Professional supervision and support for doctors

HOW I WORK

Professional supervision and support for doctors

Doctors have told me that traditional approaches can feel too fluffy, too therapeutic or too focused on executive coaching. My approach has developed differently.

Most professional support is shaped by the perspective and training of the therapist, coach or supervisor offering it. My approach evolved from what doctors themselves told me they needed, and from the work we have done together. It relies on trust developed over time.

You can freely examine the issues in your practice and their impact on your life with someone who has expertise, who has also worked in and understands your world from many perspectives.

I draw on supervision, coaching, ethics, my therapeutic training in trauma and bereavement, mentoring and communication.

I offer an informed, flexible and confidential space that responds to the person inside the professional, helping you maintain perspective, think clearly and sustain sound professional judgement.

I do not offer a crisis therapeutic or trauma service; this work requires more regular and sustained contact. If I feel I am not the best person to help, I can point you in the right direction.

How we work together

Sessions usually take place remotely once a month and last 1.5 hours. Depending on the issue, we may meet more frequently for a time if there is particular pressure.

I work with doctors individually online. I have taught widely in communication and ethics and have facilitated debriefs after traumatic or particularly difficult situations.  You are welcome to discuss these options if you think they might be helpful, though l  only do a little of this work now.

There is no fixed contract length. I have worked with many of my current clients for more than four years. Many doctors begin with an initial period to establish whether the relationship is right for them, then continue on a rolling basis for as long as it remains useful.

Ann Munro

Confidentiality must be airtight and entirely independent of your employer, appraisal, revalidation and any regulatory process. What we discuss stays between us, with the usual caveat that if I became concerned about your safety, I would speak directly to you.

Getting started

Beginning is straightforward, and there is no obligation to commit beyond each stage. Many doctors find that the value of this way of working becomes clear once they have experienced it.

STEP 1.

A free 30-minute conversation. We talk through what has brought you here and how I work.

STEP 2.

An initial session. We take the time to understand what you need and agree how we will work together.

STEP 3.

An ongoing monthly session, reviewed regularly to make sure the arrangement continues to serve you.

Cost

Individual sessions are charged at £100 per 1.5-hour session.

Common Questions

  • We stop. I will check in with you to see how it is working. Sometimes the fit is not right, or we may need to adjust the focus.

  • I really need 48 hours’ notice, if possible, but I understand how clinics and operating schedules work. I cannot extend the online session if you are late, as I may have other commitments. If cancellations happen repeatedly, we may need to rethink the timing. No-shows are charged.

  • There is no fixed minimum commitment. The intention is to provide an ongoing reflective space, rather than a one-off session focused on a particular issue. We can work out whether this is right for you during the free initial conversation.

  • Many of my current clients pay for sessions themselves. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of your work, you may be able to fund sessions through a professional development or CPD budget, or treat them as a professional expense. You would need to check what applies in your own circumstances.

  • This has been negotiated in the past, but I would decline if feedback were required. I know how difficult it can be to find a confidential space to discuss concerns, and confidentiality must be airtight.

  • Testimonials from doctors

    “For me, this works because it is a professional, confidential space where you can decompress without judgement or adverse consequence. The infrastructure for support is not well developed in my NHS trust. We face many ethical and safety-related issues, high-stress situations and difficult decisions. Having an unbiased sounding board is really helpful. It creates a space to step back, consider, and validate or challenge thoughts and opinions. It has helped me navigate many challenges and kept me on a straight line when I might otherwise have lost focus. It has helped me gain clarity in non-clinical decision-making and accelerated my leadership progression.

    Ann is great. We have worked together for two years. She helps me keep perspective, has a great sense of humour and will say it how it is, which I really appreciate. I value her extensive NHS and trust management experience. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

    Trust Clinical Cancer Lead, Consultant Breast Surgeon

  • Testimonials from doctors

    “I have found the professional supervision provided by Ann to be invaluable in helping me grow, both personally and professionally. Her support and guidance have enabled me to develop my practice while maintaining a sustainable work–life balance amid the stresses and emotional demands of an NHS career. Ann creates a safe, supportive and reflective space where I feel heard, challenged and encouraged to grow. Her longstanding experience in healthcare enables her to approach supervision with professionalism and compassion. She has been instrumental in supporting my wellbeing and resilience, and I am incredibly grateful for her ongoing support.”

    Consultant Oncologist

  • Testimonials from doctors

    “As a typical surgeon who was massively sceptical about any form of counselling or therapy, I can honestly say that having professional supervision with Ann has been invaluable—not just from a career point of view, but also for my personal development. Being able to check in regularly with Ann has provided a safe space to discuss challenging situations with patients, colleagues and the NHS.

    Ann is experienced, wise and compassionate, and has been an amazing guiding hand through some of the most difficult points of my surgical career. I could not recommend her highly enough.”

    Consultant Surgeon

  • Testimonials from doctors

    “Ann and I have worked together in several different settings over more than 15 years. We have worked together in small and larger group teaching sessions focused on communication skills, breaking bad news and debriefing after clinical incidents. She understands team dynamics well and is also great in small groups or one-to-one sessions. Her broad experience in different clinical settings gives her insight into spoken and unspoken issues.

    Ann is an experienced coach with a flexible, interactive style and a good sense of humour when needed. She has a non-confrontational, empathic style, and I would be confident that she could support and develop anyone in our team. One-to-one, Ann is a great listener, stimulates ideas and is comfortable challenging in a supportive way. Her contribution is always well received, and I love working with her!”

    Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

  • Testimonials from doctors

    “I have worked with Ann for over 20 years, both in her capacity as an ethicist and as an educator. She has unrivalled experience as a clinical ethicist and has provided advice and support to hospital teams in some of the most difficult cases. As an educator, she has been innovative in sharing knowledge, using an adaptable and interactive style that has consistently received the highest-rated feedback.

    I have unhesitatingly recommended her to various colleagues for coaching support.”

    Palliative care consultant

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A free 30-minute introductory conversation offers an opportunity to discuss any questions you have.

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