Counselling for work-related stress
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre work with employees, managers and business owners across every industry. Sessions are confidential, practical and focused on what will make a difference for you.
New clients are often seen within one to two weeks. Please call our reception team to discuss your needs.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
What can workplace counselling help with?
- Work stress and overload, including long hours, unrealistic workloads and difficulty switching off
- Burnout, when exhaustion, cynicism and dread have built up over time. See stress and burnout.
- Conflict with a manager or colleague, and preparing for difficult conversations
- Bullying, harassment and discrimination, and the anxiety and self-doubt they leave behind
- Restructures, redundancy and job insecurity
- Returning to work after illness, injury, parental leave or time away
- Career decisions, including changing roles, industries or direction
- Anxiety and low mood linked to work. See anxiety and depression.
- Distressing incidents at work. See workplace trauma.
- Work-life balance, and the effect of work on your relationships and family
Signs work is affecting your mental health
- dreading Sunday nights or the start of each shift
- trouble sleeping, or lying awake thinking about work
- feeling irritable, flat or tearful more often
- finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- headaches, muscle tension or stomach problems
- withdrawing from colleagues, friends or family
- relying more on alcohol, caffeine or other substances to cope
- taking more sick days, or feeling unable to face work
If several of these sound familiar, it is worth talking to someone before things become harder to manage.
What does workplace counselling involve?
Your psychologist or counsellor will listen to what is happening at work and how it is affecting you, then work with you on practical strategies. These may include managing stress and worry, setting boundaries, communicating assertively, preparing for difficult conversations, problem-solving, and rebuilding confidence.
Approaches commonly used include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches and EMDR where a difficult experience at work is still affecting you. You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Support for employers and organisations
A mentally healthy workplace is good for people and for business. In Queensland, employers also have legal duties to manage psychosocial hazards, such as high job demands, poor support, bullying, harassment and exposure to traumatic events, under the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice.
Brisbane Counselling Centre supports organisations through:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), providing staff confidential access to counselling
- critical incident response after a traumatic event at work
- confidential support for executives and business owners
- tailored training or workshops, for example on stress, resilience or trauma-informed practice
To discuss support for your organisation, call (07) 3831 4452 or send us a message.
What makes a mentally healthy workplace?
- Leaders who talk openly about mental health and model healthy work habits
- Reasonable workloads that are reviewed regularly
- Clear expectations, fair processes and recognition for good work
- Zero tolerance of bullying, harassment and discrimination
- Flexible working arrangements where possible
- Managers trained to notice when someone is struggling and to respond well
- Easy, confidential access to support, such as an EAP
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 employer’s EAP if it has one.
- Attend your first session in person or online. Early morning, Saturday and online sessions fit around work.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, about five minutes’ walk 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.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a psychologist or counsellor for work stress?
Will my employer find out I am having counselling?
How much does workplace counselling cost?
Can counselling help with workplace bullying?
Can I see someone before or after work?
Can my employer pay for my sessions?
What do employers need to do about psychosocial hazards in Queensland?
Do you provide EAP services for businesses?
We can help
Connecting with one of the trained psychologists or counsellors at Brisbane Counselling Centre, who care about you and are understanding of what is happening for you can really help to work through the pressing issues for you regarding work. Seeking care and support early is an essential step towards getting your life back on track. The psychologists and counsellors are available to help. Please call to speak with one of our friendly team members to discuss your needs further.
