UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 19, Page 8
February 8, 1996
FSAP offers employees on-campus assistance

     All of us experience problems at some time in our lives and need
a helping hand. That's where we come in," says Cecily Sawyer Harmon,
coordinator of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).
     "Our goal is to be here for employees and to help them over
difficult times or with ongoing concerns at home or at work," she
said. "Assistance from a professional therapist can help resolve
problems or help persons adjust to situations. We encourage faculty
and staff to use our services. Caring and professional assistance is
just a phone call away."
     FSAP's services are provided at no charge by the University, and
all consultations are confidential. The staff is trained and
experienced to provide individual assessments, consultation, mental
health counseling and,  where needed, referral services, Sawyer Harmon
said.
     In addition, the program has a collection of reference materials
related to mental and emotional health that are available to
employees.
     Approximately 6 percent of University employees use the services
of FSAP each year in such areas as anxiety, depression, personality
orders, relationship issues, mediation/conflict resolution or for help
with substance dependency problems, Sawyer Harmon said.
     The University has been a leader in the field of employee
assistance  and was one of the first three schools in the country to
provide counseling services in the 1970s. The other two were Rutgers
University and the University of Missouri, Sawyer Harmon said.
     Staff counselors are Sawyer Harmon, Marvin Brams and Darlene
Sharp. Jean Pasapane serves as staff assistant.
     Pasapane is usually the first contact when employees call for
information about FSAP. Her task is to answer questions, to welcome
clients and to make them feel at ease. She said seeing a person
overcome a problem and continue along with life is very satisfying.
     Sawyer Harmon, who has a master's degree in social work, is a
licensed clinical social worker and is certified by the Employee
Assistance Professional Association Inc. She said during an initial
visit with clients, she assesses the situation and determines how the
individual can best be served.
     Program counselor Darlene Sharp primarily helps those with
substance-abuse problems. She said the most satisfying part of her job
is when clients understand and are able to apply the principles of
recovery discussed and learned during counseling.
     Marvin Brams, a mental health counselor certified by the National
Board for Certified Counselors and the Clinical Associate-American
Board of Medical Psychotherapists, helps those who are suffering from
stress and anxiety or are experiencing personal or interpersonal
problems with family members or colleagues.
     The cornerstone of his counseling is to develop a therapeutic and
trusting relationship with clients and to be a part of a positive
change process. He added that his clients teach him "how one can live
a life under incredibly difficult and adverse circumstances and still
remain courageous."
     FSAP staff members also are knowledgeable about the University
environment, which is an important component in counseling employees,
Brams said.
     "When you don't know where to turn, when you need a professional
counselor to help sort out problems, when you need someone you can
trust, come to us and let us help you. If you are concerned about a
colleague who is in need of help, suggest that they contact us or feel
free to consult with our staff about what to do, " Sawyer Harmon
suggested.
     "I feel visiting a therapist for assistance in coping with
problems at home or at work is the same as visiting any other
professional, such as a doctor or dentist, for care and treatment. One
of the objectives of FSAP is for the University community to utilize
the services in a proactive manner as one uses the services of his or
her primary care physician," she said.
     For information or to request services, call 831-2414.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure