Please refer directly to Counselling Services when a student:

General:

• Has academic difficulties which require individualized assessment and monitored support, including learning assessments, study techniques, time or stress management, life skills and balancing roles
• Indicates that personal difficulties are affecting academic progress, including relationship issues, financial hardship, loss and grief, homesickness or a need for professional advocacy and community contacts
• Requires facilitation or mediation skills to assist with conflict, including partners, family members, roommates, classmates, employees
• Is experiencing discomfort due to others' treatment - describes differential treatment by others because of assumptions about personality, individual style or lifestyle
• Exhibits signs of emotionality or high anxiety

• When a student states a need for help
• Student may indicate need for assistance directly or indirectly. For this reason it is important to pay particular attention to verbal and non-verbal cues (understand intentions and feeling underlying messages, tone, expressions and gestures etc.)
• References to suicide (any reference to committing suicide should be considered serious)
• Change in mood or behaviours - actions that are inconsistent with an individual's normal behaviour may indicate psychological distress
• Anxiety and depression - these are two symptoms that may result in significant problems for students.
• Students with symptoms such as tension-induced headaches, nausea or other physical pains which have no apparent organic cause may be experiencing psychosomatic symptoms. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, etc.
• Traumatic changes in personal relationships - personal problems such as a death in the family, loss of a friend, difficulties in marriage or family relations or changes in family responsibilities can result in increased stress and psycho-emotional difficulties
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Learning problems - some students may find the demands of college level academic work greater than anticipated.

A referral is usually indicated if:

• you do not feel your contact with the student has been effective
• a student presenting issues or requesting information outside of your range of knowledge
• you feel that personality differences may interfere with helping the student
• the problem is personal and you know the student in another capacity
• a student is reluctant to discuss their problem with you

How to Refer?

When you determine a student may benefit from professional counselling it is generally recommended that you speak to the student in a direct fashion that will demonstrate your concern for his/her well being. Be specific about the student’s behaviors that are causing you concern and avoid generalized statements about the individual. Let the student know that your recommendations are based on your best judgment of your observation of the student’s behavior. Except in emergency situations, students must have the option to accept or refuse counseling. If the student is reluctant or skeptical simply express your acceptance of those feelings to preserve your relationship with the student. Give the student an opportunity to consider other alternatives by suggesting he/she may want to think about the suggestion. If the student definitely states “no” that decision should be respected and leave the situation open for possible re-evaluation.

If the student agrees to the referral, the student may call or come to the Counseling office to a drop-in session. You may want to assist the student in making the appointment by having them call the office or walking down with him/her.  Contact Information

The student’s first contact with Counseling Services will generally be through a drop-in time or an initial intake interview in which the student and the counselor develop a plan to assist students in resolving their issues. Please contact us if you would like to refer a student or discuss an issue. All discussions are confidential.