Guidelines for Referral to Counselling Services
In the Selkirk community, students often receive assistance from other students, instructors, administrators and support staff. There are also times when it is helpful to refer a student to a counsellor. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide information about what is discussed in counselling, when to refer, and follow-up.
WHAT DO STUDENTS DISCUSS WITH COUNSELLORS?
In general, counselling helps people to explore and clarify their issues, and devise and implement plans to achieve their goals. Counsellors provide an atmosphere of safety and support, and the content of discussions is held in confidence. Services are completely confidential and available on a no-cost basis.
Specific areas in which counsellors assist students include:
Career and Educational Planning
- exploring interests, abilities, skills and values
- gathering employment information
- researching educational requirements and opportunities
- preparing for success at school
- setting goals and making decisions
Personal Counselling
- resolving problems and overcoming barriers
- coping with change and stress
- improving communication skills and enhancing self-confidence
- strengthening relationships
- accessing college and community services
WHEN TO REFER
Referral is recommended when a student has a problem which could benefit from assistance from a counsellor or other member of the Student Access & Support Department. For example:
- When a counsellor’s role and skills may assist in connecting with the person or problem. Some students are reluctant to discuss personal issues with instructors and administrators.
- When it appears that the student is having difficulties with his/her program which may have serious consequences. dicators may include missed classes, late and incomplete assignments, poor test results, and negative responses to classmates and instructors.
- When time is not available to provide the necessary assistance. This is especially important when the problem seems complex and is the result of several contributing factors.
HOW TO REFER
Counselling appointments are booked through the Student Services Secretary. Generally, appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes in length. Drop-in times may be available; check with the secretary or the counsellor.
The most important factor is that a referral be handled in ways appropriate to the needs of both the student and the referral source. With the student’s permission, you may want to consult with the counsellor to discuss the specifics of the situation, or you may wish to send a note to the counsellor about the referral.
If you are confident that the student will accept a direct referral, tell him/her how to make an appointment and what to expect.
If the student seems hesitant, you can offer to make the appointment and accompany him/her to do introductions and set the stage for the counselling session.
If the student refuses to be referred, you can explain your situation and refuse further assistance. This will be difficult for the person who wants to help; fortunately, it rarely happens. In some cases, a student may be motivated to talk to you, but not ready to take a look at her/his concerns in depth. You can refuse in a way that lets the student know that you will be glad to assist with a referral at a later date.
WHEN A STUDENT IS IN EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR CRISIS, EVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO SEE THAT STUDENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE STUDENT OR THE REFERRAL SOURCE INFORM THE RECEPTIONIST THAT THIS IS A CRISIS SITUATION. IN SUCH SITUATIONS, REGULARLY SCHEDULED SESSIONS CAN BE RESCHEDULED IN ORDER TO HELP THE STUDENT.
FOLLOW -UP
With the permission of the student, the counsellor may be free to discuss the results of counselling with the referral source. In many cases this is an appropriate and desirable part of the process. A more informal approach is for the referral source to ask the student directly about the outcomes of counselling.
COUNSELLORS
- Laurie Read, Counsellor - Castlegar Campus extension 414
- Tami O'Meara, Counsellor - Castlegar Campus extension 302
- Robin Higgins, Cousellor - Nelson Campus 250-352-6601
- Krista Batting, Secretary - Castlegar Campus extension 273
