Counselling

Bullying and harassment can affect people very badly. Policies should include the offer of counselling to assist employees through the procedure and to help them deal with the negative effects of their experience. The availability of counselling needs to be publicised, as well as the procedure for referral to a counsellor. Counsellors must be trained and independent, and the service should be strictly confidential. Support and counselling should also be made available to those carrying out the bullying or harassment, to help them to change. This is particularly useful if they do not understand why their behaviour has been unacceptable.