What Should I Do For a Student Who Appears Troubled?
- Listen. Don't rush tofix, advise, correct, or disagree--just listen.
- Empathize. In other words, try to put yourself in their shoes.
- Normalize. Refer to the normal needs everyone has, during stressful times, to talk with someone he or she can trust.
Remember your role. Your job is to provide support and to make referrals when support isn't enough. Don't get involved beyond what seems comfortable or appropriate.
About Referring Someone to the Counseling Center
When you have determined that a student might benefit from professional counseling, it is usually best to speak directly to the student in a straightforward fashion that will show your concern for his or her welfare.
It is not advisable to attempt to deceive or trick the student into seeking counseling. Make it clear that this recommendation represents your best judgment based on your observations of the student's behavior. Be specific regarding the behaviors that have raised your concerns, and avoid making generalizations about the individual.
Except in emergencies, the option must be left open for the student to accept or refuse counseling. If the student is skeptical or reluctant for whatever reason, simply express your acceptance of those feelings so that your own relationship with the student is not jeopardized. Give the student an opportunity to consider other alternatives by suggesting that he or she might need some time to think it over. If the student emphatically says "no," then respect that decision, and again leave the situation open for possible reconsideration at a later time.
If the student agrees to the referral:
- the student may call or go to the Counseling Center to make an appointment.
- The student's first contact with the Center will typically be an intake interview in which the student and the intake counselor make decisions about the type of help needed. Intake appointments are usually scheduled within a week of the student's request to be seen at the Center.
- Students requiring immediate help because of psychological difficulties are seen the same day on an emergency basis.
- Finally, you may want to follow up with the student at a later date to show your continued interest even if he or she did not accept your attempted referral.