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.
Publisher
Dr Paula Redmond
Category
health & fitness · health & fitness · society & culture
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) (https://youtu.be/_XJ34n0-vs8)
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 (https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/harris/)Coping with Endometriosis (https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/harris/)
Dr Kirsty Harris on Instagram – @dr_k_harris (https://www.instagram.com/dr_k_harris/)
Endometriosis UK (https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/) – Information, advocacy and support
Wellbeing of Women UK (https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/) – Women's reproductive and gynaecological health charity
Menstrual Health Project (https://menstrualhealthproject.org.uk/) – Education, awareness and practical resources
The Compassionate Mind Foundation (https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/) – Resources on compassion-focused approaches
____________________________
I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaularedmond/) or via my website (https://drpaularedmond.com/contact/).
The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books (https://www.sequoia-books.com/coping/) and Routledge (https://www.routledge.com/Coping-With/book-series/CW). 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 (https://acpuk.org.uk/) and everything it has to offer.
19 Oct 2026
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 (https://youtu.be/-R6Q2lITQfQ)
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 (https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/islam/) (use code Momotaj25 to get 25% off until 31/10/26)
Momotaj's website (http://www.drmpsychology.co.uk/)
Momotaj on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-momotaj-islam-2209b912b/)
Momotaj on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drmpsychology/)
Employment Rights Act - Menopause Action Plan Guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creating-an-action-plan-guidance-for-employers)
Royal College of Psychiatrists' position statement on menopause and mental health (https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/campaigning-for-better-mental-health-policy/position-statements/2026-position-statements/menopause-and-mental-health-%28ps02-26%29)
Royal College of Psychiatrists' Women’s Mental Health Strategy (https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/womens-mental-health)
____________________________
I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaularedmond/) or via my website (https://drpaularedmond.com/contact/).
The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books (https://www.sequoia-books.com/coping/) and Routledge (https://www.routledge.com/Coping-With/book-series/CW). 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 (https://acpuk.org.uk/) and everything it has to offer.
12 Oct 2026
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 (https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/waft/)
Website: www.catalystclinpsy.co.uk (http://www.catalystclinpsy.co.uk/)
Instagram: @waftyvonne (https://www.instagram.com/waftyvonne?igsh=MTVnbnpnc2NiYnp2aw==)
Facebook: Dr Yvonne Waft - Catalyst Clinical Psychology (https://www.facebook.com/catalystclinpsy/)
LinkedIn: Dr Yvonne Waft (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yvonne-waft-63899241/)
____________________________
I’d love to connect with you so please come and say hi on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaularedmond/) or via my website (https://drpaularedmond.com/contact/).
The Coping With series is available via Sequoia Books (https://www.sequoia-books.com/coping/) and Routledge (https://www.routledge.com/Coping-With/book-series/CW). 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 (https://acpuk.org.uk/) and everything it has to offer.
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