Transcript Faculty and Staff as Helping Resources

Faculty and Staff
as a Helping Resource
Presented by:
Barbara Byers, M.S., CCAC, LPC
Director of Counseling
Shepherd University
We
Remember
Today’s Students
(National College Health Assessment,
2007)
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The number of students entering
college with a prior psychiatric history
or a documented disability continues
to increase.
Many chronic psychiatric disorders
present for the first time in late
adolescence or early adulthood.
Suicide Statistics
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Nearly 1,100 suicides are projected to occur on
college campuses this year.
80% of college student suicides were never clients
of the college counseling center.
Suicide is the second leading killer in the college
population.
One in 12 US college students will make a suicide
plan.
About 12 young people aged 15-24 will commit
suicide today.
- The Jed Foundation
What Can Make This a
Difficult Time?
Lack adequate coping skills
Alienation
Age of onset of mental illness
Social pressures and experimentation
Finances
Difficulties adjusting
Substance Abuse
Family history of mental illness
New and unfamiliar environment
Feeling lonely
Feelings of failure or decreased performance
Failed relationships
Isolation
Grief and Loss
Learning to balance family and school
Recognizing Students in
Distress
Stress is a natural part of life and a common
occurrence in the life of a college student.
While many students are able to cope
successfully with the many facets of college
life, others become overwhelmed, anxious,
depressed, or turn to alcohol and other
drugs.
Often the emotional and behavioral
consequences are played out in the
classroom, residence halls, or campus
offices.
Faculty and Staff as
Helping Resources
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Faculty and Staff are in a good
position to recognize students who are
in distress
We often see situations that concern
us, but we don’t know what to do. We
struggle with issues related to
“supporting” students. What is
appropriate? What is too much of not
enough?
It is important to refer a
student to Counseling
Services for Early
Intervention
We hope that this presentation will
provide information to enable you to
better assist these students
If you notice changes in
behavior or appearance
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A student is depressed
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A student is unable to control emotions and/or behavior
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A student’s weight and/or eating behavior is of concern
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A student comes to class intoxicated or hung over
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A student appears to be in an abusive relationship
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A student is having difficulty grieving a loss
Whenever you are concerned about a student, even
if the problem is unclear … REFER
Cognitive/Mental Warning
Signs:
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Decreased concentration
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Sudden change in class performance
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Increased disorganization
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Hyperactivity or tangential speech
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Says things that disturb you
Administration
Creating a Safety Net
Hospitals
Family
Friends
Student Affairs
Inpatient Programs
Community Agencies
Academic Program
Residential Life
Private Referrals
Substance Abuse Tx
Campus Safety
Student Services
Law Enforcement
Religious Organization
Student Counseling
How to Talk to Students
About Your Concerns (non-emergency)
Privacy – Talk in private when you and the
student have time and are not preoccupied.
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Honesty – Be frank about your concerns,
sharing what you observe without judging.
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Limits – Be clear about the limits of your
ability to help. It is not your role or
responsibility to counsel students, but you can
help them get the support that they need.
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How to Talk to Students
About Your Concerns (continued)
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Suggest that a student seek help instead of telling or
ordering them to.
Inform the student of our counseling services and tell
them that students visit Shepherd’s Counseling Center for
a variety of reasons.
Timing – If a student is receptive to seeing a counselor
provide them with our phone number: 304-876-5161,
offer them access to your phone so they can make an
appointment, or accompany them to our Counseling
Center.
How to Talk to Students
About Your Concerns (continued)
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“Sounds like you are really struggling with________”
Many people find it helpful to talk with someone
in confidence who is outside of the situation.”
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“I want to help you get the help you need and deserve”
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“Give the Counseling Center a try. You have nothing to lose.”
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“Meeting with a counselor is confidential and will not go on your
academic record.”
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“These are services your tuition pays for; take advantage of
them.”
Tips for Professors:
Prevention
Model and expect students to utilize good stress
management skills ( adequate sleep, eating healthy etc).
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Offer “stress-buster mini-workshops” during high stress
times of the semester. We are is glad to come to your
classes or arrange one for your department.
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Phrase feedback positively whenever possible.
Understand that some students lack basic “life skills”
and have delayed development in many areas.
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Tips for Professors:
Prevention
Refer students for time management and study skills
workshops.
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Check in with your students regularly and create a
climate where it is safe for students to come to you if
they are getting “overwhelmed” in class.
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Encourage use of office hours and tutor sessions.
Consult with a counselor as needed for feedback- we
are here to support you and the student!
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Tips for Professors:
Prevention
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Create opportunities for “connections” in your classroom
and work to engage the withdrawn or socially isolated
student.
Encourage involvement in student events and campus
organizations.
Consider adding a class service opportunity as a
requirement or for extra credit to further build
community/connections.
Encourage students with disabilities to self-identify and
utilize accommodations.
Emergency Warning Signs:
Suicide Risk Imminent
(ulifeline.com)
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Plan
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Means for completion
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Premeditation leads to CALM
*** Call 911 ***
Tips for Professors:
Possible Emergencies
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We recommend that you refer behavioral concerns to
the Dean or Asst. Dean of Students or call a
counselor for advice. A counselor is always on call
and available by phone via the Health Center or
Campus Police.
If you ever feel unsafe or are unsure of how to
respond, Call Campus Police. They will contact
someone from the counseling center if they
determine it necessary to consult or have someone
present.
Students may also be referred to the Crisis Team.
Crisis Team
This is a team that meets weekly to
present students or situations of
concern and plan a course of action to
support the student or de-escalate a
potential crisis.
Members: Dean, Asst. Dean, RLO,
Police, Health Center, Counseling
After Hours Emergencies
Call 911
Campus Police monitor all calls and will respond.
ACA Counseling Profession
Governing Code
B.1.c. Respect for Confidentiality
Counselors do not share confidential
information without client consent or
without sound legal or ethical justification.
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Danger to self or identified others
Court orders
Mandated reporting
Disclosures are limited to essential information
ACA Counseling Profession
Governing Code (continuation)
A.11.b. Inability to Assist Clients
If counselors determine an inability to be of
professional assistance to clients, they avoid
entering or continuing counseling relationships.
Counselors are knowledgeable about culturally
and clinically appropriate referral resources and
suggest these alternatives. If clients decline the
suggested referrals, counselors should
discontinue the relationship.
SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY
COUNSELING SERVICES
Gardiner Hall, Ground Floor
(access through the Health Center)
Barbara Byers: (304) 876-5276
Rhonda Jackson: (304) 876-5681
For an Appt. Call (304) 876-5161