Help manage change through EAP

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  During uncertain times many people may need someone to talk to, to help them through difficult decision-making processes or changes in lifestyle. Here at Hanscom the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) exists for this purpose and is a free benefit to support Department of Defense civilians and their families.

The program provides confidential counseling services on a wide range of wellness and work-life concerns.

From counseling on family relationships, to financial and legal advice, EAP assists with a variety of concerns personnel deal with on a day-to-day basis.

"For example, some people may be thinking about retirement," said Ina Bachman, a licensed clinical social worker and the EAP counselor who works on base. "EAP is a great resource for coaching through or managing change."

The amount of people contemplating retirement or separating from government service may be larger than normal due to the recent Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VERA/VSIP) programs to assist in complying with Defense Department-mandated fiscal year '12 civilian funding levels.

"When people think about retirement, a lot of things come to mind," said Ms. Bachman. "Can I manage it financially? How will it affect my marriage and other close relationships? What am I going to with my time?"

EAP counselors can help DoD civilians and their family members through these discussions.

The program initially evolved through a partnership between Air Force Materiel Command and Federal Occupational Health.

Besides counseling, Ms. Bachman can help guide employees to appropriate resources and other helping agencies. Civilians can also take advantage of an affiliate network of private therapists throughout several communities that provide the same type of services EAP offers.

"In addition, there is a website, www.foh4you.com, which offers a lot of information" she said. "For example, someone who visits the website can search for information on elder care providers in their community."

Ms. Bachman comes to Hanscom on Mondays. Her office is located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center building. However, civilians don't have to wait until a Monday to talk with someone about an issue or concern they are facing.

"Some employees may not want or have time to visit EAP during the work day," she said. "Others may not want to seek counseling on base. The affiliate networks provide alternatives to fit the needs of the workforce."

In addition to helping with issues that may affect employees outside work, EAP offers assistance in the workplace.

"We offer coaching services," she said. "If a new supervisor wants to improve leadership skills, we can help with that. Maybe there is someone who wants to move ahead and promote, but has anxiety about doing so. We'll coach them through the process. There may be a civilian who wants to learn more about stress management in order to help his or her staff. We will help that person learn more about it."

Ms. Bachman also says the FOH website offers online training videos and articles that can help everyone learn more without leaving their own offices.

The program can also be used proactively.

"EAP is a great resource that can be used to prevent problems down the road, as well as support people when they go through serious situations. EAP is not just for people who have problems," said Ms. Bachman.

Most important of all, the EAP is confidential.

"People often are concerned that if work is providing the benefit of the EAP then they will have access to the records, but, in fact, the opposite is true," said Ms. Bachman, "Your privacy is protected by federal and state laws, like any other counseling service, and you must give written documentation before we can share any information about your contact with the EAP program."

Anyone who wishes to learn more about EAP or take advantage of the confidential counseling services may visit www.foh4you.com or call 1-800-222-0364 to make an appointment with Ms. Bachman or an affiliate provider.