Psychotherapy In The Workplace: Why Incorporate One In Your Organisation?

Thirty-two (32) years old Sarah is battling a heavy workload and finds it difficult to meet her tight deadlines.

She is gradually sliding into depression, lacks team spirit, has become a poor performer, and has begun to miss work.

Whenever she is at work, she loses concentration. She misses deadlines, and now the report is brought to her employer, who is on the verge of firing her.

Before her letter is prepared, she is allowed to speak with the workplace counsellor, from whom she finally opens up and receives help.

Today, three weeks later, Sarah is back to her usual active self and has become a huge asset to the company again.

She radiates fulfilment and happiness and is grateful to the counsellor.

Many employees, like Sarah, now have their mental health at risk due to work-related stress, which highlights the need for psychotherapy in the workplace.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a term that addresses the treatment of mental health issues by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist and or other mental health needs provider.

According to the American Psychological Association, Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental.

Employees face increasing pressure to meet deadlines, adapt to changes, and maintain productivity, often at the expense of their well-being.

The burden this stress puts on employees will always find its way into their work and affect their productivity and efficiency at work.

Types Of Psychotherapy Relevant To Workplace Settings

Common approaches used in workplace psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on changing the thoughts and beliefs causing problems with the person’s mood and actions. It aims to change negative thought patterns.

• Group Therapy: Occurs in a setting where you regularly meet a group of people with similar problems, along with one or more psychotherapists. Unlike individual sessions, the sessions take a while, usually around 90 minutes. It builds team cohesion by addressing shared challenges.

• Psychoanalysis And Psychodynamic Therapies: The patient and doctor work closely to change problematic behaviours and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations.

Signs Your Workplace Needs Psychotherapy Programs

• High Employee Turnover: Staff constantly leaving your organisation suggests dissatisfaction, burnout, and unresolved workplace conflicts that could benefit from counselling or mental health support.

• Frequent Absenteeism: Persistent signals of stress or other mental health issues that psychotherapy could address.

• Interpersonal Conflicts: Frequent arguments, tension, or unresolved conflict could be controlled and resolved with group therapy sessions.

• Resistance To Change: Employees may struggle with adaptability due to anxiety, fear, or a lack of support for their emotional needs.

• Signs Of Burnout: Fatigue, irritability, and a sense of helplessness among employees.

• Toxic Workplace Culture: Environments with gossip, bullying, or lack of respect often need intervention.

• Leadership Challenges: Micro-management, managers and leaders struggling with stress, communication, or empathy can negatively affect the team. Such leaders would benefit from coaching and therapy to help them lead more effectively.

Benefits Of Psychotherapy In The Workplace

• Reducing Absenteeism And Presenteeism: Employees are less likely to take unnecessary sick days or show up at work without being productive when their mental health is supported.

• Improving Overall Team Dynamics: Therapy can enhance understanding and empathy among team members, fostering a more collaborative environment. Counselling fosters improved communication and conflict resolution skills, reducing misunderstandings and interpersonal tension.

• Supporting Employee Retention: A workplace that prioritises mental health strongly conveys that it values its employees, leading to increased loyalty.

• Better Work-life balance: Therapy helps employees set boundaries and prioritise self-care. This is possible all thanks to tools to manage stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.

• Enhanced Self-awareness And Coping Mechanisms: Employees develop a deeper understanding of their triggers and learn healthier ways to manage them. They also build resilience using coping mechanisms which help them overcome workplace challenges.

Barriers To Workplace Psychotherapy

• The Stigma Around Mental Health: Some employees still perceive seeking therapy as being weak and incapable. While in some workplace cultures, discussing mental health is still taboo, thus discouraging participation.

• Budget And Resource Constraints: Employers often view mental health initiatives as additional costs rather than investments. On the other hand, small or underfunded organisations might struggle to provide therapy programs.

• Lack Of Access: Limited availability of qualified therapists or inadequate infrastructure could hinder implementation in some organisations.

• Lack Of Awareness: Employees and employers may not understand the benefits or availability of workplace therapy programs. Some may view therapy as unnecessary or only for severe mental health conditions.

• Privacy And Confidentiality Issues: Employees might worry that sharing personal issues in therapy could lead to breaches of confidentiality. Or that their information could be shared with management.

Overcoming Barriers To Implementation

To overcome these challenges, organisations should have the following measures in place:

• Foster an open culture around mental health.
• Ensure confidentiality and communicate it effectively.
• Invest in accessible, affordable therapy options.

Most health insurance coverages these days include mental health initiatives employees could take advantage of.

Leaders should model and advocate for mental health initiatives–hosting mental health workshops to educate employees on stress management, emotional intelligence, and available support systems.

Utilise technologies like mental health apps and online therapy platforms offering mindfulness exercises, stress trackers, and coping tools that can complement traditional therapy.

Conclusion

Many strategies can help employees and leaders manage their mental health, but psychotherapy is among the most effective.

Psychotherapy in the workplace is no longer a luxury but a necessity in fostering a healthy and productive workplace.  

With the rise of burnout since the pandemic, helpful measures should be put in place to support the mental health of your staff.

From identifying the signs to addressing them and boosting productivity, you could never go wrong with psychotherapy in the workplace.