Counselling in the workplace 


At present Helen is working with companies in the UK and abroad. During the pandemic Helen was working with workforces that may have had feelings of being isolated and separated from their peers. By accessing therapy to help them certainly has been a worthwhile investment.

Helen follows the NICE guidelines set out by government. Helen is a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, they say:

Why do workplaces offer counselling?

Businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of staff wellbeing and mental health: people make businesses successful. Whilst productivity and profit may be the business goal, it is ultimately the employees who achieve those goals.

Looking after employee wellbeing is also a legal requirement for companies, in a partnership between the workplace and the individual.

Individual and employer-funded clients who come to counselling typically identify that 30-50% of their issues are linked to their employment, with most problems linked to relationships at work, job security, absence, mental health conditions, recognition and pay, company culture, work pressures, working conditions and over-work.

Mental health disorders, such as stress and anxiety, account for 40% of all sickness absence.

IIt makes sense, then, that the demand for counsellors to work in this area is increasing, with counsellors either working directly for companies or being engaged through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Providing employees with free workplace counselling is beginning to be seen as part of an employer’s duty of care.

The lead adviser for workplace at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, explains more about the counselling profession and the important role that it can play within an organisation.

Workplace counselling is an employee support intervention that is usually short term in nature and provides an independent, specialist resource for people working across all sectors and in all working environments. Giving all employees access to a free, confidential, workplace counselling service can potentially be viewed as part of an employer’s duty of care.


Why do you need our service?

We all experience life-crisis issues at different stages in our lives. Experiences such as bereavement and loss, relationship and family difficulties, substance misuse (including alcohol issues) and stresses at home can all preoccupy someone’s thinking and distract them from work. In certain safety-sensitive industries this can also be a major risk. 

Workplace counselling often helps employees who are absent from work, and there is evidence that counselling support can accelerate the rehabilitation of an absent employee, saving the organisation money in the long run. In short, everyone who works in an organisation is a potential client.

We offer an ad hoc service so you pay for the sessions as and when needed, most EAP providers will ask for a yearly fee. As we specialise in bereavement and suicide postvention counselling you can ask us to provide a bespoke service.

Organisation / EAP Contract – Scope and Limitations by NCPS

Each EAP will have its own policies and procedures with regards to counselling. These may also be altered by the EAP to fit the brief from the organisation. The counsellor will need to have a clear understanding of both the EAP's and the Organisation’s contracts for providing workplace counselling and be able to balance these with their own ethical guidelines and Code of Conduct. The counsellor must be able to navigate common dilemmas in working with clients and their organisations.

It is important to understand the desired outcomes of the organisation. Employer expectations are shaped by their corporate values and their concern about staff health, balanced against productivity and overall business success.

Testimonials

As a HR Leader and Coach, I have hugely benefitted from both the counselling and supervision support provided by Helen. Throughout my journey of supporting and guiding others, especially during and post-Covid, Helen’s guidance and supervision have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of multiple challenges and change.

Helen always ensures a safe and confidential space for me to reflect on my experiences, challenges, and decisions in supporting the well-being of others as well as my own.  Helen has a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of areas such as loss and bereavement, navigating significant life changes and has an exceptional ability to listen attentively, offering relevant and insightful perspectives. This has greatly enhanced my professional development and effectiveness both as a leader and as a parent.

The psychological support I received was instrumental in managing the emotional and psychological toll of supporting others through difficult times. Helen’s empathetic and non-judgmental approach created an environment where I felt understood and supported to address my own well-being needs while fulfilling my responsibilities as an HR leader and Coach. Through my sessions with Helen, I was able to ground myself, refine my skills, and enhance my capacity to build stronger relationships.

I highly recommend Helen and her team, particularly if you are a business looking to support your staff in a meaningful and timely way, or if are in the HR field and are looking for personalised and professional supervision support in your HR leadership and/or coaching role.

Nasima K, Chartered MCIPD - Leadership Coach an HR Consult, Amethyst HR.