An EAP Counsellor
Sharon Lascelles is a staff Counsellor with FIRSTASSIST SERVICES LIMITED
How long you have been counselling with background about why you got into it, your training and accreditation experiences
I started my counselling career in 2000 after moving from the advertising industry. My background is in humanistic counselling. I became a Counsellor because I believe that people can help themselves with most problems by learning to discover why they are like they are, and seeking change. Besides many other qualifications I hold a Masters in Humanistic Counselling with accreditation in process.
How and why you got into EAP Counselling and where you operate from
I choose to work in an EAP environment because of the wide array of personal, family, and work-related issues I would be presented with, therefore, improving my clinical and case management skills. A large part of my work is to assess client’s needs and jointly set goals to establish a strategy in how to meet the goals by providing short-term counselling to facilitate their attainment of goals. In addition, I have a comprehensive knowledge of community resources which helps to ensure success in my role. I work shifts to cover a 24hr rota.
Why is it different
EAP work is different because it provides immediate access to experienced counsellors over the telephone which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers an opportunity to talk in confidence from work or home anonymously if desired.
The challenges of short term work
There are situations and experiences that might warrant a longer term therapeutic space or a different approach. For this reason we offer an initial assessment, to help decide what therapeutic interventions are needed. Instances like this we refer clients to community resources or other external resources as part of the established plan.
Why short term works
Short term counselling works in my opinion because having a time limit helps in the process of finding a way forward. My belief is that working in this focussed way is helpful in nearly all cases of distress.
Case management and why this helps me
Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet my clients health needs, by working in this way it keeps me focused on helping my client to reach their goals. I focus on empowering my client by ensuring that they are involved in all aspect of the planning and service arrangement in a dynamic way. With any client I start with the end in mind and try to reinforce that as we work together.
Typical work related issues and resolution and how this helps the organisation
Some of the work related issues I deal with are conflict, bullying, and increased workload. Unhappiness is contagious! One stressed or anxious employee can cause unrest throughout the workforce. By offering 24x7 telephone base support service this can help reduce employee absence and contribute to effective attendance, improve productivity and staff morale. As an employer this demonstrates to employees that they care for their wellbeing at home and work. It also puts employers in the forefront of best practice.
Typical home related issues and resolutions
A client can experience excessive pressure and demands outside work just as much as they can at work. Some of the home related issues I deal with are relationship breakdown, change in financial state, or debt or money worries, family arguments and lack of a good support networks. It is difficult to control outside stressors, but what is needed is to take a holistic approach to client well-being. To manage work related stress effectively, it is vital to recognise the importance and interaction of work and home problems.
Any trends you are seeing
I have seen a growing increase in clients struggling to balance job concerns due to the current financial climate. Intolerable office hours and excessive work demands have triggered cases of anxiety, depression and stress related calls. There has also been an increase in requests for financial planning and money management support. In these recession-led times, the temptation is to take a hard-line approach which I feel is counter-productive in the long-term.
Differences between EAP providers
From what I have seen there are no real differences in the way EAP work. In my experience what is important is not to suppose that one approach fits all requirements. EAP can offer a range of services so whether you're looking for a fully-managed EAP or one of the specialist services such as Critical Incident Support or Stress Management, a solution can be developed to meet the needs of the any organisation. In my opinion it is important to take a holistic view of an organisation, its values, culture, objectives and budget, with a tight focus on the positives.
Closing paragraph on how EAP counselling helps you
Working in a EAP has helped me to develop in a few areas. I have stronger clinical assessment skills of depression and anxiety which I see as an asset as is sensitivity to and an understanding of work-place issues. I have tightened up on my goal setting skills and case management abilities. I also now work in an integrative way, which enables me to combine aspects of different therapeutic models and techniques to provide a unique approach that is tailored to meet each particular clients needs.
