When Work Hurts

Dr Paula Redmond
  • 4.9 (13)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly series

Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are experiencing unprecedented levels of distress due to their work. Join clinical psychologist Dr Paula Redmond as she talks to inspiring clinicians and thought leaders about the stories behind the mental health statistics, and how compassion, connection and creativity can offer hope when work hurts.

  1. Episode 1

    Coping with Breast Cancer - with Dr Sarah Swan

    In this episode of When Work Hurts, I’m joined by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Sarah Swan to talk about her experience of breast cancer and how becoming a patient affected her both personally and professionally. (🎥 Watch the video version here) Sarah shares the story behind her book Coping with Breast Cancer, and we explore the emotional realities of cancer diagnosis and treatment – including fear, uncertainty and the pressure created by some of the familiar cultural narratives about how people are supposed to cope with cancer. We also talk about what it is like to navigate serious illness while working as a psychologist. Sarah reflects on decisions about what to tell clients, the complexities of self-disclosure and professional boundaries, and how her experience challenged and reshaped aspects of her professional identity. Our conversation explores the role of values when life becomes uncertain, what psychological skills can – and can’t – offer when you are living through your own difficult experience, and what it feels like to encounter healthcare professionals from the other side of the consulting room. Finally, Sarah shares some of the things she wishes health professionals understood about supporting people through cancer, and we discuss the wider Coping with… book series and its aim of providing accessible, psychologically informed support for people facing difficult life experiences. Useful links: Buy Coping with Breast Cancer Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn ____________________________ I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn or via my website. The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books and Routledge. ACP-UK members receive a discount on all ACP-UK titles - details are in the monthly members’ newsletter, The Buzz. Do check out the ACP-UK and everything it has to offer.

    Coping with Breast Cancer - with Dr Sarah Swan

  2. Episode 2

    Coping with Trauma - with Dr Yvonne Waft

    This episode was originally released in 2024, and we’re revisiting it as part of our Coping With… series. Dr Yvonne Waft is one of the authors in the series, and her conversation about trauma, professional identity and the experiences we bring to our work fits perfectly with the themes we’re exploring this season. Health professionals are not immune to trauma. In fact, many are motivated to become healthcare professionals as a way of understanding and even healing their own wounds. They are also vulnerable to experiencing trauma in their personal lives, just as much as anyone else, and especially likely to be exposed to trauma through their work. In this episode, Paula is joined by Dr Yvonne Waft, a clinical psychologist and EMDR consultant, and author of Coping with Trauma: Surviving and Thriving in the Face of Overwhelming Events, published by Sequoia Books in association with ACP-UK. Yvonne talks about her own experiences of trauma, how these have informed her professional life, and how health professionals can look after themselves when they are impacted by traumatic events, either at work or in their personal lives. Useful links Book: Coping With Trauma: Surviving and Thriving in the Face of Overwhelming Events - Sequoia Books Website: www.catalystclinpsy.co.uk Instagram: @‌waftyvonne Facebook: Dr Yvonne Waft - Catalyst Clinical Psychology LinkedIn: Dr Yvonne Waft ____________________________ I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn or via my website. The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books and Routledge. ACP-UK members receive a discount on all ACP-UK titles - details are in the monthly members’ newsletter, The Buzz. Do check out the ACP-UK and everything it has to offer.

    Coping with Trauma - with Dr Yvonne Waft

  3. Episode 3

    Coping with Menopause - with Dr Momotaj Islam

    In this episode of When Work Hurts, I’m joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Momotaj Islam to explore her personal and professional experiences of menopause, and the insights behind her book Coping with Menopause. 🎥 Watch the video version here Momotaj draws on a biopsychosocial understanding of menopause, exploring how biological changes interact with our psychological wellbeing, relationships, work and wider social and cultural contexts. We discuss the importance of looking beyond symptoms alone, and the role that humour, gratitude and self-compassion can play in navigating this stage of life. We also explore the impact of menopause on professional identity, including experiences of cognitive changes and brain fog, the challenges these can present at work, and the importance of supportive workplace cultures, policies and practical adjustments. Our conversation considers how psychological approaches can help us respond to difficult experiences with greater understanding and compassion, and what health professionals can do to better support people experiencing menopause. Finally, Momotaj reflects on the process of writing her book, the vulnerability involved in sharing personal experiences, and how menopause can also offer an opportunity to reconsider our priorities, reconnect with our values and reflect on what matters most. Useful links: Buy Coping with Menopause (use code Momotaj25 to get 25% off until 31/10/26)Momotaj's websiteMomotaj on LinkedInMomotaj on InstagramEmployment Rights Act - Menopause Action Plan GuidanceRoyal College of Psychiatrists' position statement on menopause and mental healthRoyal College of Psychiatrists' Women’s Mental Health Strategy ____________________________ I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn or via my website. The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books and Routledge. ACP-UK members receive a discount on all ACP-UK titles - details are in the monthly members’ newsletter, The Buzz. Do check out the ACP-UK and everything it has to offer.

