Counselling while in full time work

[jimsie]

About a year ago I went to my GP about my anxiety and depression and he referred me to specialists who said I should undertake high intensity CBT. The problem is that would be once a week during working hours and there is no way I could do that while still working.

My anxiety and depression has become worse and im getting quite desperate now. I have been looking at private therapy but at £40 per session, I can't really afford it.

I have never had any kind of counseling before so I don't know if it will end up being a waste of money. Does anyone have any idea's how I can get counseling outside of working hours that won't be too expensive?

[mattyr88]

Originally Posted by Becca-boo

I had a cousellor who used to meet me after 6 o'clock at night because that was the only time i could do, but when her boss caught wind of it she stopped it and then terminated my sessions with her, saying i'd need to go back to my GP and go on the waiting list again. I don't think it's the "done thing" on the NHS. I do know of hypnotherapists/reiki specialists/other alternative therapists who work those hours though so it could be worth looking down that route.

thats well out of order! stupid NHS

[mattyr88]

i managed counselling while in full time emplyment, your employer should be able to negotiate with you a time where you can attend regular sessions. They may not like it but im pretty sure there is a law saying they have to along as its reasonable.

[jimsie]

Originally Posted by mattyr88

i managed counselling while in full time emplyment, your employer should be able to negotiate with you a time where you can attend regular sessions. They may not like it but im pretty sure there is a law saying they have to along as its reasonable.

I'm pretty sure my manager would sooner find a way of firing me than letting me take time off for counselling. It is a small company who are always under a lot pressure and they don't really care about the employees.

[mark1111]

I can sympathise with you jimsie, all credit to you that you are working. Perharps you can just fit in a couple of a private sessions a month if it works out too expensive.

I'm in a similar position and there's is no way I would tell my employer I have SA it would ruin my career. I did see a counsellor last year for about £50 a visit, I only stopped because I wasn't getting much out of it. Personally I think I need some sort of group therapy. Good luck

[black_mamba]

Originally Posted by jimsie

I'm pretty sure my manager would sooner find a way of firing me than letting me take time off for counselling. It is a small company who are always under a lot pressure and they don't really care about the employees.

Really? Even if you keep the reasons for the counselling private? People have therapy and counselling all the time, for failing marriages, for bereavement, for all sorts of reasons.

If it's affecting your ability to work and you need treatment for it, your manager should be able to find a compromise: you could take it as sick leave or unpaid leave perhaps?

I highly doubt you'd get fired for simply asking though, it's worth a try, non?