After Sarah* was involved in a serious car accident, getting back to everyday life felt much harder than she expected. As she tried to process what had happened, she was facing anxiety, physical concerns and legal matters related to the accident. The experience also began to affect her relationship with her husband, Michael.*
Sarah and Michael were trying to navigate the aftermath together, but they were coping in very different ways. What felt like support to one did not always feel that way to the other, and conversations that once came easily were becoming more difficult.
Eventually, a close friend suggested they reach out to Child and Family Services Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling.
Over several sessions, Sarah and Michael had space to talk openly about what they were experiencing. With the support of Anica Squires, EAP Supervisor, they worked through communication challenges, frustration and fear while learning what each needed from the other.
“Sometimes the most important work is helping people understand what has changed and find a way to move forward together,” Anica said.
Michael could not take Sarah’s challenges away from her, but their work with EAP helped them focus on what they could control and how they could support one another.
“Little by little, Sarah and Michael began communicating differently,” shared Anica. “They learned how to talk about difficult feelings and became more intentional about checking in and recognizing when the other needed support.”
As their EAP sessions came to an end, Anica helped them explore longer-term counseling options to continue their progress.
For Sarah and Michael, EAP could not make a difficult experience disappear, but it gave them a place to process what had happened, understand its impact on their relationship and find a way forward together. Through EAP, Child and Family Services helps individuals and families find the support they need during life’s difficult and unexpected moments.
*Names changed for confidentiality.