Resources and Referrals

You’ve learned the importance of limit-setting.

Realizing when issues are too intense and professional help is needed.

Here are some ways you can ease the often-uncomfortable processof offering resources and referrals

  • Let them know how proud you are of them to reach out for help. That it takes a very smart, strong person to know they deserve to live their best life.
  • Don’t judge their crisis – listen to how they are experiencing it (loss of pet). Don’t laugh or make light of their issues
  • Don’t offer your solutions to their problems or offer referrals too quickly –

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care

  • Brainstorm ideas with them regarding what they can do
  • Create resiliency/not dependence
  • If offering solutions, make them part of solution

“How would you feel about……“Have you ever thought of…

“Why don’t we call that hotline and see what they have to say…we can call together if that will make it easier for you”

Referrals Process

  • Sometimes it helps to role play or write out script of what to say to a counselor/hotline
  • Make the call together
  • Go to the guidance center together

Follow-up – remember to touch base with them and ask them how the call went, or how the visit with the guidance counselor went. (Don’t press them for details if they don’t offer them).

Some Final Thoughts:

What if the person or even you had a bad experience in counseling?

Counselors, like in every profession – Some are great, some are good, some are not so good.

But think of it this way, if you went to a bad dentist, would you swear off all dentists forever?

The relationship with a counselor/therapist is just as if not more important than the treatment modality that is used.

Most important thing is to find someone you can connect with.

What if the person doesn’t want to go to see anyone or call a hotline?

Don’t get mad, always leave the door open and check in on them.

Sometimes even sending them a text letting them know that you’re thinking about them and if they ever change their mind to just reach out.

Finally – Remember – it is very honorable to maintain someone’s trust…except in 3 instances:

CONFIDENTIALITY MUST BE BROKEN IF

Someone tells you:

  1. They are going to hurt/kill themselves.
  2. They are going to hurt/kill others.
  3. You feel there is a suspicion of abuse.

YOU MUST INFORM AN ADULT/HOTLINE/PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY!