Accessing One-on-One Counselling through Afiya EAP
Afiya EAP is a culturally-responsive Employee Assistance Program designed to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of staff in Muslim-based organisations and culturally diverse workplaces.
We offer short-term, solution-focused counselling—up to 6 sessions per calendar year—to help you address personal, professional, relational, or emotional concerns in a safe and confidential space.
You can choose the most convenient mode of counselling:
- Telehealth via secure video
- Online
Counselling can help with:
Clarifying and understanding personal concerns
Developing healthy coping strategies
Managing stress, anxiety, or low mood
Navigating workplace challenges and communication
Improving work-life balance
Exploring spiritual and cultural reflections on wellbeing
Our team includes psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and therapists. You may indicate a preference for the type of therapist and whether you would like to speak to someone of the same gender or someone familiar with your faith background.
Is Afiya EAP counselling confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a core part of our service. What you share with your counsellor remains strictly private and is not disclosed to your workplace without your informed and written consent.
There are only rare exceptions to confidentiality, which your counsellor will explain clearly in the first session. These may include:
- Immediate risk of harm to yourself or others
- Legal obligations such as court subpoenas
- Mandatory reporting (e.g. child protection laws)
Can I choose the type of therapist I see?
Yes. When filling out your intake form, you can request:
- Psychologist, psychotherapist, clinical counsellor, or counsellor
- Male or female counsellor
- A practitioner with an Islamic worldview
- A religious scholar/educator with a mental health qualification.
- The earliest available appointment (if you have no preference)
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Will my employer know I’m using Afiya EAP services?
No. Your employer is not informed when you access counselling, nor will they receive any details about the topics discussed. The only information reported back to the employer (if applicable) is high-level, de-identified usage data (e.g. how many staff used the service), unless you are part of a manager-referred support plan, and even then, only with your written consent.
Will using Afiya EAP affect my job?
Absolutely not. Accessing Afiya EAP is your right and is treated with full confidentiality and respect.
Using EAP does not impact your current role, job security, or future promotions. In fact, seeking support demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Who can access Afiya EAP services?
Afiya EAP is available to:
- All employees of registered schools with Afiya EAP
- Eligible casual or part-time staff (as agreed by the employer)
How many sessions can I have?
Employees are entitled to up to 6 sessions per calendar year at no cost. These are:
- Counselling sessions with a qualified professional
- Based on short-term support for personal or work-related matters
If you require longer-term care, we will support you with appropriate referrals.
Is Afiya EAP faith-based?
Afiya EAP is built on a culturally-responsive and inclusive model. While many of our clinicians are familiar with Muslim faith traditions, we also serve non-Muslim staff and provide support grounded in mainstream clinical practices for those who prefer it.
You can choose a therapist who:
- Integrates Islamic spiritual reflections into the counselling
- Offers a mainstream clinical approach
- Has specific expertise in areas such as trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting, relationships, or burnout
What types of issues can I talk to a counsellor about?
You can seek support for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Stress, anxiety, or burnout
- Workload and time management
- Family or relationship issues
- Parenting support
- Grief
- Trauma
- Poor sleep
- Low motivation or low mood
- Identity, self-worth, or spiritual struggles
- Islamophobia or vicarious trauma
- Processing international events
- Navigating personal or cultural expectations