Who Goes to the EAP for Help? Is the EAP for Me? What is Counseling Like?

What's New at EAP
Here are a couple of examples of employees and family members who came to the county EAP for help. Their names and key identifying information have been changed.

Maria dreaded going to work. Her co-worker was driving her crazy! Through counseling at EAP, she began to learn that while where was powerless to change her co-worker's personality, she had a lot more power than she was aware of to change how she reacted to her. She felt less victimized. Now Maria enjoys going to work.

Craig felt there was no peace anymore in his marriage. He and his wife argued constantly about stepchildren, discipline and money. He noticed he was increasingly distracted from his work. At EAP, they received information on blended families and brief couples counseling. They learned about community resources available to them They examined their expectations of each other and decided to go out one night a week together and to take a parenting class. Craig is now able to focus on his work.

Is EAP for Me?
You may have asked yourself whether the EAP could help you or your family. Like many people, you may believe that the EAP is only for other people and those who have serious psychological problems.

In fact, as you can see from the above examples, anyone can benefit from an opportunity to talk with a counselor about normal life problems in a confidential, professional setting.
Normal life problems affect everyone. Whether they are big or small, problems are a part of our lives. And we can usually handle them on our own.

But there are times when an outside resource can help you clarify your problems, develop a plan of action, and take positive steps toward a resolution you want.

What is Counseling Like?
Sometimes people avoid getting help because they're not sure what counseling is or what it offers.

When you see an EAP counselor, you will find yourself in a comfortable setting in a friendly atmosphere. You will meet with a professional counselor for up to five confidential sessions who will help you understand your problem. The two of you will develop a practical approach to resolving the problem.
In the process you will learn tools for handling future problems of your own.