The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has arranged a free online webinar about self-compassion for veterinary professionals. This webinar will be presented by previous RCVS Mind Matters research grant recipient, Dr Katherine Wakelin, Clinical Psychologist. Dr Wakelin will also be supported by Sarah Corthorne, trainee Clinical Psychologist.
September 3rd – 19:00 – 20:00
Self Compassion Webinar for Veterinary Professionals
The online webinar, taking place from 7-8pm on Tuesday 3 September 2024, will discuss the importance of self-compassion and provide an overview of Katherine and Sarah’s research which involved conducting a randomised control trial to investigate the effectiveness of an online compassion focused therapy (CFT) intervention in improving the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to ask both Katherine and Sarah any questions they may have.
In recognition of the success of their research, the online CFT course will be made freely accessible on the Mind Matters website and the RCVS YouTube channel for all veterinary professionals. The webinar will offer detailed guidance on maximizing the benefits of the course.
Rapinder Newton, Mind Matters Project Lead, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming webinar. “We are really looking forward to running this webinar alongside Katherine and Sarah. Their research into the effectiveness of CFT in veterinary professionals has been of vital importance and we hope it will go on to help lots of people,” she said. Newton also commended the presenters for their dedication and generosity in sharing their course.
Dr. Katherine Wakelin highlighted the positive outcomes of their research. “Our recent randomized control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians. Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary professions, so that as many people are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource as possible,” she noted.
Wakelin emphasized that although the research focused on veterinary surgeons, the course content is broadly applicable to all members of the veterinary team. “Our webinar will explain more about our research, as well as some of the science behind the effectiveness of the course in a veterinary context. So, if you are interested in learning more about how CFT may be able to help you and your team, both in a personal and professional capacity, please do come along.”
To participate in the online compassion course, individuals will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before and after engaging with one 10-15 minute video daily for 14 days. The goal of the video intervention is to develop self-compassion skills and reduce self-criticism.
Veterinary professionals interested in attending the webinar can register via the MMI events page.
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