Working in veterinary practice can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. After more than 25 years working as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I understand some of the pressures that veterinary professionals can experience. The responsibility of caring for animals, supporting worried owners, making difficult decisions and dealing with illness, suffering and euthanasia can take an emotional toll. Add busy clinics, staffing pressures, difficult conversations and the expectation to keep going, and it can sometimes become difficult to find space for yourself.
Veterinary professionals are often very good at looking after everyone else. But who looks after you? You may be experiencing:
Compassion fatigue
Emotional exhaustion
Workplace stress
Anxiety
Low mood or confidence
Difficulties following a challenging case
The emotional impact of euthanasia
Grief after losing a patient
Difficult client interactions
Feeling overwhelmed or burnt out
Difficulty switching off after work
You may simply feel that you need somewhere to talk without having to explain the veterinary world from the beginning.
Counselling provides an opportunity to step away from the demands of your role and focus on yourself. You don't need to justify how you feel or worry about protecting other people's feelings. We can explore whatever is affecting you, at your own pace. My counselling approach is warm, collaborative and non-judgemental, drawing on different therapeutic approaches according to your needs.
My experience as an RVN doesn't mean I will assume I know what you're experiencing. Everyone's circumstances are different. But it does mean I understand the environment, some of the terminology and some of the emotional challenges that can come with working in veterinary practice. If you're a veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse, student, receptionist, practice manager or another member of the veterinary team, you're welcome to get in touch. You don't have to wait until you're struggling to cope before asking for support.