Therapy in the City
What’s the role of a company therapist? And why they are needed now more than ever
The Current State
What we’re experiencing through Covid-19 is in many ways a collective trauma. Our individual circumstances, challenges and emotions will certainly differ, but as humans we share a similar physiological trauma response. Our limbic system, or emotional brain, which houses the brain’s alarm centre has been activated because there’s a survival threat. In response we’re cycling through the classic shock and trauma responses of fight, flight, and freeze. You’ve probably seen your loved ones and colleagues displaying these responses in their own unique ways over the last few months - some have responded to the situation with astounding productivity, others have hunkered down, retreated, and gone quiet, many have struggled to cope and have been left feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
“Cracks are appearing in people’s ability to cope, many have been in a prolonged state of fear and anticipatory trauma.”
But amongst the difficulties, anxiety, and heartbreak this pandemic has created, there’s a benefit that I’ve been really encouraged to see - caring for our mental health has become a priority in a way we haven’t seen before, this is especially the case within the workplace. As we've moved out of the shock and suspension of life created by lockdown, we’re starting to see what’s beneath these initial trauma responses, specifically the mental health impact of the persistent and pervasive uncertainty. Cracks are appearing in peoples ability to cope, many have been in a prolonged state of fear and anticipatory trauma. Their resilience has been challenged time and time again, and some are left wondering how to get through this next stage and the road into what’s predicted to be a challenging winter. This isn’t sustainable, relationships are under strain, many are in fear of losing their jobs, or realise that the blurred lines between home and work will remain as working from home continues. Organisations must be prepared to respond to this changing landscape, and be ready to support their people. Companies that will come through this with a more motivated, engaged, mentally and physically well workforce are the ones that are dynamic, progressive, emotionally-intelligent, and targeted in their mental health strategy.
Moving Forwards
As a counsellor and therapist who forged the first 20 years of my career in corporate leadership roles in fast paced, highly rewarding, but ultimately very stressful environments, I hold a unique perspective on what I believe is needed at this time for companies to appropriately support their workforce and leaders. A corporate therapist provides pre-emptive and directed interventions, enabling employees to build resilience, make meaning of the situation, and move forwards with renewed motivation and focus. Yes that support requires financial investment, but this will be paid back through a healthy, motivated, loyal, and energised workforce. This is an opportunity for leaders and organisations to stand apart through the support they provide.
Many organisations have done an excellent job of bolstering their mental health support through offerings such as the emergency first defence approach that’s provided by mental health first aiders, employee assistance programmes and the like. Specialist coaches within The Tall Wall continue to offer high-impact, short bursts of resilience coaching for those people who need a safe place to explore challenges, understand emotional triggers and reactivity.
Whilst these provide solid foundations, now is the time for companies to step-up their mental health support by engaging the skills of an in-house therapist for those that are struggling, before their issues escalate. A company therapist is unique in a number of ways. They are fully trained and skilled to deal with complex, and often deeply rooted mental health issues. Additionally, unlike outsourced providers they work with both the organisation and the individual, spending time getting to know the company culture, and working with this as context. Ideally they also have first-hand experience of working in such organisations, enabling them to understand what it takes for people and teams to function optimally.
The Distinction Between Therapy and Coaching
Another import form of one-on-one support for executives comes from corporate coaches. Traditionally many leaders and rising stars have benefitted from expert coaches to help support them through work related blocks, understanding what might be holding them back, and raising self awareness to achieve their future potential. Coaches provide important support, challenge and a safe space for leaders to think at their best. I believe corporate therapy and coaching are complimentary, but that there is an important line between the two services, and the current landscape has brought into focus where employees and leaders may need more targeted psychological support. What’s emerging is the tip of the mental health iceberg, many people have hit a point where the events of the last few months have left them overwhelmed, for some deep rooted issues have been triggered and they need expert support quickly to manage the potential long-term impact on their mental health.
“The current crisis means that many more employees will be facing issues that are increasingly rooted in mental ill health, trauma, and significant life issues.”
Whilst both therapists and coaches are working with clients to understand more of who they are, their authentic self in therapist speak, so that they can work through obstacles to reach their full potential. The line between the two services lays in what issues the client is facing, and therefore who’s best equipped to work with this. The current crisis means that many more employees will be facing issues that are increasingly rooted in mental ill health, trauma, and significant life issues.
Where someone is facing significant stuckness, reoccurring patterns of behaviour or thought, or are demonstrating damaging coping mechanisms this is where a therapist is needed. Identifying whether a coach or therapist is best placed to work with the specific challenges of a client is in the best interests of both the employee and the organisation. Getting the support right means that employee’s and leader’s career development can be supported, and any deep rooted issues resolved. I believe coaches and therapists can expertly work side by side to identify which approach is best suited to each client at that point in their life.
Some people will need support to keep their career trajectory, work goals, work-life balance and self-belief on track during this period - this is where coaches will be critical. Others will have more serious psychological issues that are starting to take root, and this can be expertly supported by an in-house corporate therapist who can help the individual (and company) address the issue, develop the tools to manage it, and move forwards in their work in a healthier, more engaged and resilient way.
Written for The Tall Wall by Sonia Minards Counsellor & Therapist at Insight Counselling London, counselling for companies and individuals. Sonia is a counsellor with two decades of experience working as a senior corporate professional in large global financial services organisations. Sonia has experienced and witnessed first hand both the benefits and pressures of high performing environments, and specializes in working with companies to, in turn, support their people to transform and thrive.