Trauma Informed Practice & Awareness In The Workplace

Trauma affects us all - our teams, our clients, and ourselves. It's not always what we first think, either.

What exactly is trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing or disturbing to an individual. This can range from one-time incidents like accidents or violent attacks, to ongoing stressors such as chronic illness, emotional abuse, or living in high-stress environments.

Here's what's crucial to understand: trauma isn't defined solely by the event itself, but by the individual's experience of it. Two people can undergo the same situation, yet their psychological and emotional responses may differ significantly. Trauma disrupts our sense of safety, leading to feelings of helplessness and affecting our ability to cope with day-to-day life.

The impact can be immediate or delayed, with symptoms surfacing long after the event has passed. Trauma becomes deeply integrated into how someone sees themselves and interacts with the world, affecting bodies, minds, and emotions in ways we might not fully understand.

The veterinary profession needs to lead the way in understanding this vital area. This session is your starting point and a thorough, evidence backed introduction to the subject.

Join Dr Katie Ford and Claire Grigson (Vet Empowered founders and Mental Wellbeing Company brand partners) for a practical session that gives you the tools to recognise trauma, understand its far-reaching impact, and create genuinely supportive environments for everyone we work with.

What we'll cover:

Understanding trauma responses You'll learn about different types of workplace trauma and how to spot the signs. We'll dive into the science - covering the nervous system, brain responses, and Polyvagal Theory - but in ways that actually make sense for day-to-day work situations.

The impact on people and performance Trauma affects self-esteem, behaviour, and how people show up at work. Understanding this connection helps you support colleagues more effectively and creates better outcomes for everyone.

Building trauma-informed workplaces We'll share practical strategies for creating psychologically safe environments where people can thrive. This isn't just theory - it's about real changes you can implement immediately.

Who should attend:

• Managers and team leaders
• HR professionals
• Anyone responsible for workplace wellbeing
• Professionals in high-stress sectors

Your speakers:

Dr Katie Ford BVSc CertAVP(SAM) PGCert MSc(Wellbeing) FRCVS MCMA

Claire Grigson BVM&S MRCVS ACCP (Advanced Cert in Coaching Practice)

Katie and Claire founded Vet Empowered in 2020 to help individuals reconnect with themselves. They qualified as Somatic Trauma Informed Coaches and partnered with The Mental Wellbeing Company in 2024 to provide CPD accredited, research backed workshops. Their evidence-based approach combines clinical expertise with real-world experience of supporting people through difficult times.

Price: £30+VAT

This session is CPD Accredited and counts towards your CPD requirements and gives you practical skills you can use straight away. Book now to secure your place.

Please note, this session is not recorded so ensure you can attend live.