For the Veterinary Community

Veterinary Social Work is a unique niche in which Veterinary Medicine and Mental Health intersect.

It is no secret that veterinary medicine is a difficult field.

Stressful environments can lead to increased rates of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, daily life stressors, and sometimes feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics

The daily hustle of working in a veterinary hospital or clinic (large or small animal) can create many different feelings due to the unpredictable scenarios and often emotionally engaging work. Debriefings or guided discussions that are not therapy or counseling can provide veterinary staff a space to explore a specfic situation or scenario that has a occured. Participants can gain a deeper understanding of how a situation has affected them as an individual and as part of a team as they explore their thoughts and feelings, what they learned, and how they could manage similar situations in the future. Defbriefings are generally used in medical settings to lessen burnout and compassion fatigue, as well as improve staff morale.

The debriefings are offered in a structured manner that allows for consistency if a practice chooses to engage with them on an extended or temporary schedule. They are usually held in small groups, but can also be offered for individuals.

If you are interested in learning more about this service please contact Alyssa Pepe-Johnson, LCSW at alyssa@alyssapepelcsw.com