Trained mental health professionals serving as “Counselors-in-Residence” are available to meet with students close to home in the residence halls. Services offered include:
- One-on-one appointments
- Drop-in consultations
- Group sessions
- Interactions through hall programs
While located in a designated hall, counselors can meet students from any residence hall. There is no cost and no session limit.
Common session topics include homesickness, school stress, depression, anxiety, coping skills, developing healthy habits, family struggles, roommate and relationship problems, trauma, racial injustice, and COVID-19 stress and loss.
Meet the Counselors
All counselors are second-year graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
Ayla Shehryar
she/her/hers
Harper Dining Center, Room 112
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
My name is Ayla Shehryar and I’m humbled and excited to be able to serve the community at UNL, irrespective of what your background is. I am an international student, Pakistani and speak 3 languages (English, Urdu, and Pashto). I have completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology in Pakistan and currently working towards completing my graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy. Over 20 years of my life have been shaped by the experience of my unique Asian culture, and I have been able to immerse myself in American culture too, which gives me the privilege of seeing multiple perspectives in different areas of life.
My approach towards Mental Health has always been grounded in emotional safety. I firmly believe that you truly have to be seen for all parts of you and accepted as you come as a foundation for any possible change. I deeply understand how intimidating therapy can be, as you’re trusting someone new with the personal parts of yourself. My priority will always be to make sure I can create a safe space for you while collaborating with you on your goals so that we can make lasting changes in your life. My desire is to have you leave the room with skills that go beyond our therapeutic relationship, and be a source of support through our time together.
In my free time, you will find me working out at the gym, enjoying nature walks, cooking different dishes, reading books and connecting with friends. While I appreciate the mundane aspects of life, I embrace the silliness in sharing a lame joke, or a laugh that makes my (or others’) stomach hurt.
Alycen Greenwood
she/her/hers
Eastside Suites
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
Hello! My name is Alycen Greenwood, and I am excited to serve as a Counselor in Residence at the Eastside Suites! After graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology, I moved to Nebraska to further my education in UNL’s Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. During my first year here, I have had many opportunities to learn how to support individuals, couples, and families.
As a college student, you are living through such a unique and exciting part of your life! However, along with that can come unique stressors and challenges, such as relationship/friendship conflicts, struggling to fit in, academic stress, or adjusting to being away from home. No matter what you are going through, working to protect your mental health during this period of your life is crucial. I know that seeking out a therapist can be overwhelming and downright scary, but I believe it can have many positive effects on your life.
As a therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe and inclusive space where you can express yourself authentically, feel understood, and be heard. Additionally, I believe you are the expert on your life, and we will work together to set realistic goals and learn the skills necessary to achieve them. It is also of great importance to me to remain culturally aware and humble, educating myself on the aspects of your diverse identity that I do not share. Finally, I seek to work from a trauma-informed lens, helping you heal from and understand your past experiences and grow further in your daily life, relationships, and friendships.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing cozy Nintendo games, baking gluten-free treats, and listening to music.
Please reach out if you believe I can be of service to you. I look forward to meeting you!
Dominick Vanlaningham
he\him\his
Abel/Sandoz Welcome Center
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
Hi! My name is Dominick Vanlaningham, and I am very excited to serve as one of the Counselors-in-Residence at UNL. I completed my undergraduate studies at UNL, majoring in Psychology with minors in Business as well as Philosophy. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy here at UNL.
I take a systemic approach to therapy and guidance, focusing on achieving goals collaboratively. My previous experience includes working with grief, supporting individuals with disabilities, and assisting adolescents in crisis. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation to aid in the process of change. While change can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dogs and family, tending to my garden, and exploring mountainous hiking trails across the country. These activities bring me joy and balance, allowing me to recharge and be fully present for my clients.
My primary goal as a counselor is to create a welcoming and safe space where clients can feel comfortable and supported. I strive to help others embrace their authentic selves and feel empowered throughout their therapeutic journey. I am committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, where every individual feels valued and heard.
I look forward to working with the students of UNL and supporting you through the year ahead. Let's embark on this journey of growth together!
About the Program
Since its launch in 2019, the program has seen increased use with more than 382 individual counseling sessions taking place in spring 2021. In addition to supporting residents, the counselors also provide consultation to resident assistants and residence directors.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Women Investing in Nebraska, the program expanded to three residential complexes in Fall 2020. The program operates in partnership with University Housing, the Marriage and Family Therapy program, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Student Advocacy and Support.