On 26th November 2020, after a postponement due to Covid-19, frontline practitioners including doctors, nurses, teachers, and social workers convened online for the inaugural “Reconnecting with the Heart of Frontline Practice” seminar. This virtual event was designed to offer a reflective and supportive community space for professionals to reconnect with the emotional values and mission that initially drew them to their roles.
Reconnecting with the Heart of Frontline Practice Event Highlights
Dr. Caroline Elton’s Keynote:
Dr. Elton, a seasoned psychologist supporting healthcare professionals, discussed the inner lives of frontline workers with her talk “Also human – the inner lives of frontline practitioners.” She emphasized the essential need for societal support for caregivers, a sentiment echoed throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
Dr. Nicola O’Sullivan and Dr. Colm O’Connor:
Their presentations delved into the emotional experiences at the frontline and the role of imagination and self-compassion in practice, respectively, offering attendees practical insights into maintaining their well-being amidst challenging work environments.
Interactive Sessions: The seminar included a vibrant Q&A, followed by a variety of workshops focusing on personal reflection, emotional resilience, and professional sustainability.
In the afternoon there was a Q&A session facilitated by Jim Sheehan and Dr Maeve Hurley. After that, participants had a choice of workshops to attend, facilitated by Dr Caroline Elton, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Marianne Adams, Jim Sheehan and Beatrice Barry Murphy, and Dr Maeve Hurley and Leon Ledwidge.
Q&A and Workshops
In the afternoon there was a Q&A session facilitated by Jim Sheehan and Dr Maeve Hurley. After that, participants had a choice of workshops to attend, facilitated by Dr Caroline Elton, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Marianne Adams, Jim Sheehan and Beatrice Barry Murphy, and Dr Maeve Hurley and Leon Ledwidge.
Our keynote speaker was Dr Caroline Elton, an occupational and counselling psychologist who has trained and supported doctors for the last 20 years. The title of her keynote address was ‘Also human – the inner lives of frontline practitioners.’
“If the Covid crisis has taught has anything, it’s the centrality of care in all of our lives. What society hasn’t yet learned is that carers can’t care for others if no one cares for them. That’s why this seminar is so vital.”
