Overview of the Clinical Training Program: Wellesley College is a private liberal arts college for women located about 12 miles from downtown Boston on a beautiful 500-acre campus. Founded in 1870, Wellesley is considered one of the top private colleges in the country, and is a recognized leader in the education of women. Wellesley students come from all over the world, and represent a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. This rich diversity helps to create a vibrant, multicultural campus community.
The Counseling Service is committed to the promotion of student psychological growth. We approach this from a belief that one's development is influenced by both personal history and by the larger social environment. Through counseling work with students and collaboration with the larger college community, our goal is to foster a social and academic milieu that is enriching and supportive for students. The services provided include individual counseling, a wide range of groups and workshops, and training and consultation to students, staff and faculty. Counseling Services are made available to all students without charge. Special emphasis is placed on multicultural awareness and training by a staff that is diverse in race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. The Counseling Service is part of the Division of Student Life at Wellesley College.
The Stone Center is part of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) at Wellesley College. Work at the Stone Center historically focuses on the prevention of psychological problems, the enhancement of well-being, and the search for a comprehensive understanding of human development. Particular attention is paid to the experience of women, children and families across culturally diverse populations. The mission is carried out through development of theory, research, education, consultation, action programs and counseling. The work of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, a legacy project of WCW, is based on the relational-cultural model originally developed at the Stone Center. Professional training, publications and ongoing projects explore applications of relational approach and integrate research, psychological theory and social action.
The theoretical orientation of the Counseling Service is informed by the Relational/Cultural model, developed by Jean Baker Miller and her colleagues. This model focuses on growth-fostering relationships as a central human necessity and relational disconnections as a fundamental source of psychological problems. It further holds that human development and relationships are always constructed within a cultural context. Other theories are also drawn upon in the clinical work with students. The Counseling Service formulates an understanding of students' needs based on concepts of women's psychological development within a social/cultural framework. Empathy, mutuality, relational awareness and authenticity are seen as central elements in clinical practice.