Referral in Crisis CounselingReferral in Crisis Counseling
• General Considerations:
Referral is viewed as broadening and sharing
responsibility.
When to Refer…
• too complicated
• lack skills
• your help is no longer effective
• your reactions interfere with help
When to Refer…
• severe symptoms remain after 5 or 6 sessions
• help with long-term underlying pathology
• serious threat of violence or evidence of psychotic behavior
How to Refer: The Decision
• The decision is considered jointly, with prayer.
• Final responsibility remains with the hurting person whenever possible.
How to Refer: The Contact
• Generally by hurting person
• You can supply phone number(s)
• Advance phone call paves way
How to Refer: The Follow-up
• Don’t undercut the one referred to.
• Don’t continue counseling the person.
• Don’t interfere with the newly formed relationship.
How to Refer: Specific Procedures
• Referral can be a crisis in itself.
• Share compassionately why you are referring.
• Encourage client to share their reaction with you (“I can imagine this came as a surprise and you may feel that I am abandoning you.”)
Specific Procedures, cont.
• Review the client’s needs and the need for other sources to meet those needs.
• Be prepared for feelings of rejection, anger, or fear.
• Follow-up on the referral to see that the connection has been made
Implications & Responsibilities
• Put good of parishioner ahead of your own feelings.
• Know the available resources in your area.
• Know your limits and other commitments
• Referral is not abandonment
Implications & Responsibilities
• Referral does not release you from praying and general pastoral care for the person
• You can check on the person.
• Clarify how you can help in the future
• Remember that this is a loving act.