Age: 68Role: Counsellor, Employee Assistance Programme BermudaWhat is your job? My job as a counsellor at Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is to assist member companies’ employees and their families with personal and work-related problems. When I ask clients why they came to the EAP, they will talk about their concerns and the larger story of their lives. I listen to people who are anxious, upset, overwhelmed, hurt, etc. I offer support, ideas, purpose, friendship and hope. Coping with problems involves managing thoughts and feelings, taking care of significant relationships and being effective at your work. My job is to hear each person so I can understand his/her unique issues and together work toward solutions, relief and satisfaction.What is your favourite part? My favourite part of the job is hearing about people’s lives. I learn how they care for the significant people in their lives partners, children, relatives and friends. And I support them as they work through better ways to care for themselves, relate to their loved ones and make decisions to improve their lives. I am grateful that they share themselves openly so we can work on their problems together and share their victories.What is your least favourite part? My clients are suffering through no fault of their own. Some have been neglected and abused by close relatives. Death and tragedy have a devastating impact on many. These stories are difficult to hear. On the other hand, they can be very moving and inspirational as my clients gradually find courage to embrace their lives again.What are your most interesting experiences at work? It’s difficult to pinpoint specific experiences because our service provides complete confidentiality to our clients. However, while many of my clients’ stories about their emotional struggles can be heartbreaking, they also share the humour and happiness in their lives. I enjoy having relationships with my clients in which they can express all of their emotions.What would you be doing otherwise? This counselling job is a perfect fit for me. I have a desire to help other people. At the same time I enjoy my clients’ company and hearing their stories. My favourite thing is to engage in a good conversation, which is not dissimilar from my job.I also enjoy the search for meaning and understanding. Meaning can be found in particular concrete experiences such as reading, creating a work of art, being alone and, of course, an interchange with another person. I find out things from each experience.When I read a novel about a male and female relationship for instance I have more understanding about my own relationship and other couple’s as well. Writers spend time observing, considering and feeling through what make relationships work. I think counsellors do the same thing.My search for meaning is related to my understanding of people and myself. The purpose of it all is to find some measure of peace, happiness and satisfaction.