An alternative to traditional counselling, FSEAP's Life Coaching service guides clients and employees at all levels to achieve personal and professional growth. Life coaching is present and future-oriented and helpful for individuals looking to identify goals for change, overcoming challenges, and unlocking their potential. Coaching is provided through telephone consultations with a Certified Life Coach and the provision of individualized resources. Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll-free numbers or submitting an online request.

Eligible FSEAP clients can receive access to Financial Counsellors and Consultants’ advice on all financial matters including, but not limited to: financial planning, debt counseling, credit counselling, tax and accounting. FSEAP offers two options for Financial Support; Financial Counselling offers ongoing financial and personal support, while Financial Consultation can provide quick, practical answers to common financial questions and concerns. 1. Financial Counselling – In Person or Telephone FSEAP’s Financial Counselling services allow clients to meet with a Financial Consultant who is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor in person or over the phone. The counsellor offers eligible clients analysis based on the appraisal of the clients’ financial position to identify planning and net worth building capabilities. The counsellor may also provide clinical support on the driving beliefs behind each particular financial position, the causes of financial distress, or the consequences of monetary constraints. Financial Counsellors specialize in budgeting, financial modeling, investments, and debt management. Because we find that many of the common causes of financial distress include relationship issues, separation and divorce, addictions, anxiety, depression, health issues, work performance, stress, and trauma, FSEAP’s Financial Counselling aims to not only address your ongoing financial concerns, but also tackle the underlying issues. 2. Financial Consultation – Telephone FSEAP’s network of financial consultants will provide up to 45 minutes of personalized financial consultations. Each financial advisory consultant is a highly qualified, experienced and credentialed professional. Financial consultants have various backgrounds including accountants, certified financial planners, and debt collection managers. Consultants may: - Provide credit counseling; - Educate on financial planning; - Assist with budgeting; or - Educate on tax planning. Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll free numbers or submitting an online request.

FSEAP's Family Care Consultation services offer consultation with and assistance from a family care specialist, around identifying community resources to help clients take care of their families. Consultation services include, but aren't limited to, options for: - daycare centres - childcare services - care for children with special needs - home support services - long-term care and seniors’ housing - day programs - health services - social and educational programs Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll-free numbers or submitting an online request.

Are legal worries keeping you up at night? Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to turn for legal advice. FSEAP's Legal Referral service connects clients with practicing lawyers who are skilled in their areas of need, for a 30-minute telephone or in-person consultation. Lawyers are available to provide guidance in matters of*: - civil law - family law - motor vehicle/insurance law - wills and estates - real estate law - immigration law - criminal law *Please note that employment matters are not covered. Should a client elect to retain the lawyer to whom he or she was referred, a discount may be offered. Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll free numbers or submitting an online request.

FSEAP's Health Coaching service connects clients with certified health coaches who embrace a holistic wellness philosophy that involves working with individuals from an “inside out approach”: achieving small, incremental steps based on the individual’s goals, readiness, values, beliefs, pace, and tolerance to change and priorities. Our coaches assist clients in making positive lifestyle changes through a combination of assessments, health and wellness resources, exercises and 1-to-1 personal coaching. This unique coaching approach, combined with web-based resources and wellness workbooks, result in a positive experience and a high level of lasting change. Health coaching services include, but aren't limited to, options for: - weight management - health risk assessments - nutrition - stress management - smoking cessation Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll free numbers or submitting an online request.

FSEAP's career specialists provide consultations on issues including educational planning, career advancement and career changes, interview preparation and resume preparation. Career services include, but aren't limited to, options for: - comprehensive career assessment and consultation to identify and target career goals; - identification of opportunities and options for personal and professional growth; - taking action towards meeting these new goals; - professional assistance with resume writing and strategies for employment research and professional networking; - specific coaching to assist clients with preparing for an interview, including techniques for pre-interview research, planning and follow-up; and role-playing to practice communication skills. Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll free numbers or submitting an online request.

