Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP focuses primarily on improving the health and wellbeing of employees by ensuring they have access to counselling services when they’re needed, at no expense to the employee. 

One of the core features of EAP is short term, solution-focused counselling. The sessions are designed to be informal, friendly, and tailored to your specific needs. You can choose between face-to-face, telephone or video counselling, depending on your convenience. 

EAP clinicians are there to assist you in several ways:

• Clarifying problems
• Identifying problems
• Developing strategies to approach difficult issues constructively.

EAP also offer coaching and strategies to help you navigate your work and life journey more effectively. A typical program may include psychological assessments, mediation, critical incident response training and group interventions. These tools can be invaluable in managing stress, improving relationships, and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Most programs do not offer long-term counselling, however, can help direct you toward services designed to be long-term solutions.

Short answer, yes.
When it comes to utilising EAP, concerns about privacy and confidentiality often stand as a significant barrier. Conversations with EAP clinicians are kept strictly confidential, and the details of your sessions are not disclosed to anyone at your workplace without your written consent. Confidentiality limits are discussed to ensure you have awareness of the processes in place. Information may only be shared under specific circumstances, such as legal obligations or immediate risks to your safety or that of others.

A common concern is whether your employer will be informed about the reasons of your counselling or notified of using EAP services. The answer is no. When you receive counselling through an EAP, the issues discussed are never disclosed to your employer. This commitment to confidentiality is upheld by all EAP clinicians who adhere to strict professional code of ethics.

Participating in EAP services is entirely voluntary and confidential. Rest assured that accessing these services will not jeopardise your job security or future opportunities for career advancement.

EAP services are usually available to all employees. Some programs are extended to spouses, dependents and retirees.

EAP services are provided at no cost to employees and their eligible family members. Employers cover the costs as part of their employee benefits package.

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