In almost 20 years as an Employees Assistance Program clinician, I was invited into over 10 000 lives. I have successfully managed over 400 new cases per year, assisting families, couples and individuals through the process of understanding, addressing and resolving multiple difficulties. I worked with children, teens, couples and families. I assisted clients in their battles against forces disrupting their lives, their relationships and their sense of self.
As a part of a Trauma Response Team, I organized and conducted countless Critical Incident Debriefings helping individuals and groups recover and make sense of catastrophic events, such as industrial accidents, robberies, natural disasters, suicides or violent crimes. I was in New York City as a member of an Immediate Response Team in the days right after September 11, 2001 attacks, debriefing hundreds of survivors, witnesses and rescue personnel. This experience will forever stand out in my mind.
I have travelled across Canada, the United States and as far away as Sao Paulo, Brazil to help employees and their family members achieve a successful transition to their new environment, as a part of the preparation for international assignment. I evaluated the risks involved in the relocation and assisted clients in developing effective strategies to deal with issues such as Culture Shock and other emotional reactions to a work-related transfer.
As a case manager collaborating with health care professionals, insurance providers and HR associates, it was my responsibility to facilitate continuous employment, or return to work process for employees with a history of work related difficulties and emotional issues impairing their ability to function in the work place. This process was often mandatory for the employees and a condition of the continued employment.
As a part of a contract with the Ministry of Corrections, and in collaboration with Probation and Parole Offices, and staff and management of an Open Custody facility, I provided services to Young Offenders, assisting in their rehabilitation and supporting the process of a successful return to society after their releases from custody.
At the request of the Ministry of Attorney General and in collaboration with the Probation and Parole Office, I provided mandated services to individuals with a history of violent behaviour and spousal abuse that resulted in criminal charges and convictions. Through this process clients were able to develop more effective, non- violent conflict resolution strategies and methods to deal with anger. When appropriate, and where there was a mutual desire for reconciliation, the process also included couples counselling.
Through the referrals generated by the Children’s Aid Society, it was my responsibility to conduct family therapy designed to assist parents in developing more effective and healthy parenting strategies. This included non –violent conflict resolution, and setting appropriate and effective boundaries in the parent–child relationship. The program was often mandatory for the families identified with “Child Protection Issues”, as defined by the CAS.
As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, I helped survivors of the Traumatic Brain Injury and their family members reclaim their lives. I ushered them through the process of dealing with their loss, adjusting to their new reality, and developing skills and strategies necessary for independent living.
Working in a residence designed for survivors of the Traumatic Brain Injury, it was my responsibility to attend to daily needs of the residents and to implement behaviour modification program structured to promote their independence and ability to function as members of the society.
As part of a community based agency sponsored by the United Way and the Ministry of Community and Social Services, I provided individual supportive counselling to adolescents who participated on a on a voluntary basis, in their community, schools and residences. As a part of my employment I also acted as a group facilitator at an Emergency Youth Shelter. The program taught effective life skills and promoted successful transition to independence for young adults.
