What is a good excuse to leave work early for counseling?

In the UK and Europe, if you have an on-going mental or physical health condition or disability you are protected legally from discrimination via the Equalities Act 2010.

I have told you this because I am assuming that your counselling session is not a one-off appointment ?

I understand that you don't wish to share your personal issues with anyone at work, however if your counselling is likely to take place regularly then you cannot make excuses like the dentist.

You have several choices here:

1. Negotiate with your counsellor for an after- work time, or find another therapist who can offer a flexible service to those who need to work. Many therapists understand that their clients have work commitments.

2. Negotiate with your work to see if you can take time out ( leave early) and make up the time from home or by working late - that is, flexible working. If you're just talking about a couple of hours per week? No need to say the reason

3. Disclose that you have an on-going mental health condition, where you need this service for your well-being.

If you are not going to tell the truth, you could say that you have an appointment with your doctor or dentist.

The good excuse to leave work early for counseling is you telling your boss that you need to leave work early for counseling, and to get their permission to leave work early.

You have an ongoing medical appointment.

Doctors appt they don't need to know the nature of the visit. That's protected an confidential. Just like your boss cant call a doctor and ask if you really had strep throat on Tuesday

ongoing regular appointment

You have an important appointment that they could only give you that time

You can say medical, you can say personal...both of which should not lead to additional questions.

Dentist might be tricky...its going to be tough to visit the dentist every single week.

Honestly, you might just want to explain this to your manager. Perhaps leave out the actual treatment (therapy) and leave it a little vague.

"Hey boss, just wanted to give you a heads up that I'll be leaving early on Wednesdays as I have some medical issues to address. Its nothing too serious and should not result in any additional time away from the office." If they ask about your condition (most people would out of interest and genuine concern), just say "I'd prefer not to get into specifics." They shouldn't push after that...

dental work

Just tell them you have a medical appointment. You don't need to say what for.