After listening to your adult child’s thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, nonjudgmental way, you can instill hope by helping him/her to realize that there are options for help, and that things will not always appear so difficult. Tell him/her that you believe that using resources like counseling is a sign of strength and maturity, rather than a sign of weakness or failure. Give information about the counseling service and prepare him/her for what to expect. If a student is simply not ready to use professional counseling services, suggest other resources like Residence Life staff, chaplains, friends or other trusted adults as a first step in addressing concerns. You can always consult with a UCC professional about your specific concerns.