Counseling Center
At Benedictine University, we are committed to supporting our students academically, but also spiritually, mentally and physically. We provide wellness programming to help our students care for themselves while fulfilling their academic goals.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
Closest hospital: Edward Hospital 825 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 630-527-3000
For mental health crises: Linden Oaks Naperville Main Campus 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for an emergency walk-in assessment. Linden Oaks Main Campus is located at 852 S. West Street in Naperville. You may call Linden Oaks at (630) 305-5027 for more information.
Hours of operation for Fall 2024:
Monday through Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
and by appointment
Thursday:
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
and by appointment
Please call (630) 829-1800 to schedule an appointment or walk into the counseling center in Lisle Campus, lower level Krasa 010.
DuPage County Health Crisis Services
630- 627-1700
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
https://www.dupagehealth.org/183/Crisis-Services
Counseling Center Staff
Shirin Ahmed, M.S., LPC (she/her/hers)
Counseling Center Coordinator
Shirin earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Shirin is passionate about supporting college students, human rights work, inclusion, and diversity. She is involved in activism and advocacy spaces and volunteers for multiple relief organizations. She is fluent in Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, and English. Shirin enjoys working with multicultural clients and understands issues specific to first- and second-generation young adults. Shirin meets clients where they are in their lives with an empathetic and accepting manner. She looks forward to working collaboratively with her clients while keeping her client’s goals as the utmost priority. She uses a person-centered approach drawing on many therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strengths-focused therapy, and stress reduction techniques to best help clients. She embraces working with people from all backgrounds.
Stephen Sewruk (he/him/his)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Stephen is currently completing his M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. Stephen graduated from Benedictine University in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology. Stephen played baseball at Benedictine University for five seasons. Stephen enjoys working with adolescents and young adults while having a special interest in working with athletes. Working from a Rogerian, client-centered approach, using approaches from cognitive-behavioral therapy and strengths-based therapy, Stephen is passionate about collaborating with college students and athletes to help them reach their goals. Being a student-athlete himself, Stephen has had first-hand experience with the challenges that come with being a student-athlete and aspires to be a resource for both students and athletes while also working to destigmatize mental health in the athletic community.
Michelle Andringa (she/her/hers)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Michelle is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Government and International Studies. She earned her J.D. from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Before pursuing her counseling degree, Michelle worked as a Professional Development Director, mentoring young professionals facing personal and work-related challenges. She is passionate about working with young adults and enjoys providing inclusive, empathic, and affirming care to clients of all cultures, races, faiths, genders, and sexual orientations. Michelle uses person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to work collaboratively with clients, helping them clarify values, identify strengths, and develop coping strategies that encourage holistic wellbeing.
Claire Maly (she/her/hers)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Claire is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Psychology. Claire is passionate about making others feel seen, heard, and valued. She enjoys working with young adults as they navigate life transitions, relationships, and anything else life may throw at them. Claire creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to process their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. She operates from a person-centered approach while also incorporating strengths-focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, stress reduction techniques, and others to meet the individual needs of clients. She looks forward to working collaboratively with people from all backgrounds to move toward their goals.
Dedicated to Offering a Student-Centered Approach
The Counseling Center supports each student in their pursuit of personal, social and academic goals, and in keeping with the Benedictine University mission. We promote a student’s growth and development in a safe and confidential environment and by encouraging self-reflection.
These goals are achieved by:
- Individual, couples and group counseling with a licensed professional and graduate level interns
- Consultation with faculty or staff to support students
- Crisis intervention
- Outreach programming
- Referrals
How to Refer a Student to the Counseling Center
When concerned about a student, we suggest that you encourage the student to visit the Counseling Center to discuss their situation. Here are a few ways you can refer them to the Counseling Center:
- Speak with the student one-on-one and suggest they visit the Counseling Center.
- Call the Counseling Center while you are with the student, then offer the phone to the student.
- Walk with the student to the Counseling Center. Students in crisis will take priority.
We understand that because of your concern for the student, you may want to follow up with the counselor. Please remember that the communication between a counselor and client is confidential. Without written consent from the student, we cannot and will not discuss the details of a student’s session or even confirm that the student in question is in counseling.
Mesa Campus Resources
The Mesa Campus has the Student Assistance Program with Catholic Charities. The Contact Number is (602) 749-4405 and students can receive 5 counseling sessions at no cost. After the first five, insurance can be used or the counselor can request additional support from the University for the student if they do not have insurance. All virtual appointments at this time.
Mesa Student Assistance Program
through Catholic Charities
(602) 749-4405
[email protected]
Counseling Center
Lisle Campus, Lower Level Krasa Center 010
(630) 829-1800