FSEAP's EFAP short-term counselling services are confidential and include the following: 24/7 Access and Crisis Support​ ​ - 1-800 Voice and TTY accessible from anywhere in North America - Multi-lingual - Offers immediate crisis support and stabilization, crisis counselling, assessment, and referral services Personal Counselling ​ - Effective short-term, professional counselling for individuals, couples, and families - Available as in-person, telephone, e-counselling, or video sessions - Able to address a broad range of mental health issues and concerns that include anxiety, depression, stress, traumatic experiences, family and parenting concerns, relationship challenges, substance use concerns and addictions, grief/loss, struggles with change or life transitions, and more. ​ Please note that not all employers or organizations purchase the same service options for their EFAP benefit. Eligibility for services may be easily confirmed by contacting one of our toll-free numbers or submitting an online request.

Les spécialistes des carrières du PAEF offrent des services de consultation traitant des questions de planification des études, de développement de carrière, de changement de carrière, de préparation d’entrevue et de rédaction d’un CV. Les services d’orientation professionnelle comprennent, sans toutefois s’y limiter, des options telles que : des évaluations professionnelles globales et des consultations dans le but de déterminer et viser des objectifs de carrières; des évaluations pour découvrir les possibilités de croissance personnelle et professionnelle; des mesures en vue d’aider les individus à atteindre leurs nouveaux objectifs de carrière; de l’aide professionnel pour la rédaction d’un CV et des stratégies pour la recherche d’un emploi et le réseautage professionnel; un accompagnement particulier pour aider les clients(es) à la préparation d’une entrevue, y compris des techniques de recherche avant l’entrevue, de planification et de suivi ainsi que des jeux de rôles afin d’exercer les aptitudes en communication. Veuillez prendre note que les entreprises et les employeurs n’optent pas tous pour les mêmes options de service à l’achat des avantages sociaux de leur PAEF. L’admissibilité aux services peut être confirmée en appelant un de nos numéros sans frais ou en faisant une demande en ligne.

Between the warm weather, countless BBQs, cocktail hour on the patio, and picnics in the park, summer is like one long celebration! But over-indulging in summer fare that is high on sugar and empty calories, may not leave you in the mood to party. Enjoy the best of the season while staying on track with your health and fitness goals by making a few smart switches in the kitchen! Try our top 5 Healthy Summer Swaps: 1) Lean ice cream: Next time a craving strikes for a cold treat, make a healthy DIY version in minutes. Toss your favourite frozen fruit (we love raspberries and blueberries) in a food processor or blender along with a drizzle of honey. Add small amounts of liquid as needed to blend. Try adding coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist! For best results, serve right after blending. 2) Soda swap: Choose a healthy refreshment on a hot day by swapping your pop for a sugar-free alternative. Kick up the flavour of plain water by adding your favourite herbs like mint or basil, cucumber slices, or frozen berries. Use a citrus press or squeeze by hand the juice of a whole lime or half lemon into a tall glass of sparkling water. Cheers! 3) Pasta-less salad: Give pasta salad a healthy makeover by swapping out the pasta for zucchini noodles. Make your own zoodles with a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, or pick some up ready-made in the produce section of your grocery store. Toss them with a zesty pesto or your favourite sauce for a healthy, no-cook, pasta-less salad! 4) Tortilla trade: Be a crowd-pleaser on BBQ night by whipping up homemade guacamole! It’s easy to make and full of healthy fats. You can serve it with homemade pita chips, cut celery, bell peppers or your favourite vegetables for dipping. 5) Cocktail conversion: Enjoy cocktail hour without loading up on sugar and empty calories by being strategic with your drink choices. Skip the daiquiris and opt for a white wine spritzer or a gin and tonic with a low-sugar tonic water. Whatever you choose, keep a glass of water on hand to help slow your pace and stay hydrated! Get more summer-savvy healthy eating tips, and one on one coaching from a dietitian by contacting FSEAP. Team up with a Registered Dietitian who will tailor a nutrition plan designed for you, and provide the practical tips you need to succeed. Whatever your health and fitness goals, FSEAP Registered Dietitians are here to help you get started.

