and Anxiety: A group for those want to learn healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety.
• GRIT Group (Building resilience) – Learn how to better withstand and manage the challenges you face.
• Social Anxiety Skills Group: Learn skills to help you feel more confident speaking in social settings.

Who is eligible for counseling?

Counseling Services are available for Traditional Undergraduates, PSEO/Early College living in-residence students.

Services are not available to faculty and staff, but we can provide off-campus referrals.

Is counseling confidential?

Students who come to see one of the counselors are assured of the strictest standards of confidentiality in accordance with the ethical standards of the counseling profession. In particular, everything discussed with your counselor remains confidential and is not shared with other University of Northwestern personnel or family members without expressed written permission by the counselee.

There are some limits to the confidentiality stated above, (e.g. any intent to injure oneself, or another person, or a relatively current situation of child abuse).

Is counseling free?

Individual counseling is free for students who qualify for counseling services (see “Who is eligible for counseling?”). There is a fee for some assessments. There is a nominal fee for the pre-marital seminar Taking The Next Step.

Are the counselors Christians?

Yes. As professionally trained, Christian counselors we are committed to providing the highest quality services while being Biblically consistent. Students who pursue counseling at Northwestern can know that that their faith and Christian values will be understood and supported by their counselor.

Are you open during the summer?

We follow the day school calendar, so are closed during the summer months and during all of the breaks, i.e. Christmas, Spring Break, Easter, and Quad Breaks.

What types of issues are talked about counseling?

A variety of issues may bring an individual to counseling; personal growth, low self-esteem, trying to figure out who they are, depressive symptoms, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, anxiety, excessive worrying, grief regarding a loss, relationship issues or conflicts with family or friends, eating disordered thoughts or behaviors, past abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), addictive behaviors, sexuality issues/concerns, anger management, and spiritual questions/concerns.