Veterinary teams are no strangers to trauma—emergency cases, euthanasia, client distress, and internal conflict can all leave an emotional mark. Yet, so often, we rush past these moments without stopping to process them. What if we didn’t have to carry that weight alone?
In this essential episode, we speak with Julie Morse Elliott, MPCC Provisional (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling Provisional), RVT, VTS(ECC), and trained CIGD facilitator, about Critical Incident Group Debriefing—a powerful, structured approach to helping veterinary teams process distressing events in a safe, supportive environment.
Julie explains how debriefing sessions can reduce emotional overwhelm, foster team cohesion, and protect against long-term impacts like burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD. We walk through what a typical session looks like, common signs a team might need one, and how leaders can begin introducing debriefing into their workplace culture.
This conversation is both practical and deeply affirming. If you’ve ever left work feeling rattled, numb, or isolated after a traumatic case—or you’re a leader wondering how to better support your team—this episode is a must-listen.
Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/PIdLiB70Fio
Resources
Learn more about Critical Incident Group Debriefings by Reviving Veterinary Medicine: https://revivingvetmed.com/critical-incident-group-debriefing-for-veterinary-teams/
Learn more about Julie and the other coaches at Reviving Veterinary Medicine: https://revivingvetmed.com/meet-our-coaches
Book a 20-minute introductory coaching call with Julie: https://scheduler.zoom.us/coaching-rvm-juliemorse-elliott/20-minute-discovery-call-
Follow Julie Morse Elliott on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-morse-elliott-rvt-vts-ecc-mpcc-provisional-1ba373a7/ and Facebook / Instagram @ConsciousEvolutionCounselling
Visit Julie Morse Elliott’s website: https://consciousevolutioncounselling.com/
Critical Incident Debriefing: What You Need to Know (PDF): https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/critical-incident-debriefing
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Reviving Veterinary Medicine: www.revivingvetmed.com
Order Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101487131-14076226?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FA-Compassionate-Calling-What-It-Really-Means-to-Be-a-Veterinarian%2FHolowaychuk%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032389035
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/
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