Space for Space Holders: Embedding Trauma-Informed Wellbeing in Mental Health Organisations
Tracks
Cullinan Room: In-Person Only
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM |
Overview
Amy Smith, Kindred & Consulting with Purpose
Presenter
Mrs Amy Smith
Founder/Trauma-informed Mental Health Consultant
Kindred; Consulting With Purpose
Space for Space Holders: Embedding Trauma-Informed Wellbeing in Mental Health Organisations
Abstract
Frontline mental health workers carry the weight of providing essential support to individuals experiencing trauma, often while managing their own exposure to vicarious trauma and stress. While trauma-informed frameworks are often prioritised for clients, the wellbeing of the staff themselves is just as critical for creating sustainable, healthy work environments. This presentation will share insights from a trauma-informed wellbeing initiatives with mental health organisations, highlighting strategies to build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster psychological safety in the workplace
This approach to trauma-informed practice equips leaders and teams in mental health organisations with actionable tools to enhance workplace mental health, ensuring that those providing care are seen, supported, and prepared to continue their vital work.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Defining Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, and Burnout – Understanding how these challenges impact mental health workers and recognising early signs.
2. Trauma-Informed Leadership – Practical steps leaders can take to integrate trauma-informed principles, supporting both organisational and individual resilience.
3. Sustainable Wellbeing Practices – Implementing trauma-informed strategies to protect staff from secondary trauma, support mental health, and foster a culture of psychological safety and wellbeing.
This approach to trauma-informed practice equips leaders and teams in mental health organisations with actionable tools to enhance workplace mental health, ensuring that those providing care are seen, supported, and prepared to continue their vital work.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Defining Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, and Burnout – Understanding how these challenges impact mental health workers and recognising early signs.
2. Trauma-Informed Leadership – Practical steps leaders can take to integrate trauma-informed principles, supporting both organisational and individual resilience.
3. Sustainable Wellbeing Practices – Implementing trauma-informed strategies to protect staff from secondary trauma, support mental health, and foster a culture of psychological safety and wellbeing.
Biography
Amy is an AASW Accredited Social Worker and the Founder of Kindred: Consulting with Purpose, bringing extensive experience working with refugees, people seeking asylum, First Nations communities and in mental health and suicide prevention. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and systemic change, dedicated to supporting leaders and organisations in cultivating trauma-informed, mentally healthy workplaces. Amy has collaborated with small businesses and leading mental health organisations to develop and facilitate trauma-informed wellbeing initiatives with leadership and inform organisational policy. Amy equips leaders and teams to mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout—supporting sustainable wellbeing and holding space for space holders through trauma-informed supervision.
