Caring for others requires compassion, patience & empathy. Nurses, doctors, midwives, allied health workers, support staff and peer workers devote their time and energy to helping others. Whilst often rewarding and satisfying, this work can also carry a cost.
Emotional labour describes the act of attending to the emotional needs of others whilst containing/suppressing our own.
Witnessing or listening to stories of other’s suffering can lead to vicarious trauma. We may also be dealing with trauma of our own.
Cumulative stress from high workloads, competing work place demands & other workplace pressures may wear us down further, lessening our resilience when a critical incident occurs.
A lack of self care can lead to Compassion Fatigue & Burn out; with associated feelings of disillusionment, anxiety, depression, hopelessness & self doubt.
Effective Clinical Supervision provides the opportunity to receive support, develop skills & critically explore clinical/ethical dilemmas.
Facilitated reflective practice groups allow issues of concern to be explored from a range of different perspectives in a supportive setting, helping to reduce stress levels and develop critical thinking.
Psychotherapy aims to help people cope with emotional distress by exploring ways to change thinking & behavior.
A space for healers, helpers, teachers and carers to focus on self awareness, self development and self care; honouring the person within the role and promoting reflection on the personal & interpersonal elements of our work.
RPG has helped shaped our team
It has been such an asset to the unit here having your sessions and I hope they continue in the future. Thanks for all your support and thoughtful feedback over the years, I have certainly valued it personally and how it has helped shaped our team.Read More
Thank you for the space you hold for us
Hi Chris, I just wanted to say thank you again for the space you hold for us. You are an incredible clinician and the value you bring to nurses is beyond measure. Thank you for everything you do. Kind regards, IngridRead More
Having this space has helped develop a more resilient, cohesive team
Chris's support through RPG supervision has contributed to a positive cultural shift in the team and guided us through some significant challenges and changes in our work. Having this space has helped develop a more resilient, cohesive team to continue doing our best work and I'm really appreciative for the respectful, balanced approach that made it possible.Read More
Supervision with integrity and insight – Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Hi Chris, I just wanted to thank you for the extensive work you have done in providing Reflective Practice Supervision over 5 years across the Acute Inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Units, as well as Jacaranda Place. The clinical teams provide exceptional care for young people and families, and I know the staff really value the time spent with you to…Read More
RPG has kept me grounded
Hi Chris – I just wanted to say thank you for everything over the past few years. RPG has been the one thing in this (challenging) workplace that has kept me grounded and allowed me to connect with similar minded (& ethically oriented) colleagues. The other great benefit has been the resilience those connections have cultivated and the commitment to retaining one’s ‘authentic…Read More
2-Day RPG facilitator training workshop (2023).
• Training was very experiential… elements of the process of an RPG permeated throughout the training which was helpful and reinforcing. • I very much enjoyed this workshop and found it invaluable. The content was relevant and understandable, and the facilitators approachable and knowledgeable. Parking was the only aspect of the last two days that was ‘not fantastic’. • Relevant and important -…Read More
I’m extremely thankful to Chris.
Chris's clinical supervision; as part of a “Reflective Practice Group” of SMOs (Senior Medical Officers) for many years as well as individual sessions, has been professionally and personally life changing. Under Chris's gentle expert guidance, our group of Medical Oncologists has developed a strong sense of trust leading to a more cohesive workplace and a pleasant work environment. Our team very much looks…Read More
You do good work!
