Referring Students To Counselling

When To Refer A Student To Counselling

When someone talks to you about psychological issues and:

• you know you don't have the resources to deal with it - skill, time, …
• your gut feeling is "this is too much"
• you are feeling manipulated by the situation or uncomfortable
• you think the person could be suicidal
• it's not related to you, your role at work or the course work.

When someone seems to be having a difficult time, such as:

• struggling financially
• needing accommodation
• floundering
• feeling stuck in a situation they can't seem to get out of by themself - e.g. harassed
• an issue seriously affecting their day to day life - eg. anxiety or depression
• feeling overwhelmed by demands on them - eg. juggling school and home responsibilities
• trying to make an important decision
• conflict with someone.

How To Be An ACE Referrer

A:   Acknowledge the student's distress
C:   Counselling information
E:   Encourage them to pursue counselling

Example:

A:   I hear your distress about what's happening at home.

That's a lot to deal with.

C:   I am wondering if it might be helpful to talk this through with a counsellor here?

The University has a counselling service which is free and confidential.

E:   If the person seems open to hearing more about counselling:

Most people who go to see them say that it has been helpful. They can give you the time and expert attention that you deserve. Would you like me to give them a call and see if they're around at the moment, or give you their number to call?

To view our confidentiality statement click here.