Resources for Parents

CAPS and role of Parents

If you notice some of the symptoms mentioned in the ‘My Mental Health Toolkit’ section in your child, here are a few ways by which you can help them and provide them with the support they need to go to therapy.

As a parent, it tends to be painful to realize that your child is encountering challenges, especially if you are living away from them. It might seem that you are completely helpless, however, you can still offer indispensable support even from a distance and play a vital role in the well-being of your child.

• You need to understand that seeking therapy is not something unusual. In fact a lot of students see a counselor on a weekly basis. Seeking help is a sign of strength and resilience which will help overcome many problems your child might be facing.

• If you notice that your child might be needing therapy, you can talk about the resources accessible with them and urge them to contact the support services at CAPS. Please see the ‘Resources for Seeking Help’ section for further details.

• Once therapy starts, you need to be as reassuring and supportive to your child as possible and help them to view this process through a positive lens.

• While you might be rightly concerned about your child, however, please refrain from asking your child or the university about the conversations that occur during therapy sessions since they are highly confidential and cannot be disclosed to you.

The university plans to give a fully supportive and inclusive environment for its students, however, it can never replace the fundamental role of a family. Your knowledge and encouragement of counseling can be an important step for your child in getting the help they need.