Understanding Professional Vulnerability Through a Five-Gap Model presented by Holly Simmonds

This event is an interactive CPD workshop, designed for counsellors, psychotherapists, supervisors, trainees, and other helping professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of professional vulnerability, strengthen reflective awareness, and explore a practical framework for recognising blind spots within professional practice.

Professional vulnerability is often discussed in relation to burnout, stress, or practitioner wellbeing, yet it can develop gradually and remain outside our awareness. This workshop introduces the Five-Gap Psychological Model, an original reflective framework developed through clinical practice, supervision, and reflective inquiry. Drawing on Transactional Analysis as a relational and practical lens, the model offers a way of recognising how internal, relational, and systemic pressures may overlap, interact, and influence professional wellbeing, judgement, and ethical practice.

In this session, we will explore:

The Five-Gap Psychological Model and its five core areas of professional vulnerability.

How the gaps may overlap, interplay, and create blind spots in awareness.

The role of reflection, supervision, and awareness in recognising vulnerability earlier.

Practical application of the model through discussion and a case example.

The workshop combines brief theoretical input with reflective exercises, discussion, and small-group learning. Participants will leave with a practical framework that they can apply within their own professional practice, supervision, and ongoing reflective development.

Description supplied by the event organiser.