Workshop | Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

Why Mental Health Matters to Businesses
Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to staff wellbeing. An employee's ability to manage stress, stay motivated, and collaborate effectively is directly tied to their mental health. Investing in employee wellness helps prevent burnout, reduces absenteeism, and increases engagement—ultimately boosting the productivity of your team. As business leaders, it is essential to understand that by prioritising mental health, you are investing in your most valuable asset: your people.

In Queensland, employers are legally required to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes addressing mental health risks in the workplace. This obligation is set out in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), which mandates that business operators take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise risks to both the physical and psychological health of workers. Employers must actively identify psychological health and safety hazards and take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate these risks. 

The Workshop Agenda
During this interactive session, the qualified professionals from The Therapists Cairns will cover the following key topics:
• The impact of mental health on workplace culture and productivity
• Setting personal and professional boundaries
• Shutting down inappropriate behaviour in the workplace
• Practical strategies for supporting mental health within your business
• Tools to identify early signs of stress and burnout among staff
• Approaches to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment
• How offering a counselling platform contributes to better staff retention and recruitment

Why Attend?
By attending this workshop, you will leave with practical tools and strategies to immediately improve the wellbeing of your staff. This workshop will support you in creating a mentally healthy workplace culture, which will help enhance employee engagement and retention, foster a positive work environment, and reduce costs associated with turnover and absenteeism. 

By taking a proactive approach to mental health, you will not only benefit your bottom line, but will also help create a more resilient, supportive workplace and productive workplace.

When: Friday 25 July 2025
Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Cairns Regional Council, Civic Reception Room
Cost: $35pp Members | $45 Non-Members
Inclusions: Barista Coffee or Tea + Morning Tea Provided

Meet "The Therapists"

Michele Delaforce – Director, The Therapists Cairns
Michele Delaforce is a Cairns-based social worker and the founding director of The Therapists Pty Ltd, trading as The Therapists Cairns. Her career began with international work in community development, including a placement with Community Aid Abroad in the Galápagos Islands. Upon returning to Australia, Michele completed her qualifications in social work and has since built a respected multi-disciplinary counselling practice supporting individuals, families, and organisations across Far North Queensland.

Michele holds a postgraduate qualification in Positive Psychology, is completing further training in EMDR, with current studies in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Her professional focus includes relationship counselling (across couples, families, workplaces and children), grief and loss, suicide prevention, workplace bullying, and corporate mental health.

Known for her practical, outcomes-focused approach, Michele combines evidence-based frameworks with a grounded, no-nonsense style. Her work is short-term, solution-focused and task-oriented, designed to support clients to achieve meaningful change and long-term wellbeing.