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.