Webinars

The EAP offers live webinars, on-demand webinars, COVID-19 webinars, and to promote workforce well-being.

Live Webinars

Select a webinar type for upcoming dates and registration.

Introduction to the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Program

March 20, 2024. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Do you want to learn and talk about navigating Medicare?

We know it’s complicated and stressful and we can help. If this is for you, personally, or if you’re helping a family member or friend, please join us for this online event.

Tim Smolen, with the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Program, at the State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, will make a brief presentation and then we’ll have Q&A.

*Interpreters will be present*

About our speaker

Tim Smolen has used the services of the EAP several times and actively promotes the service to colleagues. Tim started as the SHIBA Program Manager in January 2021. He is a big fan of the Medicare program – even though it is complicated. The SHIBA program is celebrating 45 years as a free, unbiased and confidential service of the Office of Insurance Commissioner this year. In State government, Tim previously worked at the OIC, Labor & Industries and the Health Care Authority – in both the PEBB and Medicaid divisions. Before his career in State government, Tim worked in several non-profit organizations, including at large insurance companies. Tim lives with his beloved wife, Stephanie, in Olympia. His hobbies include reading, walking, movies, and cooking for friends.

Mindful Mondays

Join us every other Monday at noon PST to learn about and practice mindfulness techniques! Each 30-minute workshop will include an overview of that day's technique and time to practice. *All workshops will be recorded! *

March 4, 2024: Sound Bath

A sound bath is often a guided meditation class that aims to guide you into a deep meditative state. In this session, we will practice this technique by listening to various sounds while in a relaxed pose.
Registration Link: https://des-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aaJ5tbiISMWHGLQbAvvEmg

March 18. 2024: Three Circles of Emotion

In this exercise, we will use Dr. Paul Gilbert's "Three Circles Model of Emotion" to see where are emotions may be unbalanced, and what we can do to rebalance them.

*Please have a piece of paper and pens handy for this exercise!*
Registration link: https://des-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jtZBmv5sRcuLs6-n1yvkCA

April 1, 2024: Meditation

Meditation is a practice that can help you to focus your attention and be more mindful of your thoughts and feelings. There are many different types of meditation, so it is important to find one that works for you. Once you have found a type of meditation that you enjoy, you can start to practice it regularly. Meditation can be done anywhere, at any time, and it only takes a few minutes to get started.
Registration link: https://des-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_db_AaPohQJqcMl6pAViH3Q

April 15, 2024: Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is about being present in the moment when you are eating, regardless of what the meal is. Join us as we discuss how to eat mindfully, ways we can incorporate it in our lives, and even practice!

*Please bring a small snack if you'd like to practice!*
Registration link: https://des-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZT5pW3LYQsmgzfPtYRdAVA

April 29, 2024: Stream of Consciousness Journaling

For the last session in our series, we are going to focus on unprompted journaling by learning about and practicing stream of consciousness writing.

*Please bring a pen and paper to practice with! *
Registration link: https://des-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fx_vm6_5QCifFxNOa0QHJQ

Navigating Change in Challenging Times

March 21, 2024 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

In our ever-changing world, learning how to navigate change is an essential skill—one that can be developed. In this webinar we’ll talk about the impact of change, actions you can take to navigate change based on your unique response to stress, and resources available to support you.

Orientations for Supervisors, Leaders, and HR Professionals to the EAP

Learning Objectives:

  • How to access EAP services
  • What EAP offers to employees
  • Who is eligible to receive services
  • Client confidentiality policy
  • Services for Leaders, Supervisors, and HR Professionals

March 8, 2024 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

April 26, 2024 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Orientation to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Orientations help employees understand:

  • How to access EAP services
  • What EAP offers to employees
  • Who is eligible to receive services
  • Client confidentiality policy

Orientations are 30 minutes. Registration in advance is required. To register for an orientation, select a date below.

On-demand Webinars

Anger Management

Anger can be an incredibly damaging force, costing people their jobs, personal relationships, and even their lives when it gets out of hand. However, since everyone experiences anger, it is important to have constructive approaches to manage it effectively. The Anger Management workshop will help teach participants how to identify their anger triggers and what to do when they get angry. (43 minutes)

Assertiveness and Self Confidence

Presented by Matthew Gilbert, LMFT, CEAP

Description: Define assertiveness and self-confidence, goal setting, positive communication, positive outcomes in difficult situations. (Recorded: Jan - 2019. 35 minutes)

Caring for Older Adults: Navigating Care and Resources in Washington State

Description:

An informative program focused on older adult care and resources in Washington State. Discover essential information about care options, support services, and community resources tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors in our state.

