[jeromeribot]

They can believe it because as I sat in bed thinking how much talking to someone in confidence has helped me, I thought that maybe others might be able to benefit from the same feeling. I have absolutely no interest in what is discussed in these sessions, just that they happen at all, if people are interested in doing so.

I disagree about the point that trusting in a company-hired therapist makes one feel less comfortable than confiding in HR. If I broke up with my girlfriend, I'd hope that the confidential conversations had with a trained therapist would prove more fruitful than a conversation with HR.

I came up with this idea because it helped me, and not primarily because it is best for the company. I care enough about the people I work with that I'm happy to support a free service that might help others too, if they want it.

Thanks for the comments. It's an interesting issue that remains an important subject not just for companies, but society in general.

Jerome

[loceng]

Having someone neutral to talk to is important - even just for the simple fact of verbalizing to process it.