An employment assistance program (EAP) counselor is someone who helps people who are having work-related problems. Large corporations may have an EAP counselor on staff, and additional counselors may be hired to assist employees during stressful times, such as when they are completing major projects on time or adjusting to new management. Outside of the workplace, you may be able to see an EAP counselor through a community agency or program designed to help people while they work.
A typical EAP counselor has a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field, and many also have master’s degrees and relevant experience. Despite the fact that they work for businesses, the work they do is kept private. Only EAP counselors have access to records kept in their offices, and they do not report anything they hear unless an employee is believed to be in danger, in which case the counselor may be required to submit a report.
An EAP counselor can assist people with issues that are interfering with their work performance, even if they are unrelated to work. Stress, bereavement, substance abuse issues, conflicts with coworkers, divorces, transitioning to new departments or personnel, and depression are all common topics. People can get coping tools from the EAP counselor, as well as information about programs and services that may be beneficial. A referral to another person or agency may be offered if a program is beyond the scope of a counselor’s expertise.
An EAP counselor’s job entails a high level of confidentiality, and these professionals take the privacy and safety of employees who visit them very seriously. If an employee does not want to see an EAP counselor at work because it will draw attention to him or her, arrangements can be made for an after-hours visit or a meeting at a different location. Employees are not required to follow any of the counseling recommendations, nor are they required to report what happens in counseling to anyone.
Working with an EAP counselor can be very beneficial for some people. Having a sympathetic ear can assist people in processing and working through problems, and constructive advice can help them address specific issues. Employers use EAP counselors to manage situations while they are still minor, in order to avoid costly lost productivity and other issues that may arise if employees allow problems to fester. People in workplaces where counseling is not provided as a free service should inquire about counseling referral programs and services from agencies that assist with work-related issues.