• Alex Macfarlane MBACP
• Fully qualified mental health professional
• Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• 10+ years post qualification experience in workplace mental health support services

What do you enjoy about working as a counsellor, mental health trainer and presenter for Wellbeing Partners?

Working for Wellbeing Partners has afforded me many opportunities to pursue my professional interests in an environment where I am connecting with people and making a difference. I have always had a deep-rooted interest in helping individuals realise their potential, to fully utilise their capabilities and talents, but so often people are held back from this due to adverse mindsets.  I was particularly interested in the significant impact that workplace environments have on mental health and overall well-being.

Working for Wellbeing Partners provides me with many different ways to help employees manage stress, improve their work-life balance, and enhance their productivity and overall job satisfaction.  I have the regular one-to-one counselling work that helps individuals manage stressors and to flourish in the face of professional and personal challenges. I get to work at managerial and even organisational level to help train and inform organisational approach and policy to mental wellbeing.  In addition to this, I deliver specialised wellbeing workshops, offering practical mental health support to employees on a variety of important topics.  These approaches allow me to support large numbers of individuals and gives me a real sense of professional fulfilment.

What are some common themes that employees come to see you about, and how do you support them?

Common themes that I have work with include, anxiety, stress, burnout, interpersonal conflicts, sleep-issues and work-life balance challenges. In recent years too I have noticed a greater demand one of my specialist areas, that of supporting neurodivergence and mental health. I support employees by using scientifically validated techniques to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. I aim to create a safe and collaborative space, whilst remaining objective and non-judgemental, which is conducive for self-exploration. We work together to identify and change their thought and behaviour patterns that are preventing them from living a fulfilling and meaningful life. The employee will learn strategies, so that they can better cope with challenges they may face in the future.

I conduct workshops and training on topics such as how to manage stress, mental health training for managers, relationship building workshops, and how to improve one’s sleep.

What role does a workplace counsellor play in enhancing a greater wellbeing culture within an organization?

A workplace counsellor plays a vital role in promoting a healthy and supportive culture within an organisation. It helps to address individual employee concerns and identify possible longer term mental health issues, whilst providing resources to support the individual moving forward. I help the individual to feel empowered and valued, which can increase feelings of wellbeing, which leads to greater productivity in the workplace. Additionally, Wellbeing Partners work with the Human Resources and People’s Team to make sure our workshops and trainings are tailored to meet the needs of the organisation. Which adds to the wellbeing culture of a company by promoting openness and support for mental health.

Have you got a success story from one of your counselling sessions that have positively impacted an employee?

One of my clients was suffering with generalised anxiety and burnout, which was affecting their performance at work as well as their relationships. Through our counselling sessions, we identified the origin of their anxiety and worked together to develop appropriate coping skills. Over time, the individual reported symptom relief and better able to function in their role at work. This had a positive impact on their wellbeing which gave them greater headspace to pursue their goals and focus on developing their relationships.