What if I refer a student but they do not want to seek counselling support?
Referring to counselling can be a delicate task. It is important to convey that you are not rejecting them after they have perhaps confided in you but rather you are keen to ensure they have the best possible support from an appropriately trained person. If counselling is presented as a positive option it may be easier to accept and pursue the referral. Although it may feel difficult, but, if a student does not wish to seek counselling, they can’t be forced to. This does not necessarily mean that you have to continue to hold and contain them. As adults, students can only be encouraged to maintain their well-being and supported so to do. Your task is to inform them of their options and to encourage them to seek the most appropriate help for themselves. The Couselling Service offers a range of resouces such as email counselling, self help tools, workshops, group counselling as well as face-to-face individual counselling – ensure your student knows the extent of what is available so that
