This does not mean that the original counselor is incompetent or trying to get rid of the client. It rather shows the counselor’s desire to have the best interest of his client in mind. Counselors should be familiar with community resources and person to whom clients can be referred. After several sessions, and the person is not being helped, it could be that referral in necessary:
- Severe financial needs.
- Medical or legal advice.
- Severely depressed or suicidal.
- Demonstrations of aggressive behavior in the client.
- Severe emotional disturbance.
- Stirring feelings of dislike or sexual desires in the counselor.
Referrals include private practitioners such as physicians, lawyers, psychiatrists, community agencies in the government, or AA.