Midstream
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Why personal life matters at work
People don't leave their relationships at the door when they start work. A separation, conflict at home, a new baby, caring for a parent or simply too much pressure in too many places shows up as poor sleep, low concentration, sick days and burnout. Giving employees a confidential place to talk early helps them steady things at home, and that steadiness follows them back to work.
What employees can get help with
- Relationship difficulties, conflict and communication at home
- Separation, divorce and co-parenting after a break-up
- Trust issues and life after an affair
- Becoming parents, blended families and family pressures
- Stress, anxiety, low mood and feeling overwhelmed
- Work-life balance and the strain long hours put on relationships
- Grief, big life changes and personal transitions
Where it helps, sessions can include an employee's partner, because many of these challenges are easier to work through together.
How an Employee Assistance Program works
- Agreement: we agree on a package that suits your organisation, its size and its needs.
- Launch: your employees receive simple information on how to book, in the room or online.
- Sessions: employees book directly and privately. No manager approval or referral is needed.
- Reporting: your organisation receives de-identified usage information only, never names or session content.
The details of each package, such as the number of sessions and any workshops, are tailored to your organisation and discussed when we work together.
Confidential by design
Confidentiality is the foundation of any EAP. What an employee shares stays between them and their counsellor, with the usual legal exceptions such as a serious risk of harm. Employers don't receive names, notes or topics. Employees can talk openly because their workplace will never know they came.
Benefits for your organisation
- Support for employees before personal problems turn into burnout or absence
- A practical part of your approach to psychological health and psychosocial risks at work
- A specialist focus on relationships and family, which general EAPs often cover only briefly
- Flexible access: sessions in Doncaster VIC, Melbourne's east, or online for teams across Australia
- A caring benefit that helps attract and keep good people
Workshops and support for managers
Alongside one-to-one sessions, packages can include short talks or workshops for teams, for example on communication, managing stress at home and at work, or supporting a colleague going through a hard time. Managers can also get guidance on how to support an employee and when to suggest the EAP.
Who you'll be working with
Elena Basova is a relationship counsellor with a Master of Counselling from Monash University and a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association. She has supported couples and individuals since 2022. Her approach is person-centred, integrative and attachment-informed, drawing on EFT, ACT, CBT, IFS and Gottman-informed counselling. More about Elena.
Read our guide to Employee Assistance Programs in Victoria, including how EAPs fit alongside the psychosocial health regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Employee Assistance Program?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counselling service paid for by an employer, so employees can get support with personal or work-related challenges at no cost to them.
I'm an employee looking for EAP counselling. Can I book here?
If your workplace has an EAP with another provider, contact that provider first so your sessions are covered. If your organisation uses Midstream Counselling, you can book directly with the details your employer gave you. You can also book privately at any time, without involving your workplace.
Will the employer know who used the EAP?
No. Employers receive de-identified usage information only. Names, session notes and topics stay confidential between the employee and the counsellor.
Can employees attend online?
Yes. Sessions are available in the room in Doncaster VIC or online by secure video, so employees anywhere in Australia can use the service.
Is this an emergency service?
No. Counselling is not an emergency service. In an emergency call 000, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
How do we get started?
Get in touch through the Contact page or call 03 9003 2595. We'll talk about your organisation and prepare a proposal that suits your team.