Utilizing EAP Resources After Adoption Loss
Adoption loss can be difficult for prospective parents to process. Your emotional health is important, yet you may find yourself seeking work-life services and financial and legal advice as well. There are several resources available to help you through this difficult time. Your company’s employee assistance program (EAP) is a service that offers help with personal and work-related issues. As part of those services, an EAP can help you find resources during this difficult time. EAPs are free and confidential; details will not be shared with your employer. Resources that may be available to you through your EAP include:
Confidential Counseling – Your EAP most likely offers about five in-person counseling sessions per issue at no cost to you (the exact number of sessions vary by employer). They have trained masters and doctoral level clinicians available to help you through the grief and loss you are experiencing. To connect with someone today, call the phone number in your benefits portal.
Timely Online Resources – While Google can be a helpful and immediate tool, it isn’t always the most reliable source. Most EAPs have online resources available when you need them to provide guidance through “ask the expert” responses, tutorials, videos, and self-assessments.
EAP Grief Workshops – Some EAP providers assist companies in creating more supportive work environments for employees by conducting educational workshops. The main purpose of these sessions is to help employees better understand how they can support a co-worker dealing with grief.
Health Programs – Many EAPs offer health programs that help employees with health assessments, tobacco cessation, weight management, lifestyle coaching, worksite wellness, and more educational opportunities. If you identify that you are struggling in one of these areas, you may want to look into the health program that your EAP offers.
Work-Life Services – When you are preparing to return to work, you may have childcare issues or other needs that are preventing you from performing at your best. Your company’s employee assistance program is great place to start to find resources for the challenges you are facing with work/life balance.
Legal Benefits-In most instances, the legal benefits that are part of an EAP are limited to initial consultations and a discounted rate for legal fees. Areas of service usually include basic activities such as preparing simple wills, placing a phone call on the employee’s behalf or reviewing a document. This is often carried out after just one free consultation via phone.
Financial Benefits-Many EAPs offer free financial consultations for matters related to credit counseling, debt and budgeting assistance, tax planning, retirement and college planning questions.
For more information on the Employee Assistance Program at your workplace or specific resources that might be helpful to your family, reach out to your BenefitBump Care Navigator.