    Coping with Menopause - with Dr Momotaj Islam

  4. Episode 4

    Coping with Endometriosis - with Dr Kirsty Harris

    In this episode of When Work Hurts, I’m joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Kirsty Harris, author of Coping with Endometriosis, to explore the personal, psychological and professional impact of living with this chronic condition. (Watch the video version here) Kirsty shares her own experiences of endometriosis, including the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, navigating healthcare systems and living with chronic pain and uncertainty. We discuss how endometriosis affects much more than reproductive health, and the importance of recognising its impact on all aspects of life. We also explore what it means to live and work with an often invisible condition, including the challenges of disclosure, self-advocacy and recognising when support or adjustments are needed. Kirsty reflects on her own experiences of navigating professional identity alongside chronic illness, and what employers and healthcare professionals can do to provide more compassionate and effective support. Our conversation considers the psychological impact of living with endometriosis, including experiences of shame, self-stigma and the pressure to keep going despite significant difficulties. Kirsty explains how Compassion Focused Therapy can offer a different way of responding to pain, distress and uncertainty, helping us relate to ourselves with greater kindness and understanding. Finally, we talk about Kirsty’s experience of writing Coping with Endometriosis, the importance of community and shared experiences, and how telling our stories can help challenge stigma and bring about change. Useful links: Buy Coping with EndometriosisDr Kirsty Harris on Instagram – @‌dr_k_harrisEndometriosis UK – Information, advocacy and supportWellbeing of Women UK – Women's reproductive and gynaecological health charityMenstrual Health Project – Education, awareness and practical resourcesThe Compassionate Mind Foundation – Resources on compassion-focused approaches ____________________________ I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn or via my website. The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books and Routledge. ACP-UK members receive a discount on all ACP-UK titles - details are in the monthly members’ newsletter, The Buzz. Do check out the ACP-UK and everything it has to offer.

    Coping with Endometriosis - with Dr Kirsty Harris

  5. Season 8 Trailer

    When Work Hurts: Season 8 Trailer

    Dr Paula Redmond, Clinical Psychologist, announces that Season 8 of the When Work Hurts podcast is on its way. This season is brought to you by the Association of Clinical Psychologists, the representative professional body for clinical psychologists in the UK. So far the podcast has largely focussed on ways in which the world of work can affect us as health professionals. But of course, as humans, we’re exposed to the same stressors and challenges in life as everyone else. Whilst we may have professional knowledge and skills to draw on this doesn’t mean we’ve got immunity from suffering or that we’ve got it all sorted. Facing tough times, whether that’s a health crisis, a chronic condition or significant life event, also creates unique challenges for our professional roles, identities and relationship to work. This season explores this through conversations with clinical psychologists who have written about their personal experiences of coping with a variety of difficult life circumstances and events. These have formed the Coping with Series published by ACP-UK, Sequoia and Routledge. The books weave together first-person accounts of navigating difficult times with psychologically informed information and guidance. We’ll explore the intersection of the personal and professional in coping with breast cancer, trauma, menopause, endometriosis, bereavement and psoriasis. Listen for a taster of what's coming up. ____________________________ I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn or via my website. The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books and Routledge. ACP-UK members receive a discount on all ACP-UK titles - details are in the monthly members’ newsletter, The Buzz. Do check out the ACP-UK and everything it has to offer.

    When Work Hurts: Season 8 Trailer
See All Season 8 (5)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are experiencing unprecedented levels of distress due to their work. Join clinical psychologist Dr Paula Redmond as she talks to inspiring clinicians and thought leaders about the stories behind the mental health statistics, and how compassion, connection and creativity can offer hope when work hurts.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Paula Redmond
  • Episodes
    48
  • Seasons
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr Paula Redmond
  • Show Website
    When Work Hurts

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