Making merry, or just on the make?

Do you need help in dealing with workplace stress at Christmas? I ask because I was contacted by North East Counselling Services (NECS) recently, telling me that it is extending its services to local businesses to help support stressed employees over the festive period. The Gateshead-based operation provides counselling for individuals, couples and young people in the region, but its works business development officer, Carol Walker, said: "Bosses often hear about their employees' problems but often feel unable to provide much in the way of assistance. They're not trained to help staff resolve or deal with these issues. We're offering local businesses a lifeline. We work with individuals, groups and teams to get a workforce back to optimum efficiency and improve their resilience to further problems.” Of course there’s a charge for these counseling services, so being sceptical, I am wondering if this is nothing more than a timely marketing tool from NECS, or whether you might find services like this really helpful. Your thoughts please….