Counselling
Counselling provides a supportive opportunity to explore difficulties affecting a person’s wellbeing or effectiveness. In a workplace, managers should listen appropriately and recognise when specialist support is needed. A manager’s supportive conversation is not a substitute for qualified therapeutic care, and confidentiality must be explained rather than promised without limits.
Worked example
An employee struggling after a bereavement discusses work difficulties with an appropriate adviser and agrees practical support. The manager adjusts duties within agreed arrangements and refers specialist needs appropriately.
Common mistake
Using counselling as disguised disciplinary action, or assuming every personal difficulty can be solved by a line manager.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |