New contact point at D-ARCH: "The offer is deliberately low-threshold"
Alice Keller is responsible for Care & Conflict Management at the Department of Architecture. In the interview, she explains in which situations people can turn to her.
The ‘Care & Conflict Management’ position was newly created at the Department of Architecture. What exactly does this mean? What topics does the position cover?
Care is an umbrella term for assistance and support. I am happy to provide support in crisis situations and in cases of mental distress. Conflict management is also part of my responsibility. This covers various types of conflicts that can arise in everyday work and study life. Including those where there is a hierarchy gap, and it may be difficult for a person to express themselves. In such cases, I can offer a safe space to weigh up the options for action. If both parties wish, a moderated handling of the conflict in the form of mediation is possible. Coaching for managers and team development on psychological topics are also part of my expertise.
What is your general advice for people suffering from mental distress?
I think talking to a specialist can be supportive, because people tend to think narrowly when under stress. It can help to take an outside perspective and pause for a moment.
Who is the department's programme aimed at? How can people contact you?
The offer is for all members of the department, i.e. students, researchers, professors, technical and administrative staff or guests. I am available in my office in HIL E 64.2 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The easiest way to make an appointment is to send me an e-mail.
“Talking to a specialist can be supportive, because people tend to think narrowly when under stress.”Alice Keller
When should people turn to you? When is the right moment?
Ideally, you should seek help at an early stage. Whether you experience symptoms yourself or observe them in an employee as a superior. A mental health crisis can manifest itself both physically and mentally. For example, you can quickly become irritable or unable to sleep, suffer from a lack of joy, anxiety or negative thoughts. Everyone reacts individually.
What is a counselling session with you like?
The service is deliberately low-threshold. You can get to know me in an uncomplicated way at an initial appointment to find out whether the offer is right for you. The counselling sessions are confidential. I support you in recognizing blocking patterns and reviewing other options. A warm and trusting atmosphere is important to me, in which people meet as equals.
How will you develop the offer at the department?
The position should be tailored to the needs of the department. That's why I'm liaising with various groups in the department that interface with my work, for example the Parity and Diversity Commission or the OMG ‘On Mental Goodness’ group. The plan is to build up a network of first responders in order to anchor the programme more broadly.
“The counselling sessions are confidential.”Alice Keller
What experience do you have with psychological counselling and related topics? What is your background?
I studied psychology and trained in solution- and resource-oriented counselling, mediation and emergency psychology. I started my career in the field of health promotion. I then worked for many years as a police psychologist and covered a broad spectrum of counselling and interventions on various psychological topics. Later, as Head of Human Resources Development at Zurich Children's Hospital, I was responsible for conflict management and leadership development.
What other contact points does ETH Zurich offer?
There are various central contact points at the university. Some are aimed specifically at students, others are for professors in the area of leadership development. In the area of conflict, the Respect Office is aimed at all members of ETH Zurich. If you are unsure where to turn, I am happy to help you find the right offer.
Contact points and further information
Department of Architecture:
Care and Conflict Management
On Mental Goodness OMG
Code of Conduct
ETH Zurich:
Respect Office
Counselling for students
Support for employees
Overview by VSETH of contact points