We have been working with legal professionals in our clinical practices for many years. Lawyers face specific challenges related to the content of their work, and the ambitious and competitive nature of the legal profession. It is evident that working in this sector can be highly emotionally charged, causing stress, anxiety and burn out.
The necessary focus on detail and large financial rewards is known to attract ambitious high achievers and perfectionists. When these characteristics are combined with demanding timeframes, targets, expectations and clients, many lawyers find themselves struggling to maintain a healthy work life balance.
This can heavily impact on personal relationships and priorities outside of work. Many lawyers find it hard to say when they are struggling, take sufficient breaks or ask for help. These factors often lead to an increase in stress, poor mental and physical health and so productivity is compromised.
Mental health in the workplace is under greater scrutiny than ever and law firms are having to ask tough questions about a corporate culture that promises financial rewards but, too often, at a high personal cost to employees. The wellbeing charity LawCare, have seen a 24% increase in the number of legal professionals contacting them for support. (This is based on the number of contacts from January to August 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.)
In the last few years, significant progress has been made in the legal sector, to address the mental health challenge, and there is still a way to go. HealthyMinds@Work can help by providing coaching, supervision and workshops.
Our Expertise
- Enabling managers to lead, inspire and get the best out of their people, so they build high performing teams
- Raising people’s self-awareness and emotional intelligence so they can perform to the best of their abilities, influence others and build effective relationships
- Helping individuals become more resilient, productive, motivated, and better at managing their emotions
- Improving people’s confidence, their ability to utilise their skills and strengths and build their capabilities
- Developing teams to work together effectively, collaboratively, and creatively so they can deliver outstanding results
- Promoting mental health in the workplace
Our Solutions
- Executive coaching to develop advanced emotional intelligence, communication and leadership skills. We use a psychodynamic approach to understand our emotional responses to work and relationships. This helps employees and leaders address the anxieties which can hinder productivity and wellbeing. A psychodynamic approach works well to increase the individual’s overall effectiveness and improve their relationships in the workplace whilst maintaining a better management of their mental health.
- Reflective supervision for groups and individuals to help process emotionally challenging content. These sessions facilitate a deeper understanding of psychological dynamics occurring in these environments.
- Psychoeducational workshops for individuals and teams on areas such as emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, mental health, managing stress, building resilience, work life balance, understanding the emotional demands of working in difficult environments, team building and career development.
- Education and ongoing support for mental health first aiders and key pastoral support staff.
- Mediation services and training for individuals and teams to resolve conflict, disagreements and differences.