EAP Counselling

EAPs provide independent short term therapeutic support (between 4-6 sessions) to employees. 

Usually this is provided externally from the workplace, thereby ensuring employees can feel confident that their confidentiality is maintained. 

The types of issues employees typically bring to counselling include mental health, stress, depression, substance abuse, financial concerns, relationship and family matters, and workplace issues. Although 60% of the issues dealt with within EAPs are not work related, these programs are recognised as beneficial in building business efficiency. 

The goal of EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counselling is to provide employees with the support, tools and resources they need to improve their mental health and help maintain their work / life balance. 

This will also benefit the employer by creating a workforce with increased productivity, improved retention rates and “happier” or more satisfied employees. Not only can absenteeism be reduced but the level of distraction employees experience during paid work hours can also be decreased.  

The use of employment counselling services is becoming more widespread nationally. All Australian Government Departments, and most large organisations now provide EAP for their staff. Nationally there are now between 5 and 6 million employees who have access to such EAP services.

Employers contract with an EAP provider either by an Annualised Retainer (generally for larger organisations) or Fee for Service arrangement (meaning you only pay when the service is used). They then communicate that an EAP service is available to employees and provide easy to follow procedures for employees to access these services. Often this information can be distributed at the commencement of employment, but it’s also suggested that flyers be easily seen in the workplace for employees to obtain.  

Often if a workplace situation has arisen that is challenging for employees (eg. loss of a colleague, workplace restructure, etc), management should reiterate to all staff that EAP counselling support is available. Additionally, if a manager is aware of a personal situation an employee is struggling with, they can remind them that employment counselling services are available should they wish to take advantage of this. Employees should be made aware that it’s a FREE service to them, carried out by a professional therapist, and is confidential.

Employees do not need to advise their employer that they are participating in the EAP. During the initial phone call, the employee will be asked why they are seeking counselling, and a convenient time will be agreed on for the first counselling session (online or face to face). At the first session, further appointments can be made. 

Yes. Employment counselling services maintain the same privacy and confidentiality legal requirements as other allied health professionals. No personal details (including name or session content) are disclosed to employers or others. 

The Australian Counselling Association Code of Conduct, specifies the requirements for confidentiality and can be viewed HERE. During the initial counselling session, a Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement will be discussed and signed, and questions are welcomed.

If you’re an employer, please use the Enquiry Form to organise a call to discuss options for your organisation.  

If you’re an employee, find out if your organisation offers an EAP service. Choosing an employer who provides an EAP is a great job benefit and demonstrates they care about their employees.