Although a brief glance at the table of contents might lead you to think that the EAPTP is almost identical to the The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner (CAPTP) (reviewed in Metapsychology September 1999), the treatment planning components are totally different – and just right for employment assistance work. While it is formatted to be used much the same as the CAPTP and can come with the same kind of software to be used with TheraScribe 3.0 (reviewed in Metapsychology September, 1999), from the first page of the introduction, the EAPTP clearly defines EAP counseling and differentiates it from traditional psychotherapy. The goal of EAP counseling is to “catalyze clients for change” with support, information, and creative problem solving that leads to a “treatment/problem-resolution plan that the employee, as well as the workplace, will support” (p.2). The EAPTPT reflects these differences from traditional psychotherapy in problem definitions, long- and short-term objectives, as well as in interventions.

The presenting issues listed in the table of contents include both common mental health complaints (anger management, anxiety, depression, and low self esteem) as well as topics of great interest to EAP therapists such as coworker conflict, critical incident, disciplinary stress, manager role conflict, managerial conflict, managerial deficiencies, public speaking anxiety, threat of violence, and work-family balance.

Each chapter has problem definitions, long-term goals, short-term objectives, and therapeutic interventions specifically designed for the requirements of EAP work. Compared to the CATPT, the EAPTP’s problem definitions are more concise, more limited, and usually specifically work related. This is also true of the long-term goals: the goal is to improve work performance not to directly solve deeper underlying problems. The short-term objectives and therapeutic interventions are very cognitive-behaviorally focused with some role-playing and letter writing for insight and catharsis. Preparing the employee to make good use of other mental health resources – especially 12-step programs – is a commonly listed objective.

The EAPTP is a valuable resource for EAP professionals. Spend your time on your clients, not your paperwork!

Categories: MentalHealth