Thank you for your support during my pregnancy. It was such a tough time and I can't believe how many things life threw at me at once. I thought things quieting down would be hard but I have loved the slow pace I have now. I see that time, and a test of my resilience, and the work we did, as a bit…Read More
A safe space to purge my professional/workplace challenges
Supervision with Chris has been invaluable! A safe space to purge my professional/workplace challenges and reconstruct them in a way with various lenses of ‘professional demeanour’, self growth and care, consideration for client outcomes, ethical and moral sensitivity and how that aligns with what I value my role as a nurse to be. I feel Chris really listens, reminds me of my strengths,…Read More
RPG Facilitator Training and Supervision
Selection of feedback from trainee RPG facilitators regarding their experience of 2 years in an RPG facilitator supervision group: - The Facilitator Supervision facilitated by Chris Dawber is an essential part of being a facilitator of RPGs… I find it an extremely useful learning activity that helps me maintain psychological safety and reflective practice standards within the RPGs that I facilitate. Overwhelmingly positive,…Read More
Reflective Practice Group for Nurse Managers
Sample of responses from a quantitative/qualitative evaluation of RPG after 4 years: I feel that RPG improves our team cohesion and allows us to better understand and respect our teams’ members. It allows us a save safe to be vulnerable and feel confident that we are respected. It gives us time and space away from the ongoing stress of the work/ward environment to…Read More
Thank you for your support of our staff
Thank you for your support of our staff – they really appreciate it. We have had other people doing clinical supervision and staff have not found it nearly as helpful as they have with you. Selection of feedback from mental health nurses working at the unit. I felt I got a lot out of it. We need this 100% I really did enjoy…Read More
Personal development in my professional space
Clinical supervision with Chris has allowed me to address trauma and complex patients, and to re-frame my experiences from powerless to self-empowered. Also, and probably more importantly, my personal development in my professional space has allowed me to take on the challenge of a new position in ICU with more control over my natural inclination to react emotionally when under pressure. Thank youRead More
Reflective Practice Group for Nurse Managers
I relate the experience to a flower blooming. ‘The group’ began as a closed flower bud. Every time we have met as a group with Chris a petal unfolds, but also the roots grow deeper. When ‘the group’ as it is right now, (it is) formed. I have experienced RPG as an instrumental part of our growth, connection and understanding of each other…Read More
Chris has helped me so much over the last 9 months.
Chris has helped me so much over the last 9 months. I have gone from being sad with grief, angry from work and confused with my feelings... to confident and happy, and armed with tools I can use in the future. Chris's easy friendly manner made talking and sharing so easy. Having birds as background music was amazing! I highly recommend his services.Read More
I am so grateful for Chris and all that he offers
When I was at a low point in my life and struggling to work out a way to move forward, Chris was able to squeeze me into his schedule at very short notice. Not only was his care and counselling a life saver for me, more importantly I felt a safe connection in a very short time. Chris helped me see 'the real…Read More
Chris has been a pivotal resource person
Chris has been a pivotal resource person to guide, mentor, assist, reflect and most of all debrief on topics and situations I need to get off my chest. Our first meeting was breathtaking. Chris has a very relaxing and calming nature that makes you feel at ease and allows for the conversation to flow. His engaging and non-judgemental attitude allowed me to talk…Read More
Clinical supervision has enabled me to reflect
I have found clinical supervision very helpful. Chris is an excellent communicator and I feel we have a high level of rapport. I value the feedback, which has been a two way interaction. Clinical supervision has enabled me to reflect on my practice; to consider clinical issues, staff interpersonal issues and professional issuesRead More
My deepest appreciation for your support
My deepest appreciation for your support as my clinical supervisor over the last year; my first year as a practicing nurse at that. I feel as though your support was instrumental to my professional development within mental health nursing; allowing me to explore facets of my role which I found difficult at times. 2020 was a challenging year for me personally, as well…Read More
You have been instrumental in my growth as a clinician
I have enjoyed our time together immensely, and I am sorry it had to end. Over the past 2.5 years you have been so instrumental in my growth as a clinician and worker and I thank you dearly for the time you have spent. I believe I have grown a lot in the time we have caught up. I have placed great value…Read More
You helped me to grow as a nurse
Hello Chris, It has been a blessing to start my mental health journey with you; from my student days back in 2013, to my RN days, now to my CN days. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have you as a support, teacher, and inspirer. Thank you also for allowing me to share my sadness about the lack of support when I started as…Read More
We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve grown as people and as mental health nurses.
reflective practice with my NUM group has been an important and useful process for me over the last three years. It has helped my own self-awareness by reflecting on past & present experiences that contribute to my ability to work in this role. e are a small unified group with diverse personal & professional life experiences. Reflective Practice Group has allowed me to…Read More
I immensely enjoy my supervision.
Literature has shown the importance of clinical supervision throughout a nurses professional life. The Australian College of Nursing advocates for all nurses to be engaged in some form of clinical supervision undertaken with a qualified clinical supervisor. Despite these recommendations I have only been involved in clinical supervision for the past 18 months. During my sessions with Chris Dawber, I have learnt the…Read More
I feel more like myself now than I have in a long time.
I really wanted to thank you for your supervision. You were a great fit for me: your style is incredibly supportive and insightful. Your supervision really helped to pull my head out of a very toxic headspace and refocus on what is most important. The students accessing my support gained also - I was able to be far more present and available to…Read More
I now feel more comfortable stepping back and reflecting upon difficult and stressful situations
I very much look forward to our sessions with Chris and our team in General Paediatrics. Chris’ expertise and guidance have helped us to connect more with each other and become stronger as a group, through listening to each other’s perspectives on issues that impact us from our day to day clinical practice, our personal lives and world events. Having been trained to…Read More
Chris has helped to guide and support me through my professional and personal challenges
My first group supervision session as a student nurse was with Chris Dawber. New to this concept, I at first found myself a little out of my comfort zone, not really understanding the meaning or value that supervision can provide within clinical practice. In my role as a Clinical Nurse with the Cultural Healing Program (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health), responsible…Read More
Reflective Practice Group continues to remind me that I have chosen a fulfilling and evolving career
“Participating in Reflective Practice Group has definitely reinforced to me the importance of ongoing maintenance of my professional development and vocational aspirations. The breadth and depth of our discussions, the trust built up within the group, and the wisdom and patience of our facilitator, has renewed my connections with colleagues and broadened my own insights. Personally and professionally, the shared experience of reflection…Read More
Clinical supervision with Chris Dawber has been personally and professionally rewarding
“Clinical supervision with Chris Dawber has been personally and professionally rewarding; providing an enriching professional development opportunity. I have had the opportunity to safely expose and reflect upon my use of self, both within my practice framework, and my inter-personal collegial relationships.”Read More
I have found his ability to help me analyze and improve my practice invaluable
“I have been involved with Chris for a number of years, in both reflective practice groups and individual supervision. I have found his ability to help me analyze and improve my practice invaluable; improving both my personal and professional life. I am grateful for his time and professionalism.”Read More
RPG has helped me to process and consider the stresses of public hospital work in so many new and helpful ways
“In the last 2 years, our group of medical practitioners has joined together to use the structured setting of a Reflective Practice Group to work through common workplace, health system and patient related stressors. RPG has helped me to process and consider the stresses of public hospital work in so many new and helpful ways. As a group, we have learned more about…Read More
Thank you for your contribution to our team
Thank you for all your efforts and dedication to these sessions over the years and I’m certain they have been invaluable for many who have attended over this time. Todd, Clinical Coach, ICU I want to thank you for your contribution to our team over the years. It has been very beneficial for us all. On a personal note, your contribution to…Read More
I have found sessions with Chris to be grounding
Supervision with Chris has provided me with a quiet space for me to reflect on my day to day practise as a NUM. Guiding me to accept the things l cannot change and providing me with the focus and ability to prioritise where my capabilities are best utilised. I have found the sessions with Chris to be grounding and, through some mindfulness, I…Read More
Our group has been able to de-stress, become self-aware, facilitate team building
I have been a part of our Senior Nurse’s Mental Health Team Reflective Practice Group for some time now. I have found Chris to be a very supportive in this setting He has been able to guide the group through various processes to assist us to achieve outcomes of being more reflective and recovery oriented. Our group has been able to de-stress, become…Read More
When supervision from Chris became possible I jumped at the chance
Supervision had been undervalued in Nursing so I wasn’t aware that I was missing out on anything of great value. Then I moved to the Sunshine Coast and was fortunate to meet and work with Chris Dawber. This gave me the opportunity to witness the high standard of his practice in Consultation Psychiatry, including running reflective practice groups, so when supervision from Chris…Read More
With the help of Chris I have been slowly able to re-discover myself
I have had the help, guidance, support of Chris over the last few months. I reached out to Chris as I was going through both personal & professional challenges which were affecting me in every way and hindering my performance & progress. But with the help of Chris I have been slowly able to re-discover myself, my strengths, and work on my weakness.…Read More
The space for true reflective practice
