Feeling Exploited by My SAP Counselor... Anyone Else?

I paid $1300 for assessments with my SAP counselor, and some things weren’t even included. Now, she’s saying that if I complain, she’ll bring up old messages I sent her by mistake ages ago, even though I apologized right after. I just want to get my CDL back and get back to work, but she’s making me do all this extra stuff that doesn’t seem relevant. Anyone else been through something like this?

Wow, that sounds really rough! Did you keep a record of everything? If you have proof of the apology, maybe it could help if things get messy.

Dorian said:
Wow, that sounds really rough! Did you keep a record of everything? If you have proof of the apology, maybe it could help if things get messy.

Yeah, I’ve got the messages and some receipts. I thought we settled this, but she’s bringing it up now. Feels like I’m being used.

@Gale
If she’s threatening you with old stuff, that could be blackmail. Maybe a lawyer could give you advice on handling this?

Not exactly the same, but I had a counselor go way beyond what was needed once. They threw in assessments that didn’t apply to my case either.

Blair said:
Not exactly the same, but I had a counselor go way beyond what was needed once. They threw in assessments that didn’t apply to my case either.

Right? I thought it was just supposed to be about substance abuse. Now she wants me to do therapy for unrelated stuff. It’s like she’s adding things to make it more complicated.

@Gale
Sounds like she’s crossing some boundaries. Maybe find a new SAP counselor who’ll just focus on what’s relevant for your CDL.

Could you file a complaint with her agency or something? They’re supposed to stick to helping with return-to-duty requirements, not personal stuff from years ago.

Kai said:
Could you file a complaint with her agency or something? They’re supposed to stick to helping with return-to-duty requirements, not personal stuff from years ago.

I was thinking of that, but didn’t want it to make things worse. I might have to, though, if she keeps holding me back.

@Gale
Totally get that. If it helps, complaints can sometimes be anonymous, depending on where you file.

What’s an SAP counselor anyway? Sounds intense.

Drew said:
What’s an SAP counselor anyway? Sounds intense.

SAP stands for Substance Abuse Professional. They’re supposed to help people get cleared to work again after certain violations. But mine seems to be making it harder.

@Gale
Got it, thanks. Sounds like she’s adding more trouble than help!

Man, if she’s just out to exploit you, you should definitely try to find a different counselor and maybe consult a lawyer too. You have a right to be treated fairly.

Piper said:
Man, if she’s just out to exploit you, you should definitely try to find a different counselor and maybe consult a lawyer too. You have a right to be treated fairly.

Yeah, I’m starting to think I should switch. Didn’t know it’d be this complicated to get back to work.

@Gale
Hopefully, a different counselor would focus on what actually matters and help you get back on the road faster.