SR Vol 24 No 5, October 2006 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
SR Vol 24 No 5, October 2006 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
SR Vol 24 No 5, October 2006 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
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After discussing the situation with the LAP Advisor, a referralcan be made to an appropriate community agencyor private counsellor qualified to address the identifiedconcerns.It is generally acknowledged that the sooner assistancebegins, the more effective it will be.What is LAP?LAP stands for Lawyers Assistance Program. It is an informational,confidential referral and counselling serviceprovided through the Lawyers’ Insurance Association of<strong>No</strong>va <strong>Scotia</strong>. LAP is designed to assist members of the legalprofession, their staff and families who may be experiencinghealth or personal problems.Why do <strong>No</strong>va <strong>Scotia</strong> Lawyers need anassistance program?Like anyone, lawyers who experience emotional or personaldifficulties may be unable to resolve their problemson their own, and may find that their personal happiness,work performance or physical health is affected. ThroughLAP, they will receive assistance to find satisfactory solutionsto their problems.What types of problems does LAP dealwith?The source of a problem may be work-related or personal(family, marital, drug, alcohol or gambling).When should I consider contacting LAP?You might consider contacting LAP if you feel as thoughyour problems, or those of someone you know, are becomingoverwhelming and out of control. Some symptoms thatcan appear if emotions or problems get out of controlinclude mood swings, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, poorconcentration, apathy, or anger.How can I access LAP’s services?To get assistance, call 1 866 299 1299 from anywhere in<strong>No</strong>va <strong>Scotia</strong>, <strong>24</strong> hours a day. You will not be asked to identifyyourself.Will my call be confidential?Information is not provided to anyone or any organizationwithout your permission. The issue of confidentiality canbe discussed with the LAP Advisor to establish limits forsupport and protection. Your right to privacy is respectedand strictly observed.Who will I speak with when I contact LAP?You will speak to the LAP Advisor. The LAP Advisor is anexperienced counsellor who will carry out an assessmentand, if necessary, refer you to outside counsellors for theassistance required. The LAP Advisor will also be able torefer you to an LAP volunteer for peer support. LAP’svolunteers are members of the legal profession, manyof whom have overcome personal difficulties and subsequentlyvolunteered to help others.Is there a cost for assistance receivedthrough LAP?There is no cost to use LAP. If you are referred to a privatecounsellor through LAP, the cost of five sessions willbe covered by LAP. Billing will be through the LAP Advisorto ensure confidentiality is maintained. The LAP Advisorwill also follow up with the referrals to ensure adequatetreatment is received.26 The <strong>Society</strong> Record