Referring to counselling

From time to time you may come across situations where you believe a student is experiencing difficulties and might benefit from counselling. Below is a summary of helpful hints that will assist you with the referral process. Often a little early help can avoid situations worsening and restore confidence.

   When might counselling be needed?

• Changes in mood and behaviour.
• Social withdrawal and isolation.
• Changes in work quality and/or consistency.
• Difficulty focusing on a specific topic in conversation.
• Difficulty focusing on a specific task.
• Disorganised/impaired thinking and/or speech.
• Intense emotional expression or lack of emotion.
• Expression of feelings of persecution and/or strong mistrust of others.
• Violent outbursts.
• Signs of excessive alcohol and/or drug use.
• Expressions of general unhappiness persisting over a period of weeks.
• References to suicide or irresponsible or self-destructive behaviours.
• Frequent class absence or "disappearance" over extended periods.
• Gain or loss of a significant amount of weight.
• Traumatic or unexpected changes in personal relationships
• Increasing dependence on you or others (for example, hanging around your office or after class).

You might also consider making a referral when:

• A student expresses a preference (directly or indirectly) to speak with someone else about his or her concerns.
• The problems or requests made are beyond your level of competence and/or comfort.
• There are personality differences that interfere with your ability to work with the student.
• You feel the issues a student brings up are too personal and/or go beyond the boundaries of your professional role.
• After some time and effort, at a very general level, you feel like you are not making progress in helping this student.