Of course, many people are fortunate enough to go through life without need of a counselor. Strong social support systems in the family or among friends can make a difference. Being satisfied in one’s work, living, and physical conditions make it easier to cope when things go wrong. On the other hand, when problems arise, it is good to know that it is possible to seek assistance from an objective listener – a professional who will hear you out and help you determine your options.

Deciding to make the first call for help can seem an additional stress factor in an already overwhelming problem that is painful to think about and talk about. It seems easier to wait and hope the problem goes away. Too often people carry around the weight of the world for months, or even years before they take action to solve the problems that worry them. Yet once they act, by calling for help, they stop being victims and can begin to take some control over their situations.

Counseling cannot offer a guarantee that problems will go away. Those who expect quick, easy solutions to complex problems are often disappointed. An EAPC counselor can help assess problems, offer strategies toward solutions, and can recommend further help when it is needed. But a counselor can’t force clients to take the actions they recommend. Clients need to accept responsibility for their own efforts.

The EAPC counselor’s primary objectives are to identify and evaluate the problem with you; to determine related issues; to educate clients about their options; and to help clients find the best, most affordable source of support and clinical information when ongoing assistance is needed. Clients share what information they want to share.