Event Highlights:

Who Can Benefit:

  • Family members caring for older adults.
  • Older adults seeking information about available care and resources.
  • Community members interested in supporting the well-being of seniors.

A valuable opportunity to gain knowledge and connect with our guest speaker, Dana Allard-Webb from the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). Empower yourself with the information needed to navigate the care landscape for seniors.

Guest Speaker Bio:
Dana Allard-Webb Program Manager of Family Caregiver Support Program

Dana worked at the Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging as a case manager for 10 years before moving on to Aging and Long-Term Support Administration in 2013. Since 2017, Dana has been Program Manager for the Family Caregiver Support Program and has worked with Lifespan Respite grants. She is a member of the Washington Dementia Action Collaborative and the Traumatic Brain Injury Council of Washington.

Depression and Anxiety: Relationship to Stress

Presented by:Daryn Nelsen-Soza, MSW, LCSW (58 minutes)
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, WA – Board of Directors

Learning objectives:

  • Become more familiar with the impact of depression and anxiety, and the relationship to stress.
  • Gain a deeper understanding for the vast number of individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety.
  • Learn self-care best practices.
  • Learn about available help and resources.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence describes the ability to understand one's own feelings, and that of groups, and how these emotions can influence motivation and behavior. The concepts of Emotional Intelligence have been around since at least the 1900's, but the term was first introduced by Wayne Payne in 1985. As a result of the growing acknowledgement by professionals of the importance and relevance of emotions to work outcomes, the research on the topic continued to gain momentum, but it wasn't until the publication of Daniel Goleman's best seller Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ that the term became widely accepted by mainstream media. (37 minutes)

Generation Gaps

The Generation Gaps workshop will help participants understand the various generations present at work, and understand what motivates them and dealing with them on a daily basis. Both the young and older worker will have many ideas to offer, which will help the organization thrive in the marketplace. Learning how to deal with the Generation Gaps at work will help you become a better manager or co-worker. (36 minutes)

Mindful Mondays

January 8, 2024: What is mindfulness?

We will learn the basics of mindfulness and how we can use mindfulness techniques in our work and home lives.

What is mindfulness - PDF

January 22, 2024: Breathwork

We will discuss breathwork and practice a few breathing techniques.

What is breathwork? - PDF

February 5, 2024: Body scan

A body scan is a mindfulness meditation practice that involves focusing on sensations in the body. It can help you feel more connected to your physical and emotional self. Join us to learn about and practice body scanning.

Orientation to EAP benefits

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides this on-demand "EAP Orientation" for anytime viewing. The EAP helps Washington state public employees find solutions to personal and work-related problems. Learn how to get the most out of your free, confidential EAP benefit. (14 minutes)

Select a topic below for additional on-demand webinars.

Stress Management

The Stress Management workshop will give participants a three-option method for addressing any stressful situation, as well as a toolbox of personal skills, including using routines, relaxation techniques, and a stress log system. They will also understand what lifestyle elements they can change to reduce stress. (33 minutes)

Suicide Prevention - What You Need to Know

Presented by: David Luxton, Ph.D., M.S. – a nationally recognized expert and trainer in suicide prevention, telehealth, and innovative technologies in behavioral healthcare. (1 hour and 4 minutes)

Learning objectives:

  • Become familiar with suicide risk factors and national statistics regarding risk.
  • Become familiar with the risks factors and warning signs.
  • Learn best practices for helping others who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • Learn about available help resources.

Download an important resource before viewing webinar.

Related webinars

This webinar provides an overview on the relationship between suicide and substance misuse among young people and includes best practices in prevention and intervention. It features an NPW partner and other experts in this area. (Recorded: April 20, 2017)

This webinar highlights effective collaborations at the local and community levels to prevent opioid addiction and offer practical steps for those who are exploring partnerships with organizations in their community. (Recorded: May 16, 2018)

Work/Life Resources Orientation

EAP now offers enhanced Work/Life Resources to employees of specific organizations that contract with us: higher education institutions, state agencies, and other public organizations. Services include: free legal consultation, free financial counseling, and a work/life employee support website with thousands of resources such as articles, webinars and legal forms. Unsure if you're eligible? Contact your HR department, or call EAP at 877-313-4455. (11 minutes)

Learning Objectives:

  • How to log into the Work/Life Resources website
  • Accessing free legal consultation and financial counseling services
  • Locating legal forms, webinars and other helpful online tools
  • Accessing articles and information on a variety of topics including: parenting, wellness, communication, caregiving, career development, home buying, adoption, nutrition, mental health, etc.