Health & Social Care Professionals

Reflective Practice

We're all human, and our learning and experiences are unique. Reflective practice can allow us to explore and understand other people or communities, to support equality, diversity and inclusion in our work. Sometimes this can be a challenge, and we need support in understanding differences in communities or individuals with whom we work.

At the heart of reflective practice is perhaps unconditional positive regard for the people we work with (Rogers, 1995). To promote equality, diversity and inclusion, it's important that we understand and evaluate our own beliefs and feelings so that we're open to and respectful of the people we work with.

I can provide a safe space to explore your experiences and practice, to support your thinking, and understand your responses in your practice.

Vicarious/Therapist Trauma

Many of us work with trauma presentations, and we're not immune to experiencing trauma ourselves. We can experience vicarious trauma due to things we hear and ‘see’ in our mind's eye in the clinic during reliving sessions. Additionally, we may experience trauma in our lives outside of work; statistically, 10% of us will.  

Psychological first aid may nip things in the bud, but if you're struggling to manage the trauma signs and symptoms, please contact me to discuss what you may need.

A Client has Died by Suicide

Unfortunately, and sadly, sometimes a client we've worked with may take their life. This can be very shocking and distressing. You may be an independent practitioner or an employee in statutory services, or in the private sector. Regardless of your context, we don’t always do so well at supporting each other in these times of distress. I offer a range of support structures to manage the shock and fear of potential reprisals.

1. You can download the free Psychological First Aid (PFA) guide from my website.
2. I can offer you a one-off session to support you in implementing PFA and understand where you're struggling most.
3. I can offer a 4-session brief intervention, to support you in engaging in PFA strategies. This would entail collaboratively formulating specific areas that you're finding difficult, reflective practice, and how the suicide is impacting you.
4. I can provide a non-judgemental space to reflect on the death and prepare for the coroner’s court if you're called as a witness.

Under Professional Investigation

Being under investigation for allegations of professional misconduct is traumatic. It can be terrifying to feel that your job, livelihood and your family’s safety may be taken away. An investigation is often a lengthy process and carries a great deal of uncertainty. The fear of this is difficult to manage.

I can support you, from a place of lived experience, to help you reflect on what has happened, and if there's anything you need to take ownership of, in a supportive and validating way.

1. Psychological first aid can be very helpful in this situation. Download the guide from my website.
2. One or four bespoke sessions to support you in managing uncertainty, reducing shame, managing worry and rumination.
3. Ad hoc support when needed during the process. It can be a lonely experience

Care and Support for Veterinary Surgeons and Assistants

Seeing animals suffering can be as distressing and traumatising as seeing people in pain. There are several aspects of being a vet that can evoke a trauma response. You may have experienced numerous trauma events that, over time, have led to burnout. Additionally, alleviating the pain and suffering of animals via euthanasia in traumatic circumstances. You may be experiencing some trauma symptoms and would benefit from trauma-informed care.

I can offer a range of support structures if you're struggling with the trauma after caring for animals.

1. Psychological first aid can be very helpful in this situation. Download the PFA guide from the website.
2. Work with me for one or four bespoke sessions to support you in managing beliefs and emotions related to your experiences of animal trauma. This may include intrusive images of death and suffering.