Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do you accept appointments over the internet?
    No, since scheduling is a two-way process involving the counselor's availability and the student's schedule, appointments are made only in person at 157 West Street or by telephone (ext. 5540).
  2. Regarding confidentiality...
    1. What do you mean when you say that "Services are confidential"?
      This means that we do not disclose any information about you to anyone outside of our Center (including parents, professors, WPI staff, your friends, etc.) except under the specific circumstances required by law, which are outlined on the Informed Consent for Individual Counseling form which students read and sign before the counseling process begins.
    2. What are files?
      Files are simple notes kept by a counselor to keep track of what was discussed during a session.
    3. Where are the files kept?
      Files are kept in locked file cabinets in West Street House.
    4. Am I given a "diagnosis" which will follow me for life?
      NO! Here at the counseling center we do NOT diagnose.
    5. Can a future employer obtain my file?
      Only with your written permission, and even then only a brief oral summary presented by a SDCC counselor will be shared with the employer, and only in person.
  3. Regarding the counseling process....
    1. Do I have to go through a lengthy intake process?
      NO, a very simple and short intake form is filled out.
    2. Am I going to have to talk at length about my past?
      No, but in some circumstances you may find it useful to talk about things such as family history.
    3. Do I have to be crazy or have a "serious" problem before coming down to West Street House?
      No, you don't! In fact, it is much preferred that you come down before a problem has reached the stage of being "serious" so that your situation may improve more quickly. Some reasons people use our services include that they are:
      • "spinning too many plates" - feel overwhelmed with what they're doing
      • having a hard time getting along with a roommate
      • experiencing stress regarding a relationship
      • feeling lonely and out of place
      • feeling confused about how to study
      • wondering if their major is right for them
      • having difficulty with alcohol, other drugs, gambling, or food
      • having difficulty getting along with family members
      • trying to deal with a loss
      .....basically, if it bothers you, come see us.
    4. Can I simply "consult" with the counselors if I have a concern or question?
      Yes, you can. A "consult" with a counselor is when you want to ask a question or share your concern about another person or persons. If the consult does move into the realm of counseling, however, the counselor will indicate this and ask you to fill out the brief intake sheet before the conversation resumes.
  4. What else does the West Street House staff do?
    In addition to individual and group counseling, we conduct training for groups such as Residental Advisors and Orientation Leaders, serve on various campus committees, present programs throughout the year on various topics, write articles for the school newspaper, assist the Leadership program, do crisis intervention, and make referrals.
    1. How do I find out more information about academic success?
      The Student Development and Counseling Center works with students to help them improve motivation, overcome procrastination, improve time management, overcome test anxiety, and enhance academic skills such as note taking, concentration, memory, and test taking. Students with academic concerns should also visit the Academic Resources Center which specializes in assisting students in their academic success.
    2. Do you do career counseling?
      We do counseling to help you assess yourself with regard to such attributes as values, strengths, and goals in order to help you explore whether you and your major are a good fit. The Career Development Center can assist students in exploring careers by providing resources, counseling, and networking with alumni.
    3. Do you administer tests?
      When applicable we may administer any of the following inventories as part of the counseling process:
      • 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire
      • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
      • Strong Interest Inventory
      • Beck Depression Inventory
      • Campbell Interest and Skills Survey
      • Burns Anxiety Inventory
    4. How do I refer someone whom I have concerns about?
      If you feel it is an emergency, call us immediately and we will try to contact the person you are concerned about. If it is not an emergency, feel free to call ext. 5540 or come in to consult with us about how to encourage a person to come to the Student Development and Counseling Center.
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Last modified: March 04, 2008 16:38:07