Confidential support for leaders
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre work with executives, senior managers, business owners, founders, partners in professional firms and board members. People come for help with stress and burnout, anxiety, low mood, difficult decisions, conflict at work, relationship strain and the isolation that can come with leadership.
Sessions are practical and focused on what will make a difference for you, at work and at home. What you discuss stays between you and your psychologist or counsellor.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
Why do leaders find it hard to ask for help?
Many leaders feel they need to appear in control at all times. Talking to peers or staff can feel risky, and family may already be carrying a lot. Common concerns include:
- worry that seeking help will be seen as weakness
- fear of losing standing with a board, investors, partners or staff
- no time in a diary filled with back-to-back meetings
- not knowing whether what you are experiencing is “bad enough” to need help
- concern about confidentiality in a small business community
Speaking with a psychologist or counsellor outside your organisation gives you a confidential place to think clearly, without having to manage anyone else’s reaction.
What are the signs of executive stress and burnout?
Executive stress is the strain that builds when the demands of leading a business, a team and a household consistently outweigh the time and support available. Left unchecked, it can lead to burnout, a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that rest alone does not fix.
Signs to look out for include:
- feeling exhausted, wired or unable to switch off
- poor sleep, or waking at night thinking about work
- irritability or a short fuse with staff, partner or children
- difficulty making decisions, or second-guessing yourself
- loss of motivation, cynicism or dreading work
- physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension or chest tightness
- relying more on alcohol, caffeine or other substances to cope
- withdrawing from friends, exercise or interests outside work
If several of these sound familiar, it is worth talking to someone before the pressure turns into something more serious. See our page on stress and burnout.
What can a psychologist help leaders with?
- Stress, burnout and recovery, including planning a sustainable workload
- Anxiety and low mood, see our pages on anxiety and depression
- Decision fatigue and pressure, including major business decisions, restructures and redundancies
- Conflict and difficult conversations, with partners, boards, staff or co-founders
- Leadership isolation and the emotional load of being responsible for others
- Business setbacks, including financial strain, failure or the sale of a business
- Work-life balance and relationships, see couples and marriage counselling
- Unhelpful coping, such as relying on alcohol or other substances, see our addictions page
- Emotional intelligence and communication, to lead more effectively under pressure
- Critical incidents and trauma at work, see our page on workplace trauma
What does counselling involve?
Sessions are focused, confidential conversations. Your psychologist or counsellor will listen, help you understand what is driving the pressure, and work with you on practical strategies you can use straight away.
Approaches commonly used include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches and EMDR, where past difficult experiences are still affecting you. EMDR is an area of specialist expertise at our Centre. You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Support for your organisation
If you are responsible for the wellbeing of a leadership team or staff, Brisbane Counselling Centre also provides Employee Assistance Programs and critical incident support for organisations. See our Employee Assistance Programs and workplace counselling pages.
How do I book an appointment?
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will discuss what you are looking for and suggest a suitable practitioner. You do not need a referral to book.
- Decide how you would like to pay. You can see a psychologist privately, use a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP for a Medicare rebate, claim through private health insurance, or use your organisation’s EAP if it has one.
- Attend your first session in person or online. Early morning, Saturday, video and telephone sessions are available to fit around your schedule.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, a short walk from the Brisbane CBD and about five minutes from Central Station. We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Meet the psychologists and counsellors or see our fees and rebates.
Frequently asked questions
Is executive counselling confidential?
What is the difference between executive counselling and executive coaching?
Do I need a referral?
How much does it cost?
Can I book early in the morning or on a Saturday?
Can I have sessions online?
How many sessions will I need?
Can my business pay for my sessions?
What are the signs of executive burnout?
Where are you located and is there parking?
Help is available
Looking after yourself is part of leading well. Talking with a psychologist or counsellor who understands the pressure you are under can help you think more clearly, lighten the load and protect you, as well as the people and business that rely on you. Take the step and reach out today.
Please call to speak with our reception team, or send us a message. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
