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Concerned family and friends

 

Family and friends will often be aware that a student is struggling and it is natural for them to want to be engaged in their process of getting back on track. They may want to be informed or share valuable information with those who are assisting the student. In this context, it is important to be aware of what is possible given the therapeutic and legal issues involved.

Many students prefer to keep their counselling completely private, and such privacy is typically important for successful counselling. The Counselling Centre staff adhere to the ethical standards of their respective professions and the legal requirements relating to privacy and confidentiality. These standards and laws prevent us from speaking with concerned family and friends about a student's contact with the Centre unless we have the student's written permission. Without that written permission, we cannot acknowledge whether the student has been seen at the Centre or is making progress in counselling. The only exceptions occur when

In the case where the student is clearly and imminently suicidal, next of kin may be informed, if possible, with or without the student’s consent.

However, even if the student doesn't give her or his counsellor permission to provide information to you, you may choose to contact a counsellor to share your concerns. Please note, however, that the counsellor will not be able to even acknowledge knowing the student, and that the counsellor may want to discuss any information you provide with the student.

That said, it is possible, with the student’s consent, and if it is appropriate, for concerned family members and friends to be part of the therapeutic process, and even to attend counselling sessions with the student, for example, to provide valuable feedback to the student or to deal with the relationship which may have been affected by the difficulties the student faces.

If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of the counselling process, you may ring the Centre and a counsellor will get back to you when they can.