The Center offers counseling for students, staff and faculty, regardless of gender.

Services include:

• Short-term crisis intervention and drop-in problem-solving
• Individual counseling for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault and/or relationship violence as well as for those affected by sexual harassment and/or discrimination
• Support groups that address a wide variety of topics and concerns

Our counseling services utilize a feminist therapy models, focusing on strengths and empowerment of the individual, the impact of gender on identity and the importance of relationship and connection in healing. Additionally, these models incorporate social justice, feminist theory and the new scholarship on women.

Any gender may utilize the Center’s services for up to fifty-two sessions. Subsequently, if further counseling is needed, we make every effort to refer clients to private clinicians or community based programs, depending on their ability to pay. 

How do I make an appointment?

There is no charge for counseling, which is available to students, staff and faculty. To schedule an intake appointment, contact Sara Walz, our Counseling Coordinator for both campuses. Following the intake, regular sessions will commence with a member of the counseling team. In order to leave a confidential voicemail message call (847) 491-2735.

What support groups are being offered?

The Center offers confidential support groups centered on topics such as issues with anger, self-esteem, exploring sexuality, coming out, surviving stranger/acquaintance sexual assault and healing from childhood sexual abuse. Support groups vary from year to year, depending on interest.

Women’s Dissertation Writing Support Group
This group offers support to those struggling with the dissertation process. Procrastination can set in early, with anxiety mounting and begining to erode self-esteem. If you find the dissertation writing process isolating and feel you could benefit from meeting with women who are going through a similar process, contact Renée Redd, r-redd@northwestern.edu, licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Women’s Center.

Relationship Survival
A group offering skills and support for students
Finding it difficult to strike a balance between your relationship, academic, and social demands? Do you feel like you could use additional help getting through a break-up or a rough patch of an intimate relationship? If you are interested in gaining more insight into your thought-patterns, behavioral reactions and communication style, please join us. The Women’s Center clinical staff will sponsor this weekly group beginning this winter quarter .
For more information please call Frances or Virginia at 847-467-7259.

In case of an emergency, during overnights or weekends, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (847) 491-8100 or University Police at 847-491-3456 or 312-503-3456.

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