When to suggest counselling
Suggesting that a person you are concerned about contact the University Counselling Service may well be helpful in the following situations:
- When a person is experiencing difficulties that you feel are beyond your capacity to help at this moment in time. This might be because you are having difficulties with a similar problem and/or feel that to get involved could be asking too much of yourself.
- When you feel that personality differences that cannot be resolved between you and the person are getting in the way.
- When the problem is such that deeper discussion will affect the professional relationship you have with the person.
- When you have contact with the person outside the professional area, for example as a friend, neighbour or relative and when this might impair the kind of help you can give.
- When you cannot make the necessary time available in order to help.
- When you have reason to believe your help has not been effective.
- When the person is reluctant to discuss a problem with you for some reason.
If you believe that a student or member of staff might benefit from professional counselling, it is best to be honest about your reasons and express your concern about his or her welfare. However, the option must be left for the person himself or herself to accept or refuse counselling, which cannot be effective without readiness or motivation on the part of the client. If the person is sceptical or reluctant for whatever reason, express your acceptance of these feelings so that your own relationship with him or her is not jeopardised. They may just need more time to think it over. A refusal to seek professional help does not mean that you must therefore be prepared to act as a substitute or provide help on demand.
It is always preferable for clients to make their own appointments with the Service in order to ensure a degree of personal responsibility and motivation. The option of discussing your concerns with a counsellor is available to anyone who feels that a student or member of staff is in need of professional help but is reluctant to seek it.