The Veterinary couple

Authors: Gumbrell R, Gumbrell J
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 4, pp 56, Apr 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Stress, Veterinary profession
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Last year saw an article by Dr Jan Jones on women veterinarians being published in this Journal (NZ. vet. J. 33: 121) which highlighted some of the problems that women in the profession face when trying to satisfy their needs as veterinarians, mothers and people. This was followed by Dr Rob Deegan drawing our attention to the responsibilities that male veterinarians have to their families, their life partners and themselves (NZ. vet. J. 33: 189). Whilst all this was in progress we were organising a course for "veterinarians and lovers" which we hope will help veterinarians and their life partners achieve more satisfaction from their lives. We hope to run this immediately following the Association's Conference in May. It is designed to help participants focus on their relationship as a couple. We see these as the aims of the course:-
* to identify the areas of pleasure and of stress that can occur
* to help participants control and handle these areas of stress;
* to discuss basic communication skills relevant to a couple in a veterinary family; including conflict and decision making.
Further information is available from the Association office.
Couples courses are run in many centres of New Zealand. Generally they focus on communication skills. Information on courses in your area can be obtained from your local Marriage Guidance Council and from Citizens Advice Bureaux. Courses on assertiveness, communication skills and stress management may help individuals handle some of the life responsibilities referred to by Rob Deegan. Again your local Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to help you to locate such courses.

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