I finished grad school recently and just started a new corporate job that I’m excited about. However, I’m really nervous about needing to tell my supervisors and co-workers that I need to leave work for an hour each week to go to therapy. Although I see my therapist in the evening, this is a somewhat demanding, salaried position, and it’s not uncommon to have to work in a team to complete a project until late in the evening.

If I don’t disclose the true reason I need to step out, I’m worried that I might be asked to stay at work and miss my sessions. If I do disclose the reason I need to leave, I’m concerned that I might face stigma for going to therapy. My new company claims it is very progressive, but I’ve learned to be wary of large corporations over the years. Do you have any tips on how I should handle this situation?

— Anonymous, New York

You don’t need to explain why you need one hour a week away from the office. Just tell your supervisor you need an hour of personal time each week and that you’ll return to the office after your personal time, as needed. And good for you for making time for therapy. I go twice a week. It is blocked off in my calendar so my staff knows I am unavailable. The appointments we must keep for ourselves are as important as any others.