Charlie Jones
@charlie_psych
Followers
9,516
Following
4,340
Media
428
Statuses
19,455
Relational working & dialogue in healthcare. Clinical psychologist in Medicine. Dad. Simple things. #SpacesForListening
Bristol & NHS
Joined August 2019
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Elon
• 1246853 Tweets
Over 1
• 897633 Tweets
Spaces
• 342759 Tweets
The EU
• 261670 Tweets
Epstein
• 239852 Tweets
Nuclear
• 157203 Tweets
DDOS
• 121135 Tweets
無料クーポン
• 103827 Tweets
#WWERaw
• 73621 Tweets
Rumble
• 57176 Tweets
Unable
• 55701 Tweets
増量作戦
• 42923 Tweets
DeSantis
• 36051 Tweets
1.3 Million
• 34534 Tweets
NO MORE IMMIGRATION
• 32073 Tweets
#ラヴィット
• 31148 Tweets
NO WAR WITH IRAN
• 22919 Tweets
異世界失格
• 22782 Tweets
#DayDay
• 21610 Tweets
Department of Education
• 16629 Tweets
Goldman
• 16367 Tweets
Mookie
• 14603 Tweets
#ファミマ増量クランチ
• 12142 Tweets
Dentures
• 11299 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
What if we were to gather together in a space, & share how we are really feeling, what we are thinking. And feel listened to, & heard?
Some reflections on
#SpacesForListening
by
@brigidrussell51
& me.
Please let us know what you think. Thank you.
49
72
343
What would it cost to replace this:
“Our assessment showed they don’t meet the service criteria.”
with this:
“We had a good conversation, talked things over, & decided that this service isn’t offering the right kind of help, but we thought together about some alternatives."
17
86
567
My supervisor knows I'm having a pretty tough time atm, and she's making herself even more available - not in a "I think you're struggling and need my help" kind of way, but more like "fancy a cuppa and a catch up?" A subtle difference, that makes all the difference...
12
19
554
We don’t need all this noise. The endless emails, packed agendas, rushed conversations. Finding solutions before we really understand.
Let’s slow down & listen, make space for quieter thoughts, for curiosity & possibility. Let’s trust each other & share, use our energy wisely.
15
92
540
Our NHS Trust is seeking a new CEO. I have the chance to ask candidates a question. I'm thinking about psychological safety.
What's a beautiful question to ask..?
Here's a starter:
"How would you embrace & express your vulnerability in leading our Trust?"
110
65
445
Team meeting tomorrow. We always start with a check in, a 'round' of how's everyone doing. Think we have good relationships, but everyone's tired, tired of being tired, & even doing the check in feels a bit weary, a bit samy week to week. Thinking of what we could do differently.
153
30
438
When someone leaves a team, ofc you can recruit to the role, & there'll be new opportunities, but you can't replace the person or the relationships they had. I dont think we acknowledge this enough.
17
32
380
I'm getting more used to saying out loud to people that I'm autistic, so I thought I'd say it here too...
It's been over six months since I had my assessment, & it's a good thing to feel I'm understanding myself better.
33
4
369
I'm glad to be in touch with people working relationally in healthcare contexts where hearts & minds matter.
Our shared humanity & vulnerability create space in which we can connect, we can think, & both givers & receivers of care feel engaged in healing.
32
128
372
Realised today how NHS-centric my thinking can be. People from a local third sector org joined our team meeting & they were just so innovative, nimble, & responsive to need- genuinely working alongside people. Really struck me how we in NHS have so much to learn from these guys.
28
51
365
Struggling.
I sit with someone who seems rushed & distracted. He gives a solution before he’s heard my story. I feel unable to say what I need to say.
I sit with someone who is warm & present. He leans into the space between us & listens. I feel free & safe to think & feel.
16
80
333
I’ve been asked to do some training on our wards to support psychological skills & compassionate care.
But is this really about training?
Think to start with we need ward environments in which care-givers feel cared-for. Then psychological care will perhaps flow more naturally.
32
28
324
NHS trusts buy in shiny £multi-million leadership programs. And there's this fantasy that 'better leadership' will fix everything.
Meanwhile we ALREADY HAVE a workforce of people with an abundance of skills, ideas, & experiences. Wouldnt it be better to properly appreciate this?
47
57
317
Had a moment today when I felt triggered in a conversation, & I actually managed to say “can you say a bit more about your thinking?” OMG so simple... This stopped me reacting with some irritable comment, and it also helped me listen, and understand more about the person’s view.
15
30
315
There’s the ‘softer’ stuff – kindness, care, compassion; and there’s the ‘harder’ stuff – accountability, boundaries, governance.
We need both. We need to value both. We need to bring them together – in our hearts & minds, in our conversations, & in our relationships.
17
75
296
I think it can be misleading to say 'kindness is free' or 'listening costs nothing'. I understand the point but these things DO take time & energy, & supportive conditions to be in place. We need these things as the fabric for everything else & we need to properly invest in them.
