Understanding
Limitations
Practitioners
are compelled to be aware of their incompetence and personal limitations. As various clients and cases transpire, the
practitioner must be capable of assessing the circumstances, applying their
knowledge, realizing their inadequacies, and recognizing when a referral is
necessary or advantageous, given that the well being of the client remains the
focal point. From a personal aspect, two
situations which would require a referral are spousal abuse and drug or alcohol
addiction. If the client is being abused
by their spouse, their information may be reported to law enforcement, a
domestic violence support group, and possibly physical health care
providers. In a scenario in which the
client is abusing drugs or alcohol, they may be referred to Alcoholics or
Narcotics Anonymous and a drug treatment or rehabilitation facility. “The counseling process can be unpredictable
at times, and you may encounter situations in which the ethical path is to
refer your client” (Corey & Associates, 2011, p. 329). In effort to make a referral, the following
steps should be employed:
1.
When you have decided that a client might benefit from
additional services, tell them directly in a straightforward, matter-of-fact
manner.
2.
Make it clear that your recommendation represents your
concern and best judgment based on your observation of his or her behavior.
3.
Proceed with patience, except in emergencies. Leave the option open for the client to
accept or refuse your referral.
4.
If the client accepts the referral, pay attention to
any concerns or questions they may have about additional services.
5.
Suggest to the client that you are willing to give
referral information about the nature of the problem if he or she wishes.
6.
Call and notify the center that you have made a
referral and express your concern
(Psychological Counseling Center, 2011).
Listed below is a
likely referral scenario:
Rob is a
twenty-two year old student in the midst of his sophomore year of college. His academic advisor has been
assisting him as he progresses toward his junior year and is seeking
summer internships. However, his academic
performance has continuously declined since he joined a fraternity the previous fall. At their most recent session, Rob reluctantly
disclosed the fact that he was drinking more heavily and abusing prescription
medication. Hence, Rob will be referred
to the on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous support group, enrolled into the Student
Health Services program for students experiencing drug or alcohol abuse, and
placed on academic probation. These
services and conditions will be utilized in effort to assist him with his
alcohol and drug abuse, hinder him from being expelled, maintain his
internship eligibility, and revamp his academic proficiency.
References:
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., &
Callanan, P. (2011) Issues and ethics in the helping
professions
(8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Psychological Counseling Center,
(2011). Making Referrals. Retrieved from
http://www.brandeis.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/facstaff/makingreferrals.html.
http://www.brandeis.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/facstaff/makingreferrals.html.
