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Stay calm and express your
concern for the student
Listen carefully
Take the student seriously
Use supportive communication
Supportive Communication:
Do:
Be patient, give the student
the opportunity to talk
Let the student know you are
listening via your verbal and non-verbal responses
Set aside your biases
Be non-judgemental
Determine what the student
needs from you
Don't:
Minimize the student's
feelings
Express disapproval of the
student's thoughts or feelings
Ask "Why"
questions
Be defensive or personalize
what the student is saying
Be Aware of Your Own Limitations:
Consult with one of the
personal counsellors at SDC (519.661.3031) or SHS (519.661.3771)
Do not take on too much
responsibility
Do not deal with a crisis
alone
Do get other people involved
What to Say:
Make a
general statement such as: "You seem to be fairly upset about this and I
think that you could use some help in sorting out these issues. I am concerned
about you and I would like you to consider talking with one of the personal
counsellors at the Counselling Centre."
If the
referral is rejected, do not take it personally. Listen to the student's
concerns about seeking help. Normalize the referral process, making it clear
that your wanting the student to see a counsellor does not mean that you think
that there is something wrong with the student. Emphasize that the Western's
Counselling Services are free and easy to access, and that the student can check
it out to see if it is helpful. Keep the lines of communication open.