18
46
282
I had a regular 'reflective space' booked in with a team, & had an email:
"The team's really stretched today & under pressure..."
Tbh I thought it was a message saying they were cancelling.
"...so it'll be great to catch up later & take some time together"
Wow. This is cool.
15
10
276
I think it's a day to really appreciate people who just quietly go about their business thoughtfully & ethically. Nothing flashy or loud. People who care about what they do, & who care about relationships.
4
45
275
For all the clever stuff on clinical training, a simple idea that vividly stays with me is-
if you leave someone feeling a bit more valued, a bit more heard, a bit more hopeful, if you uphold a person's dignity...then it's time well spent.
So important to hang on to the basics.
12
47
267
How much NHS activity is driven by producing evidence & assurance for inspectors- chasing criteria to achieve ratings? What if a Trust was genuinely able to say "our activity here is focused on listening, dialogue, & relationships- bc we believe THAT'S at the heart of good care."
15
48
269
I have such a supportive leader.
She makes me feel like I don't need her. Until I need her. And then she's there.
She gives me all the space I need. And I know she's got my back.
Thank you.
6
21
258
Having access to regular reflective space - clinical supervision, peer support groups - is a core part of decent care. It'd also help with retention, having a space to think & feel supported. When are we going to commit to this, rather that it being an add-on "if there's time"?
19
52
252
Some heavy & draining conversations at work today. Then I came home for tea with the kids:
"Daddy, why are they called 'easy peelers'?"
A question I can answer!
We then renamed the taps (water pourers), duvets (keep warm at nighters), & hugs (squeezers).
Just what I needed 😍
12
10
253
Meeting today about psychological recovery post-covid, began with "let's imagine our resources were pretty fluid & everyone was willing to work flexibly to create whatever service we need to best meet people's needs". Then the penny dropped, why wouldn't we always work like this?
17
40
243
I joined Twitter for networking & 'being professional'. I've actually found connection & humanity.
People willing to take risks & express vulnerability. Increasingly, that includes me. It gives me great hope.
10
23
243
We need to enable a sense of community to grow in our healthcare settings - to value opportunities for people to have a cuppa, & eat lunch together, to chat informally. Not as a 'wellbeing intervention', but to genuinely support our relationships as the basis for everything else.
19
38
233
I didn't get the job.
I didn't say the things I wanted to.
I'm feeling regretful, & disappointed with myself.
I'm trying to figure out what it means, & have some perspective.
I'm grateful to feel so supported.
I can't wait to get home.
I'll be ok. It'll work out in time.
51
8
225
Our brilliant boys have been diagnosed with ‘autism spectrum disorder’. It's an emotional time. Mostly relief. And a lot just feels same as normal. I'm thinking about how we shape our lives around what matters. I feel grateful for the love & support from people around us 💜🐒🐒💜
31
4
234
I love Brene Brown's work on vulnerability & connection. It totally resonates. And, it's hard. My shift in perspective from 'showing my weakness' towards 'sharing my humanity' is ongoing & bumpy. I’ve a way to go yet. Tbh I think ongoing & bumpy feels ok actually- realistic even.
19
15
230
Think an important part of listening is becoming more aware of our own triggers, & noticing them in the moment.
This isnt a 'skill' you can pick up in a workshop, it's an ongoing commitment to understanding our selves, & having courage to face & embrace our own vulnerabilities.
16
33
226
You cant create psychological safety with some kind of ice breaker exercise, or just announce "all views are welcome". The key thing is WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS when someone speaks up with a different view? Is it welcomed with openness? Let's all notice this- it tells us everything.
12
49
230
We all want more kindness right? Can't argue with that. But I notice these cheery ‘be kind’ messages are increasingly grating with me - the way it sounds so simple. Doesn’t feel simple to me. In a context of overwhelm, exhaustion, & frustration, what does 'be kind' really mean?
65
17
224
I believe that to give care (in a way that's attentive & sustainable), you have to feel 'cared for' yourself. This is about feeling held within a supportive, honest, relational structure. Of course, 'self care' has a role too but it's not the same thing.
22
39
223
Omg first time in my life, I've received flowers in the post. How amazing. I absolutely bloody love it!🤍
19
2
225
Went for a walk with a colleague in the local park today. In the space of 20min, he resuscitated a man who had just collapsed in front of us, worked with the paramedics, & briefed the air ambulance team. I know this 'NHS hero' thing is contentious, but it really was amazing.
15
8
221
We're all feeling the anxiety, as the pressure & restrictions really bite. The chronic exhaustion & edginess. The chaos on the news. I can't remember the last time I could properly think straight. Let's try to find some softness, & be forgiving & kind to each other, when we can.
11
34
215
We're all carrying so much, & under heavy pressure - from competing demands & because we care. I can't remember the last time I could think clearly or felt like I did anything well. Constant restlessness. It matters to keep hearing each other, & to be understanding when we can.
15
20
214
I think Wes Streeting would do well to explicitly name widespread burnout & moral injury among the workforce as a central NHS issue. This is at the heart of staff retention, engagement in finding workable solutions, & a general sense that he 'gets it' what we've been through.
