INTERVENTION GUIDELINES Dealing with students who may express a problem, but are not disruptive in class:

1.A student may come to you with a problem or you may notice a problem from their behavior. If you notice a problem, but the student has not asked you for help, approach the student in writing or orally and suggest a meeting after class. If you would like a consultation regarding how to talk to the student prior to your meeting, contact the College Counseling & Resource Center, Counseling Services.

2.When you meet with the student indicate in a supportive manner that you have noticed that the student seems “troubled/upset”, “tuned out”.

3. If the student is willing to discuss his or her problems with you, listen attentively without making too many responses or suggestions. Discuss referring him or her to the College Counseling & Resource Center, Counseling Services.

4.If the student does not want to discuss any personal matters with you, gently indicate that counselors and psychologists are available in the College Counseling & Resource Center at no cost to the student. Give the student the location and phone number of the Center. You may want to offer to accompany the student to the Center if you are comfortable with this action and/or offer to call the Center to say that the student will be making an appointment.

5.Know Your Limits. You will be able to assist many distressed students on your own by simply listening and referring them for further help. Some students will, however, need much more than you can provide. Respect any feelings of discomfort you may have and focus on getting them the assistance they require. You can do this by reinforcing them for confiding in you, being accepting and nonjudgmental, and indicating that seeking professional help is a positive and responsible thing to do.

Some signs that you may have overextended yourself include:

• Feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by the situation
• Feeling angry at the student
• Feeling afraid
  
• Having thoughts of “adopting” or otherwise rescuing the student
• “Reliving” similar experiences of your own