Myth: Only crazy people go for counseling.
This is probably the greatest myth. Students (all people, for that matter) seek counseling for a variety of reasons. These can range from the specific - such as test preparation, stress management, relationship or roommate conflicts - to more general problems, such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, there is a stigma in our society that says seeking help for our problems means there's something wrong with us. While most of us don't think twice about going to see a doctor for a bad cough or a broken bone, we often are much less willing to seek help if experiencing emotional distress. Remember though, mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, it plays an essential part in maintaining our physical well-being.
Question: "Will people find out what I tell you? Will you have to tell my parents what I say?"
Everything you tell a counselor is confidential. We will never talk to anyone - your family, friends, or school administration - about anything you tell us unless you want us to. The only time a counselor will ever break confidentiality is if he or she feels that there is a threat of physical harm to you or another person. That's the only time. So, you can relax about that - and think of what a relief it is to be able to talk to someone about anything you want in complete confidence.
Myth: Counseling is a process that is done to you. - Some people go to counseling and expect the counselor to give them all the answers. This is not how it really works. The counseling process is a collaborative effort between you and a counselor. We're talking teamwork here. While we do have experience and information to offer regarding a wide variety of concerns, you are the expert on yourself and your life, not the counselor. The counselor's role is not that of parent, or expert, or magician, but rather that of a supportive, non judgemental, helpful listener and guide. Also, many times there is a significant part of the counseling process that is done outside the actual counseling hour. Yes, that means that the counselor may give homework assignments! (Don't worry, you won't be graded on them.) These are activities and exercises meant to help you expand your self-awareness and/or practice new behaviors.
Question: What can I expect to gain from counseling? - This is different for each person. It depends upon what you're expecting or needing from the process and how much you're willing to put into it. While examining our thoughts and feelings is not always easy, the rewards can be great. For many students, this means gaining a greater understanding and awareness of themselves; for some, it is a greater degree of control and direction; for others, it is the resolution of a problem. For most, it is a combination of all these things - plus a feeling of enhanced self-esteem and confidence. One thing to remember, however, is that this usually doesn't happen in one or two meetings. Although counseling is a time to gain greater self-awareness, sometimes an actual changes (or changes) may not be apparent for weeks, months, or even years. Development is a life-long process and counseling is only a brief instrument to assist and enhance you in your own development.
Myth: I went to counseling once and it didn't help, so why bother?
No two counselors are exactly alike, nor do all counselors work the same way. One counselor's approach or personality may not be the right fit for you, but like any relationship, sometimes you hit it off and sometimes you don't. So if you'vehad one negative counseling experience, we encourage you to keep an open mind. Also, different places have different approaches to counseling. At West Street House we use a holistic approach. This means a student's concern is approached from the many different facets of a person's life: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual/meaning, social, and occupational. Each of these six facets is represented by one side of the hexagram in the Student Development and Counseling Center symbol. (Check it out on the outside of our house, 157 West Street.) While it is often useful to look at these areas as distinct from one another, they are so closely interrelated that they affect and blend into one another. This is represented by the circle in the SDCC symbol.
Question: How long would the counseling process take? At West Street House we use a short-term model of counseling, although the length of time does vary. Although the majority of students come for a brief time, anywhere from four to six meeting, some come longer. And once a student ends counseling, he or she can return at any time to meet with a counselor again or just to say hi. (Oh, and by the way, all services are free to WPI students.) If you have any other questions about us or counseling itself, please call West Street House at 831-5540.