Welcome back to CBE for 2022. I sincerely hope that you were able to rest and relax amid the chaos, stress, ambiguity, and uncertainty we have been facing for nearly two years now.

At no other time in history has mental health been so relevant and had the public attention as it does currently. Which is wonderful and such a celebrated social shift. We talk about, share stories, resources, information, and knowledge on our mental health, our trauma, and our self-care. I’ve noticed that this is predominantly focused on us as individuals, but what about us at work?

For professions where exposure to trauma is certain; part of our registration is to undergo regular, structured supervision from a qualified professional to ensure that we are doing three things:

1. Developing our skills in our chosen field.

2.  Manage mental health and well-being in the workplace.

3. Professionally navigate the impacts of vicarious trauma on us as professionals.

It makes perfect sense why people like Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, and Community Service Workers are all required to have clinical supervision. But I’m curious about all the other professions that are exposed to trauma as a characteristic of their work but don’t have clinical supervision as part of their workplace. How are they doing?

Part of what we do at CBE is provide professional clinical supervision to all people who are exposed to trauma as an inherent part of their job. What we’ve found is that more professionals are increasingly exposed to trauma either through their work in serving clients or within the organisation itself.

Now, I absolutely love providing clinical supervision to professionals who haven’t previously engaged in that space. Whether it’s in a group setting or one-on-one, I always explain that clinical supervision is not therapy. Clinical supervisors don’t give therapy (but we can help find you someone appropriate for your needs if that is something you want). We help professionals’ manage the psychological impact of exposure to stress and trauma as part of their role.

I especially love working in spaces where it’s not expected. I’ll give you an example;

A client called me one day and asked if I could help them. They had done some professional development training with me previously and had stayed in touch. They asked if their friend could also do the training.

“Of course,” I said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Then they said, “They’re a real estate agent.” Slightly confused I said “ok.”

The client asked if our services were allowed for them. I laughed slightly and said they were absolutely allowed. The client then explained that this person was really struggling with parts of their role that included when people would be evicted or removed from the property. They were becoming increasingly upset about this part of their job and were worried that they wouldn’t be able to keep doing it.

Trauma doesn’t discriminate. No one is immune. Since providing clinical supervision to that lovely real estate agent regularly, they have been able to manage the side of their role that exposes them to trauma, develop skills to navigate difficult situations and scenarios, and have reduced burn out which has decreased the likelihood they would leave their job.

I see anyone and everyone for clinical supervision. That includes professionals in law, finance, education, trades, government, retail, service industries, and small business.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and that includes psychologically. Helping people feel empowered and psychologically safe in their work to develop their professional skills, manage burn out and engage productively is one of my favourite parts of my role at CBE.

If clinical supervision is something you or your organisation would benefit from, click the link for further information or to book a session.