When Is It Time To Refer Someone For Professional Counselling?

• When the amount and quality of time spent with someone is blurring other boundaries of the relationship, obscuring objectivity

• When it is not possible to maintain confidentiality or to foster honest disclosure due to a prior existing relationship (ex: helper also has supervisory, mentorship or disciplinary role)

• When more than a few helping “sessions” have been provided and there seems to be no progress

• When the helper lacks appropriate time, training and/or supervision to deal effectively with presenting issues and to cope personally with the emotional and spiritual demands of helping

• When the helper feels frustrated that advice is not heeded, or that simple solutions are not implemented, and blame and judgment replace a sense of compassion about the person being helped
  

• PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION IS IMPERATIVE in cases involving allusions to harm oneself or others, potential abuse or neglect of a child, or domestic violence, as there are legal and other ramifications which may imply liability for the church in which a person is functioning as a helper. A knowledge of community resources and legal mandates for limiting confidentiality are also required to adequately assist someone in such a situation.