In my opinion and to support James:
Counselling is not appropriate if the student is already in a system
of treatment. Referring the student to a counsellor does not address
the effects of disability on learning. The effects of mental health
difficulties on learning are not always obvious, just as the effects of
dyslexia aren't always obvious if the student happens to have
developed good compensatory strategies that have worked - so
far. It doesn't mean the student is achieving to their full potential, or
that these strategies will break down in future.
DSA is used to overcome the effects of disability, including the
effects of medication/treatment. If students with mental health
difficulties experience stamina, organisation and concentration
problems, careful assessment of study aids and strategies could
identify some solutions.
Some consideration of strategies aimed at supporting dyslexic
students, in particular with time management techniques,
structuring and organisation difficulties, key note skills etc can be
appropriate. If there's some improvement in the mental health of the
client as a result of improving self esteem etc then all well and
good. The student may be using counselling services also but I
think that should remain seperate to keep the service boundaries
clear (for both staff and the students involved).
Could it be appropriate to cost into the DSA support for the student
the cost of buying in regular 'supervision' for the mentor from a
trained counsellor. This is to offload and learn techniques
themselves for dealing with clients who want to test the boundaries
of professional relationships. The mentor themselves, while
possibly engaging counselling skills, should not undertake any
counselling with their client.
Similar issues came up when defining the role of the dyslexia tutor
as there were concerns that the support might offer additional
subject support that should come from the departments. Hence the
title 'non-subject based specialist tutorial support' came about,.
Maybe this could be adapted to 'non subject specialist mentoring
support'. The job description could include the requirement to
respect professional boundaries at all times, and both client and
worker could sign a code of practice to underline this requirement.
I think it's important that there's discussion about this. Mental health
is becoming more of an issue as awareness grows, and it has
been noted that mental ill-health or psychological disturbance is on
the increase (ie the HUCS report). It still seems that it is the last
taboo, even amongst disaiblity support services, and people can't
get their head around the role of disability support in improving
facilities and participation in HE for students with mental health
difficulties. So many students don't declare mental health problems
because of the fear of discrimination. If disability support services
can offer practical, clear, non-judgemental and confidential support
it might encourage more students to declare at enrolement.
Sorry if I've waffled on a bit.
Ian Francis
Date sent: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 17:27:45 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Re: where to draw the line
From: "J.D. Mclarty" <[log in to unmask]>
To: dis-forum maillist <[log in to unmask]>
Send reply to: [log in to unmask]
>
> In response to Bryan - I have one particular student in mind. I can't
> remember whether I stated the student's particular difficulties - anxiety
> and chronic depression - one effect of his depression (I think perhaps
> depression generally but I'm not an expert) is an inability to actually
> quote get started unquote. This is the difficulty we primarily need to
> overcome. We do have the funding via the student's DSA, but I need (a) to
> give possible assistants a clear job description (because this particular
> student is very manipulative and they need to know what they can say no
> to) and (b) be clear in my own mind that the funds are being used rightly,
> i.e. to overcome the effects of the student's disability, and not to
> subsidise College teaching!
>
> I don't know if this makes the problem any clearer... thanks for
> respondng...
>
> Jane McLarty
> Adviser for students and staff with a disability
> University of Cambridge
> Bridget's, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QF
> Tel: 01223 332301
> Fax: 01223 461324
>
>
Ian Francis
Disability Co-ordinator
Queen Mary and Westfield College
Counselling and Welfare Service
London E1 4NS UK
Tel +44 (0)171 775 3132 Fax +44 (0)171 415 3617
http://www.admin.qmw.ac.uk/welfare
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