Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals

Description:

Each year, many thousands of animals are taken into rescue centres and animal shelters around the world. Some will have suffered neglect or cruelty, others relinquished because their owners are no longer able to cope with caring for a much-loved pet. Many owners will require support and guidance in meeting their animals' needs and helping them thrive in environments which can sometimes be challenging. Often animal welfare and veterinary staff are affected deeply by the decisions that they need to make on a daily basis and are at risk from a whole range of emotional health issues. This book examines the risks to the emotional well-being of animal welfare staff and veterinary professionals. It provides practical solutions, coping strategies and various techniques aimed at restoring a work-life balance as well as giving guidance on creating healthy approaches to self-care for the emotionally challenging work undertaken by anyone working directly with animals. There is: · Practical advice on recognising the risks such as compassion fatigue, burnout and imposter syndrome · Guidance on creating emotional resilience through healthy coping strategies · Down-to-earth advice on supporting front line team members and public-facing animal care teams · A range of case studies by experts that help give professionals the strength to make positive changes An invaluable and important text for veterinary professionals, animal rescue workers, pet behaviour counsellors and dog training instructors, as well as support, administrative and front-line animal care teams.

Table of Contents:

1 Introduction – Why Is This Topic So Important?

References

2 Emotions, Stress, and Stressor Stacking

So, why do we feel the way we do, and what are emotions for?

Emotional contagion

Crying

Stress

Stressor stacking

References

Further Reading

3 Risk Factors and Influences Upon Emotional Health

Workaholism

Staff turnover

Preparedness and promotion

Grief

The pressure of educating/instructing others

The amount of human interaction required

Competition

Continuing professional development

Freelancing/locum work

Overtime

Lone working

Travel requirements

Sleep quality

Caring for dependants

Guilt

Self-esteem

Self-reflection

References

4 Stress Injuries, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout

Primary stress injuries

Secondary stress injuries

Compassion fatigue

Burnout

Turning compassion fatigue and burnout into compassion satisfaction

References

Further reading

5 Self-Care

Standards of self-care

Strategies for self-care

Make a self-care plan

Self-compassion

References

Further reading

6 Happiness, Well-being, and Positive Psychology

Theories and models of Positive Psychology, happiness, and well-being

Broaden-and-build theory

The positivity ratio 3:1

A model of well-being

The role of optimism in well-being

References

Further reading

7 Imposter Syndrome and the Dunning–Kruger Effect

Imposter syndrome

Dunning–Kruger effect

References

8 Developing Mind Skills

Dual-process theory

Mind skills

The effect of impact bias

Revisiting the Situation–Thought–Consequence Framework

The Zeigarnik effect and mental loops

Closing mental loops

Nudge Theory

The power of checklists

References

Further reading

9 Psychology Models, the Intention–Behaviour Gap, and Forming New Habits

The intention–behaviour gap

Self-efficacy

Beliefs, values, and attitudes

Motivation

Habit forming

References

Further reading

10 Resilience, Mindset, and Mindfulness

References

Further reading

11 Strategies for Teams

Shared activities

Shared learning and continuing professional development

Shared experience reflection as a structured, standard part of team meetings

The ‘compassionate kitbag’

Playing games for shared experience

Creating group vision and values

Creating supportive networks within teams

Leadership

Motivating teams

Wellness action plans

Mental health first aider/well-being groups

Checking in and checking out with people

Reward and recognition

Round robin of reinforcement

References

12 Practical Toolkit – Everyday Activities for Maintaining Positive Emotional Well-being

Action Control Theory1

Diarizing time for yourself

Saying no confidently and creating boundaries

Mantras

Being outdoors and connecting with nature

Visualization and the perfect day

Creativity

Be the learner

The power of pausing – centring our attention to the present moment

Attitudes to work

Creating clear boundaries between professional and personal time

Social networks

Considered breathing

Considering dialogue

Who is the teacher in front of me?

Meeting people as though for the first time

Listen without agenda

Unattachment

Acceptance

Remembering you have a choice

Coping and recovering

Kindness

Savouring experiences

What would a wise person do?

Compassionate imagery

Flow

Self-forgiveness

Gratitude

References

Further reading

Index

Back Cover