I don’t wholeheartedly agree with the expert. Specifically, I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that Elizabeth is “unable to control her reactions and put the episode behind her.” While that certainly has been the case so far, there hasn’t been any indication that she has been able to seek out resources that might help her actively deal with the emotions this situation is bringing up for her. I’m a big advocate for therapy, and I think that some direct counseling could help Elizabeth accept the new reality of Brad and Claudia being together so she can move on. Once she is able to receive the help and care that she deserves, I believe she would be able to make a more level-headed decision about what she wants to do next. But since she has actively ignored every offer so far, it seems like she really does like this company and I wouldn’t say she has to immediately and aggressively pursue other options when that doesn’t seem to be what she wants to do. Ideally, these counseling resources would be available to all of the company’s employees so Elizabeth and anyone else who might need it wouldn’t have the barrier to entry or costs associated with seeking out one’s own therapist, especially since this situation probably doesn’t necessitate ongoing, long-term therapy.
Of course, it’s imperative that there is more focus to improve the workplace culture and specifically to put more responsibility on Brad, especially given the position of power he had over Elizabeth and Claudia in this situation.
great advice! (and I appreciate therapy as well)