Counseling
Services
Counseling Center
We provide free, confidential counseling for currently enrolled students, including individual, group, couples, and premarital sessions. Our services focus on short-term, goal-oriented care for needs like anxiety, depression, bereavement, and relationship issues. We also offer referral assistance for long-term care and medication management.
Mission Statement
The HPU Counseling Center provides professional counseling services dedicated to supporting our students and aligning with our university’s core values.
Service
Our counselors offer the following services to HPU students, faculty, staff and their dependents:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Couples/family counseling
- Personal-social adjustment counseling
- Interpersonal relationships counseling
- Premarital counseling
Our Counselors
Sheila Senkirik
LPC Associate (Supervised by Athena Bean)
In-Person
As an HPU alumni, she is thrilled to be back on campus and the opportunity to get to know our students and help them navigate this part of their journey in life.
Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and collaborative with evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Sheila hopes to use her life experiences to help our students navigate stress, establish a safe, confidential environment, focusing on holistic growth, and help them manage the complex demands they face.
Sheila is the wife of a career military veteran, and they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. They have two adult children who are both married and have blessed them with 5 beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys spending family time on their farm raising livestock, attending stock shows, traveling, and watching their grandchildren play soccer.
Amanda Stuard
LPC Associate (Supervised by Ciera Ray)
Virtual
Amanda Stuard, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Jenny Waldrop, LPC-S
Amanda Stuard is an LPC‑Associate and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, a CACREP‑accredited program. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree from HPU in 2007. Amanda did her counseling internship hours at HPU in person and currently offers telehealth appointments.
Amanda primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, incorporating Narrative Therapy and Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy. She takes a holistic approach that considers the connection of mind, body, and spirit.
Her experience includes supporting clients through stress and anxiety, life transitions, relationship and family dynamics, and the everyday struggles that can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. She is passionate about helping individuals in various seasons of life build emotional resilience, deepen self‑understanding, and move toward peace and purpose.
She also offers counseling at The Gathering Place in Stephenville. Before entering the counseling field, Amanda served for several years in a local church outreach ministry, an experience that shaped her heart for walking alongside others in hard times.
Outside the counseling room, Amanda enjoys life with her husband and their four children. She spends her time caring for her family, supporting her husband in youth ministry, connecting with close friends, and enjoying the outdoors.
Location
The counseling office is in Health Services outside Jennings Hall (from Muse Plaza, it’s on the right, if facing the Mabee Center).
Use Campus Map to guide you
Muse Plaza and Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jennings Hall (Men’s Residence Hall) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Hours of Operation
By Appointment.
Emergency Numbers
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1
- HPU DPS – 325-647-0940 cell (call or text) & 325-649-8609 (Office)
- Office of Student Life – 325-649-8017
- University Nurse – 325-649-8601
- 24-Hour Crisis Line (Toll Free) 1-800-458-7788
- Brownwood Police – 325-646-2525
- Brownwood Fire – 325-646-1511
- Brownwood Regional Medical Center – 325-646-8541
De-Stress Events
University wellness events aimed at promoting mental well-being, stress reduction, and community engagement among students and staff.
- BSM hosts Free Lunch every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters
- Jacket Closet
- Jacket Food & Essentials
- Pancake Supper – held the Monday night the week of finals at 9 p.m.
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- National Mental Health Day – October 10, 2026
Counseling Center FAQ
First, decide if seeing the counselor in person on campus is best for you, or if you prefer to meet a counselor virtually. Then click on the booking link under the in-person counselor or virtual counselor to schedule an appointment. If you do not find a time that works with your schedule, email or call to coordinate an agreeable time.
Your first session involves getting to know you and discussing your goals. While some issues may be addressed immediately, counseling is often a process that requires follow-up sessions for long-term solutions.
The primary barrier is often the stigma. However, we offer support for a wide range of issues beyond mental health, including academic pressure, career planning, and financial guidance. Reaching out is proactive and shows initiative and strength.
Your main responsibilities are to attend your scheduled sessions (or provide notice to cancel/reschedule) and to engage with openness and honesty to ensure the best results.
It helps you learn healthy coping skills, time management, and better communication. These tools reduce stress and anxiety, helping you build better relationships, achieve your goals, and grow personally.
Counseling is free for students currently enrolled at Howard Payne University.