Approaches
The support provided by the social consultation is based on two complementary approaches:
- Counseling aims to help individuals understand their challenges, clarify their needs, and collaboratively develop solutions tailored to their situation.
- Coaching is based on inquiry and empowerment. It provides a structured framework for defining goals and then helps individuals overcome obstacles to put their decisions into practice.
Since every situation is unique, social consultation is tailored to your needs and can focus on various areas:
- Taking a step back and making decisions: analyzing a situation in its entirety and complexity, clarifying key points, comparing options, considering the consequences, and making informed decisions.
- Changing your perspective: Identify the underlying mechanisms of stress, rumination, or procrastination; adopt more constructive ways of interpreting a situation or a feeling; and reflect on the influence of your values and beliefs.
- Planning and taking action: identifying your strengths and resources, setting clear and realistic goals, building momentum for change, and discussing the conditions needed to maintain effective learning while preserving good mental health.
- Finding solutions: explore new strategies, build on what already works, and define concrete actions to implement (organization, well-being, schedule, studying, habits…).
Examples of resolved issues
Some students took the initiative and came to see us.
Scope
The Social consultation, which has been part of EPFL for many years, has in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by students and doctoral candidates, as well as the resources and support available both at EPFL and elsewhere. To provide the best possible support, the Social consultation:
- Shares best practices drawn from the experiences of students and PhD students as well as scientific literature (neuroscience, positive psychology) to offer concrete and tailored solutions.
- Facilitates coordination between EPFL’s various departments and external partners to more easily resolve complex situations.
- Helps identify resources and solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, whether regarding administrative procedures, social insurance, legal matters, specialized organizations, or various therapeutic and medical approaches.
Keys to success
The Social consultation provides resources to support you.
Peers in action
The Social consultation also offers training and group activities designed to strengthen each person’s personal resources.
The team
The team consists of experienced counselors specializing in mental health support, each bringing diverse backgrounds and international experience.
Their approach is primarily based on a humanistic perspective, which holds that everyone possesses the inner resources to overcome their challenges once they are identified. It also incorporates a systemic perspective, attentive to life context and interactions with the environment, as well as a cognitive and behavioral dimension that enables individuals to modify their thinking and develop new habits. The team also draws on recent advances in neuroscience and positive psychology to enrich its practice.
Damien – Fanny – Rodrigue
Damien
Before joining EPFL, I gained significant experience supporting young adults and students in Switzerland and abroad, driven by a passion for seeing them grow and develop.
In Switzerland, I primarily worked in the field of social and professional integration, particularly in the design and management of programs dedicated to young adults facing challenges. Internationally, I served as a project manager in the establishment of private universities in Senegal, before going on to lead one of them. I am also the author of two books: one on self-fulfillment in our complex and demanding societies, and the other on personalized support for vulnerable young adults.
Today, I wish to put my experience to work for EPFL students to support their academic success and personal development.
Areas of expertise: studying while dealing with health issues, coping with failure and career reorientation, making major decisions, relationship difficulties, study arrangements (for classes and exams), organizational challenges, and optimizing personal growth.
Fanny
I have over 20 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, including women who are victims of domestic violence and families in crisis, as well as in the fields of disability and psychiatry, and end-of-life care.
I lived for several years in Mexico and the United States, where I was involved in the academic community, taught hypnosis, practiced in private practice, and led personal development workshops within local communities.
Attentive listening is at the heart of my work. Curious and committed, I look forward to welcoming you and supporting you throughout your time at EPFL.
A quote that inspires me: “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale
Areas of expertise: stress and anxiety management, self-confidence, exam preparation, as well as dealing with demotivation, procrastination, and sleep-related issues.
Rodrigue
My experience working at various academic institutions in the United States has allowed me to support students from a wide range of backgrounds, often during times of transition or vulnerability.
In Lausanne, I have also supported apprentices and young people in vocational training who are facing academic, personal, or social challenges.
With solid experience in supporting neuroatypical students, particularly those with ADHD, I help them with planning, work organization, personal discipline, and establishing routines tailored to their needs.
Areas of expertise: stress management, study discipline and planning, learning strategies.
Partners
Learn about the internal and external partners at EPFL.