1. Responding to Distressed Students
University Counseling Center
Theresa Sharpe, PhD

2. Overview Coping with Difficult Students
Recognizing Distressed Students
Talking to a Distressed Student, Exploring Options, & Sharing Resources
Making a Referral to the UCC
When to Consult About a Distressed Student

3. Manipulative or Time Demanding Students
May be easily frustrated and impatient
Demand a lot of time and individual attention
Put you on a pedestal
May blame others for their problems
Critical of others who have let them down or not done enough for them
May call or you repeatedly
Often see thing as “all good” or “all bad”

4. Maintain Good Boundaries
Don’t let them guilt trip or flatter you into relaxing your boundaries
Don’t promise confidentiality
Remember it’s not your job to make them feel better or fix their problem
Say “No” to inappropriate requests
Set limits & appropriate boundaries
Be consistent
Don’t let them use you as their sole source of support – insist that others be consulted

5. Distressed Students College years can be stressful.
Emotional distress interferes with academic performance
You may be the first to recognize something is wrong.
You are in an excellent position to identify & respond to distressed students.

6. Possible Signs of Distress
Poor quality of work
Procrastination
Repeated requests for special consideration
Problems with attendance or tardiness
Fatigued, sleeping in class/SI session/ tutoring session
Disruptive behavior
Communicates problems in essays, s
Problems with peers

7. Physical Signs of Distress
Odd appearance or behavior
Emotional extremes
Depressed or anxious
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Unexplained crying
Irritability, angry outbursts
Dramatic weight change
Indecisive
Lethargic
Poor hygiene or dress
Speech/thoughts hard to follow
Other strange or bizarre behaviors

8. Consultation is Essential
When you’re concerned about something that you’ve observed/heard/read pertaining to a student, CONSULT with your supervisor!
If you’re in doubt about whether there is a problem or whether you should be concerned, CONSULT with your supervisor!
Don’t let the fear that a student may be upset with you stop you from consulting with your supervisor, the Dean, or the UCC.

9. If you’re concerned about a student……
Don’t delay. Talk to the student directly about your concerns & consult promptly with your supervisor.
Arrange to talk to the student in private
If you’re not comfortable meeting with the student alone, consult with your supervisor.
If you’re not sure how to initiate the conversation, call the UCC – we can coach you!

10. Describe Your Concerns
Examples: “I know you’re discouraged about failing the last exam but it sounds like you’re on the verge of giving up. Is that how you’re feeling?” “You were late today and and missed the last quiz and you seemed really distracted today. I’m concerned about you.”

11. Listen & Explore Options
If the student volunteers personal information related to what you have observed, listen carefully and try to see the issues from her/his point of view without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing.
Explore alternatives to deal with the problem.
DO NOT make promises of confidentiality.

12. Instill Hope Emphasize that things CAN get better.
Let them know that they DO have options
Your purpose is to give information and instill hope--not solve their problem.
Suggest resources:
friends, family, clergy, CASA, Health Center, Student Activities, Career Services, Rec Sports, Housing, Services for Students with Disabilities, University Police, Dean of Students.

13. Keep Communication Lines Open
If the student doesn’t volunteer any personal information or explanation for his/her recent distressed behavior, respect his/her privacy, don’t push, but do emphasize that you will be available in the future if (s)he ever does want to talk
If the student doesn’t want to talk but you are still concerned about them, talk to your supervisor.

14. When to Refer to the UCC Problem is beyond your expertise.
You have helped as much as you can and further assistance is needed.
You and/or the student are uncomfortable in dealing with the problem.
When you feel overwhelmed, confused, frightened, frustrated or manipulated by a student……..

15. Making a Referral Emphasize that help is available.
Reassure student that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage not weakness or failure.
Normalize help-seeking. “Hundreds of students use the Counseling Center every year.”
Remind them that counseling services are confidential & free
You can offer to walk with them to the Counseling Center or help them to call for an appointment

16. Threatening & Dangerous Behavior
If student’s behavior is threatening towards self or others, immediately contact University Police Department x4444.
If student makes you feel uneasy – don’t meet with the student in insolated place or alone. Consult with your supervisor promptly.

17. Counselor on Duty (COD)
COD is available during UCC regular business hours
Can consult with COD on the phone or in person
COD is also available to meet with students who are in crisis
Call 361/ and ask to talk to the counselor on duty.
After hours, if a student is in crisis or urgently needs to consult with a counselor, can call 361/ for assistance.

18. UCC Services Personal Counseling
Academic Success Skills Counseling (e.g., time management, study skills)
Group Counseling
Workshops/Seminars
Psychiatric
Assessment & Screenings
Anonymous on-line screenings for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, eating disorders

19. University Counseling Center 825-2703
Driftwood Bldg, next to Health Ctr
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Paperwork and Screening Procedure
After hours emergency number:

20. Other Key Contacts When You Are Concerned About A Student
I-CARE,
Dean of Students (Ann DeGaish) x2612
Judicial Affairs, Assistant Dean of Students x2967 (Angela Walker)
Students with Disabilities x5816
University Police x4444