All too often we are reminded by ads on TV, slick magazine pages or pop-up ads on Google to strive for that perfect body look, encouraging us to lose weight. It is easier to focus on the physical aspects of how we look rather than how we feel mentally. Taking care of our bodies, exercising, and maintaining good diets are important aspects to our health and if we slip in our routine, we may notice that we don’t feel as good as we once did. We tend to monitor our physical self and often we don’t pay close enough attention to consider the impact that mental health can have on our every day lives. What is Mental Health? Mental health used to be considered the absence of mental illness but this is no longer the case. Mental health is a balance of our emotional and psychological well-being which allows us to function every day at home, at work and socially. Being mentally healthy enables us to cope with all the challenges and stresses in life, allowing us to contribute to society and leading wholesome lives. When our physical health declines and if we are not feeling well, it is an automatic reaction to seek support from a physician or specialist. Yet, many of us who are struggling with emotional difficulties resist seeking support due to the stigma society associates with mental illness. “Stigma” is otherwise known as a social attitude towards a mental illness that is discrediting; ‘Self-Stigma’ refers to those individuals who internalize their feelings of guilt, shame or secrecy of their mental illness. This may be partially due to the fear which society has developed over the years from lack of understanding the wide spectrum of mental health issues. According to the Mood Disorder Society of Canada, 75% of those with a mental illness in the world never receive any treatment at all. Mental illness has no socio-economic boundaries or limitations of geography, age, race or status in society for it to occur. Statistics show that: 1 in 5 individuals are impacted in any given time by mental illness For every 1 person impacted, at least 4 people are indirectly affected such as family members, co-workers and children. In Canada, the two most common forms of mental illness concerns are anxiety and depression. The highest rate of depression can be found in those under 20 years of age. Mental illness can affect anyone or someone you care about. It’s treatable and people recover. What to Watch For We can all say we have had a bad day. One where things don’t seem to be quite right and we don’t feel like ourselves. Mental health issues are more than just a bad day. Emotional difficulties can become a concern when there is change in thinking, behaviour or moods over an extended period of time. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of mental health related concerns are: Changes in sleep patterns Changes in eating patterns Mood swings Panic Anger and irritability Anxiety Problems with concentration and accuracy Fuzzy thinking Withdrawing from social functions Short term memory problems If you are noticing signs and symptoms which last more than a few days, one suggestion is to record a daily “mood log” which captures the triggers throughout the day. Record what makes you really happy, upsets you, irritates you or makes you feel down. If you are noticing a pattern, it would be important to see your physician, talk to a counsellor or someone you trust. Predictors of Good Mental Health The struggles of every day challenges at home, at work and in our families can produce a great deal of mental strain in our lives. Research shows that to ensure our good mental health continues despite life pressures, we continue to keep these things in mind: Resiliency – the ability to bounce back from troubling situations. Self actualization – continuing to challenge yourself and learn new things. Balance – Maintaining balance between work and life. Flexibility – Go with the flow. Unpredictable things happen that you may not have control over, but that we come up coping strategies that do not let things bring you down. Having positive, effective and immediate coping strategies allows us to maintain good mental health. Some strategies include: Surround yourself with support – whether family, friends or co-workers. Talking about your situation, problem or challenge with someone you trust is important to build resiliency. Make sure you leave time each week for a leisure activity, hobby or do something you enjoy. Check your date book and pre plan your schedule just as you would a doctor’s appointment and follow through. Create a set time for yourself to think about your concerns in life and do a self-check in for both your mind and body. Get moving. Take on a physical activity that is suitable to you. It doesn’t need to take a lot of time and could be as simple as just going for regular walks. Exercise is an important facet to good mental health. You are what you eat. The right foods are fuel for your body but also for your mind. Nutritious foods and snacks can make you more resilient to face the challenges at home and at work. Moving Forward Research shows 80% of mental health concerns are treatable. No matter what the mental concerns are, you are not alone. Connecting with someone you trust is important. Contact with your Employee Assistance Program, a friend, family member or a family physician is a great way to get you started. Mental health concerns are not a sign of weakness and we need to reach out. Get help. Get better. Get back to life. Just as with a physical concern, mental health is just as important, and together they make life the best it can be.