Chris has been my supervisor for just over 12 months now and in that time I have had the incredible opportunity to get to know him as a supervisor and more importantly as a human being. I work with complex and severe youth mental health in an outreach service in North Brisbane, however travel to the sunshine coast to see Chris. I’ve had…Read More
Reflective Practice Groups have had an incredibly positive influence on our organisation
Chris Dawber has run a successful Reflective Practice Group Program for our mental health nursing workforce for the past 2 years. The RPG clinical supervision program has been implemented over 2 separate hospital campuses involving 8 mental health units. “Our work force has felt enormously supported by the introduction of these groups and feedback has been very positive with most asking for more…Read More
I highly recommend Chris as a Clinical Supervisor
I have been receiving Clinical Supervision from Chris for the past 5 years. I am a Clinical Coach in an acute mental health unit, responsible for the on the job mentoring of staff that work in my area. Chris ensures that our time is protected and used to reflect on my clinical practice. It is a valuable space that I share with Chris.…Read More
Excellence in clinical supervision
Chris has been my own clinical supervisor and at other times we have shared a space for Supervision of Supervision (SOS). Chris holds a deep understanding of the dynamics of care and maintains a humane, recovery-oriented philosophy to inform his clinical supervision. He has always been flexible and available, particularly at times when I have required extra support, providing honest and sensitive feedback…Read More
I have noticed changes in my practice
“Supervision provides me with a safe, respectful place to reflect on my practice as well as challenges in my work environment. The supervision style that Chris provides has built on my sense of identity as a social worker and I have noticed changes in my practice and “widening of my lens” through the supervisor supervisee conversations and storytelling.”Read More
We have all felt protected by his non-judgmental approach
“I participate with a group of peers in a monthly reflective practice group run by Chris Dawber. We all look forward to our sessions where we share our private lives and debrief about our complex work environment and its challenges. We have been able to support each other leading to a more cohesive workplace and contained venting. Chris has facilitated the group very…Read More
I recommend him with absolute confidence
"Doc is a unique individual with qualities that are hard to define or quantify. His mentoring skills transgress disciplinary boundaries and he brings something very valuable and powerful to his interaction with everyone who has the privilege to engage with him. He is a generous and gifted man and his guidance has enriched my life. I recommend him with absolute confidence to anyone…Read More
With Chris’s guidance I allowed myself to make real changes and embrace opportunities with enthusiasm once again
“When I first met Chris .... he was beginning to support nurses in the way of clinical supervision; not in the traditional sense of clinical hands on practice we know in nursing, but as supportive practice and mentoring to assist senior nurses through the endless minefield of managing the business of health, strategies to assist with the myriad workplace behaviours, debriefing and crisis…Read More
Highest Quality Supervision
“Chris Dawber was my clinical supervisor for six years…. He provided me with the highest quality supervision… initially as clinical supervisor during what was one of the most difficult times in my professional career & then as a supervisor of supervision: an opportunity that enabled me to offer my own supervisees’ quality supervision. Our sessions were both productive and challenging at times; allowing…Read More
I recommend Chris Dawber as a therapist and supervisor, unreservedly.
“As a psychologist of some 20 years, I recommend Chris Dawber as a therapist and supervisor, unreservedly. I would readily refer clients and supervisees to him. He has a highly developed capacity for compassion, empathy, intuition, insight, and understanding. He listens with sensitivity and non-judgmentalness, and expresses himself with clarity, humanity and courage. He is an independent thinker, widely knowledgeable, and is a…Read More
I cannot recommend Chris highly enough…
I have had the good fortune of working with Chris Dawber over many years:... working together in group supervision with clinicians from a variety of backgrounds, setting up a staff peer support system in a mental health service and providing clinical supervision to each other at various points in our respective careers. I have the utmost respect for and confidence in Chris to…Read More
Reflective practice allows nurses to refocus their thinking for complex patients
“As the Nurse Unit Manager of a busy Ambulatory Cancer Service... I was responsible for a group of nurses who had the privilege of working with patients at very vulnerable parts of their journey through cancer. The nursing profession requires lifelong learning, reflecting on experiences to improve the way we work and consciously analysing decision making... Personal supervision and group reflective practice allows…Read More
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first by reflection, which is noblest, second by imitation, which is easiest, third by experience, which is bitterest.” - Confucius
