Transcript How To Help A Distressed Student

PUTTING THE PIECES BACK
TOGETHER: HOW TO HELP A
DISTRESSED STUDENT
Gary Petiprin, Ph.D.
Counseling Center Director
Shawna Dellecave, M.A.
Case Manager
Defining the problem
Disruption
Distress
Threat
Response Process
Disruptive
Redirect
Distressed
Threatening
Counseling
Campus
Center
Security
Dean of
Students
Care Team
Care Team
 Purpose: identify students at emotional/
health risk; coordinate efforts to support
students; assess levels of potential threat
 Function: meet bi-weekly and identify plan
of action and monitor situation
 Process: any member of team may be
notified about student of concern;
communicates concern to other members
Care Team Members
 Leslie Maxie-Ashford
 Elizabeth Cassady
 Shawna Dellecave
 Gary Petiprin
 Alice Kimble
 Ronda Purdy
 Joseph Frye
 Jim Breslin
Signs that a student is distressed
 Emotional
 Reactions exaggerated or disproportionate
 Chronic sadness, anxiety, anger
 Cognitive
 Decline in focus or performance
 Bizarre or irrational thoughts
 Statements of aggression, hopelessness,
worthlessness
 Behavioral
 Sudden shift in behavior
 Poor hygiene/disheveled
 I solation/withdrawal
Examples
 Student writes about traumatic event in her past
 Student gets angry during discussion, yells, and
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storms out of class
Student begins crying while meeting with you
Midway through semester, student begins
looking tired in class, stops participating, and
Student writes reflection paper about feelings of
suicide
Others…
What not to do
 Ignore
 Minimize
 Try to fix
 Panic
 Make false promises
What to do
 Meet privately
 Express concern
 Remain calm & patient
 Use reflective listening
 Be empathic
 Instill hope but be realistic
 Connect to resources
Referral to Counseling Center
 Emotional issues are impacting functioning
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not going to class
harming relationships
not sleeping or eating well
problems with concentration
Issues are chronic (repetitive or prolonged)
Potential harm to self or others
In crisis
Needing or desiring confidentiality
Making a referral
 Ask about their openness to counseling
 Explore thoughts and attitudes about counseling
 Provide basic information and correct any misconceptions
 Confidentiality
 Fees
 Staff
Offer to call from your office (x8480)
Offer to escort to first visit
Follow up
Call us for guidance and visit our web site:
www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/counselingcenter
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Role Play…