Sep 23, 2016 2 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

As part of our year-long Mental Health Matters series, staff writer David Singer has created a four-part podcast examining one of the mental health services offered by Washington Health System-the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In Episode 2, Singer talks to the counselor whom he met with through EAP, Chuck Porch. The two talk about the approaches counselors take with clients to help them figure out how ignoring or not recognizing symptoms of mental health struggles can cause further problems at work and in personal life.

Highlights:

• Three main methodologies most counselors use, according to Porch. Humanistic talk therapy; behavioral therapy; biological therapy through medication.

• Talk therapy sesses out experiences of childhood and family history (genetic dispositions). Behavioral therapy helps clients get over phobias. And medication can be coupled with any treatment modality to make the therapy more effective if appropriate.

• The average person utilizes 4-5 of their six sessions available through EAP. Yet if recurring problems happen, an employee is entitled to six sessions per problem every year.