How is WorkReturns^SM different from Vocational Rehabilitaion or Work Hardening Programs?

Vocational rehabilitation programs assist people in finding jobs or changing careers. Work Hardening Programs focus on increasing an employee's stamina so that they will have the energy and endurance to return to work. In contrast, WorkReturns^SM addresses the psychological issues that prevent employees from returning to work. Some employees resist going back to work because they are afraid they will not be able to do their jobs any longer. WorkReturns^SM addresses this fear directly in group or individual consultation, gives clients skills to overcome their fear, and supports them in transitioning back to the work place.

Can't an individual therapist do the same thing as WorkReturns^SM?

Yes and no. An individual therapist can address the psychological issues that prevent clients from returning to work. But in our experience, the group setting is crucial to successful outcomes. For example, at the beginning of treatment most clients are hopeless and skeptical about their ability to return to work. In a group setting we can address these issues through interactions with clients who are at the end of treatment and prepared to return to their job. These successful clients can empathize with the beginning clients and instill hope that they too can overcome their psychological problems and successfully return to work. This type of "modeling for success" becomes contagious, and can only occur in a group format.

If an employee is on disability or workers comp due to a physical injury, do they still need WorkReturns^SM?

If the employee is away from work for more than a few weeks, the answer is most likely "yes". When employees miss work for several weeks they lose structure in their day, their activity level decreases, and their socializing decreases. As a result, many employees become isolated and withdrawn, which leads to depression and anxiety about returning to work. They may lose confidence in their ability to do the job again. Or they may feel extremely anxious about facing their co-workers or supervisor. When these issues occur, employees become reluctant to return to work. So even though the original injury was physical, once the physical injury heals, it is the psychological problems that prevent a return to work.