Mental Wellbeing and Positive Psychology for Veterinary Professionals: A Pre-emptive, Proactive and Solution-based Approach

The book offers practical strategies for mental wellbeing across the veterinary professions, including meditation, mindfulness, and positive psychology, and includes case studies and anecdotes from the author's experience in counselling members of the professions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Mental Wellbeing and Positive Psychology for Veterinary Professionals: A Pre-emptive, Proactive, and Solution-based Approach is a comprehensive guide that offers practical strategies for promoting mental health and resilience within the veterinary professions. Written by Dr. Laura Woodward, a working veterinary surgeon and accredited counselor, the book is divided into six sections, providing valuable tools and techniques to address the unique challenges faced by individual veterinary professionals and practice managers.

One of the key strengths of this book is its practical and accessible nature. The author provides clear and concise explanations of various mental health concepts and techniques, making them easy to understand and apply to everyday practice. From meditation and mindfulness to positive psychology and emotional intelligence, readers are equipped with a range of tools to manage stress, build resilience, and enhance their overall well-being.

One of the standout features of the book is its focus on pre-emptive and proactive approaches to mental health. Rather than waiting for mental health issues to arise, the author encourages readers to take a proactive stance by identifying and addressing potential challenges before they become significant problems. This approach not only helps individuals manage their mental health more effectively but also contributes to a more supportive and productive work environment.

Throughout the book, the author shares personal anecdotes and case studies from her experience in counseling members of the veterinary professions. These stories provide a relatable and authentic perspective, demonstrating the impact that mental health issues can have on individuals and their careers. By sharing these experiences, the author aims to normalize the conversation around mental health and encourage veterinary professionals to seek help when needed.

In addition to offering practical strategies, the book also provides a thorough introduction to effective strategies for dealing with the difficulties of the veterinary professions. Topics such as mindfulness, empathy, and emotional intelligence are explored in depth, helping readers develop the skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective care to their patients and clients.

Furthermore, the book offers comprehensive explorations of meditation, including body scan meditation, breath meditation, imagery, and mini-meditations. These techniques have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, and the author provides clear instructions and guidance on how to incorporate them into daily practice.

Specific challenges faced by veterinary practitioners, such as moral injury, client complaints, burnout, imposter syndrome, and a loss of confidence, are also addressed in the book. The author provides practical advice and strategies for managing these challenges, helping readers build resilience and develop a positive mindset that can withstand the pressures of the profession.

Overall, Mental Wellbeing and Positive Psychology for Veterinary Professionals: A Pre-emptive, Proactive, and Solution-based Approach is a valuable resource for anyone working within the veterinary professions. Whether you are an individual veterinary professional or a practice manager, this book offers practical insights and techniques to promote mental health, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being. By adopting a pre-emptive and proactive approach to mental health, the veterinary professions can create a more supportive and productive work environment, ensuring that the well-being of its members is prioritized.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781394200627