Trauma Informed Coaching Support

This confidential, trauma-informed coaching service has been developed specifically for GPs who have experienced domestic abuse and would like support to remain in work or return to clinical practice safely and sustainably.

It offers a compassionate, non-judgemental space to support emotional recovery, rebuild professional confidence and help you move forward with greater clarity, resilience and a renewed sense of professional identity.

Support is provided in a safe and confidential environment, separate from workplace or organisational processes.

GPs, like the wider population, are not immune to domestic abuse. Many may minimise or hide their experiences due to stigma, professional expectations, concerns about confidentiality or fear of judgement.

The impact of trauma can be significant. It may affect confidence, concentration, clinical decision-making, emotional wellbeing and overall job satisfaction. Without the right support, this can contribute to burnout, reduced resilience or decisions to step away from clinical practice altogether.

Some clinicians may also feel unable or unwilling to access the same domestic abuse services they would refer patients to, creating additional barriers to seeking support.

We recognise that concerns about confidentiality are often a key factor. This service has been designed to prioritise your privacy at every stage.

This coaching programme is designed to complement therapeutic support, with a focus on recovery in a professional context.

It may be helpful if you:

• have experienced domestic abuse and are thinking about returning to work
• are currently working but finding your confidence, focus or wellbeing impacted
• want structured support to rebuild confidence and re-engage with your professional role
• are looking for a safe, confidential space to consider your next steps

Support is centred around your individual circumstances and may include:

• rebuilding confidence and self-esteem
• preparing for a return to work or changes in role
• managing stress, overwhelm or self-doubt
• developing healthy boundaries and coping strategies
• improving work–life balance and professional identity
• navigating workplace relationships and challenges
• building resilience and future goals
• creating sustainable approaches to work and personal wellbeing

The programme consists of up to six confidential coaching sessions, offering structured, recovery-informed support focused on emotional safety, wellbeing and professional confidence.

This service is grounded in a trauma-informed approach, recognising that recovery is complex and individual.

It is a future-focused coaching service rather than therapy. While your experiences are acknowledged and respected, sessions are not centred on revisiting past abuse in detail. Instead, the focus is on supporting you to move forward — rebuilding confidence, strengthening resilience and creating a clearer pathway ahead.

Coaching is delivered in a way that prioritises emotional safety, choice and empowerment, allowing you to progress at a pace that feels right for you.

This service is not therapy and does not replace psychological or specialist therapeutic support.

It is designed for GPs who have already had the opportunity to process their experiences with an appropriately trained therapeutic professional and who now feel ready to focus on their future, professional identity and return-to-work goals.

You do not need to be in crisis to access support. Some people seek coaching at an early stage when considering a return to work, while others want space to regain clarity, confidence and direction following a difficult period.

However, this service is not suitable if you are currently in crisis. Where additional or specialist therapeutic support may be more appropriate, we will support you to access the right help for your needs.

If you or your family are in immediate danger, please contact 999.

If you are a GP working in Devon and would like to access this service, please ensure you are logged in as a Devon LMC member and use the link at the bottom of this page.

This will take you to the Trauma-Informed Coaching Support page within the Members’ Area, where you can complete a short initial enquiry form.

Once your enquiry is received, a trauma-informed coach with specialist training in domestic abuse awareness will be in touch within five working days.

You will then be invited to complete a referral assessment form. This includes some additional information about your current circumstances, safety and support, your readiness for coaching, and what you would like to gain from the programme.

The form is designed to be proportionate, with no requirement for detailed or in-depth disclosure.

This helps ensure the coaching programme is appropriate for you at this stage and that support is offered in a way that feels safe and aligned with your needs.

If it is agreed that trauma-informed coaching is the right next step, your coach will contact you to talk through the programme in more detail and arrange your first session.