7
61
215
I've heard a few times lately that a solution to burnout is to 'work on your boundaries'.
Yes it's important to develop self awareness, but surely there's a risk here of putting responsibility on exhausted individuals to mitigate the effects of collapsed systems & huge demands?
32
22
215
It's the superiority, the lies, the manipulation... all just normalised. And we probably dont even know the half of it. We need to clear out and start again. We need decent, honest people from all walks of life, to come together & lead in the interests of everyone.
11
33
215
I think we should plant absolutely loads & loads of bulbs this year. And I don't mean in neat rows either. I mean everywhere, all over the place...
25
24
216
It's my birthday today. 45 ha ha😱 Feeling very loved & cared about. Lucky me😁 I'm thinking about time passing by- our lives are so temporary arent they... I'm feeling clearer & clearer about living more simply, living more in line with my values, growing towards that...
110
6
213
We're quick to seek fancy 'wellbeing' interventions or the latest 'improvement' solutions to show us the way.
What if we could rediscover the simple humanity of people just being together in a space, listening to each other’s experiences? Caring, as part of a living community.
22
37
211
Part of my frustration with some work meetings is how a culture of being positive & 'professional' can silence expression of what we are really thinking & feeling.
To me, it's only when we start speaking in truthful terms that we get anywhere.
30
24
211
How can I influence 'the system' to be more human?
Embrace my part in it
Be myself
Listen & speak honestly
Engage feelings
Be curious
And it's in the connections between us where most potential lies. The quality of our relationships across the system = influence in the system.
9
54
210
It's offensive how leaders put so much time & energy into purely holding on to their own power- rather than actually engaging with the real issues we face & trying to improve things. It astounds me how this- the lies, the neglect of basic duty, the vanity, is all just normalised.
17
49
207
Think we need to be proactively talking about burnout and exhaustion in our teams. Normalise naming it, and talking openly about it. Let it be a regular prompt to encourage proper breaks and realistic conversations about workload, energy levels, what's possible and what isn't.
8
36
208
Hospital colleague said to me he didnt "feel equipped" for conversations about distress or how patients are feeling. Turns out of course he's really skilled & caring, but just so stretched. The solution here isn't more training, but some space to pause, reflect, & feel supported.
8
23
205
Kindness
Conversation
Compassion
Relationships
We really want these in healthcare.
But I feel uneasy at messages like “it’s simple, just be kind". It doesn't feel simple to me. Context matters. Feeling overwhelmed, & frustrated by systems can get in the way of how I want to be.
10
39
205
I feel turned off by all the talk of resilience & self care. I 'get' it, but just don't seem to connect with it.
In contrast, when I'm in a meaningful conversation with someone, or when I have a bit of time to myself, I notice feeling lighter, & more able to breathe.
26
22
195
When someone just gets me, omg the feeling of ease – no need to explain everything, i can just chatter away, be in the flow.
Freedom through connection.
7
36
198
I’m keen to promote this powerful message:
“To give compassionate care, we must first show compassion to ourselves & to one another.”
My problem is this:
I really struggle with self-compassion.
I suspect I’m not the only one. How can we have honest conversations about this?
35
38
199
I prefer the idea of being 'resourced' rather than 'resilient' when facing a demanding situation. To me resilient sounds more like a suit of armour, whereas being resourced feels like having some capacity & spaciousness to engage with whats going on, created by feeling cared for.
18
30
195
We've piloted the
#20minCareSpace
in
@NorthBristolNHS
to support the wellbeing of colleagues in our acute hospital setting. It's a structured, safe space based on Andy Bradley's Compassion Circles. It's a practical option & we encourage you to try it.
48
96
197
Anyone here a fan of Isabel Menzies-Lyth’s work? Her idea that healthcare culture is made up of practices that appear 'professional', but in fact function to manage the anxieties of working in healthcare.
To improve culture we need to support healthier ways to contain anxieties.
39
28
196
I love this👇 from a leaflet about Quaker decision-making:
“Come to the meeting with heart & mind prepared – not heart & mind made up.”
How do I arrive at meetings? How open am I? How is my energy? How do I listen, participate, & trust that I'll be heard too? It's in the how...
9
33
188
Today the moral distress in the NHS will be off the scale. Lets be clear- responsibility for this awful situation is with the Tory govt & years of under-investment & political decisions. Feels like a watershed time. How we the public respond is pivotal for the future of the NHS.
6
45
193
@SteveBarclay
Hi Steve, please could you do some tweets or make a statement about the reality of what's happening rn in NHS? The situation is beyond desperate as you know. Please can you communicate about this, show us that you're there & open to understanding? Show us that you 'get it'?
3
32
190
Constantly having to cut corners - at work & home - it's exhausting, working hard just to keep afloat. Important to name & acknowledge this, & try to accept my limits. I'm doing my best - we all are. Good to connect with other people & know I'm not the only one feeling like this.
25
8
190
There's a depth to the moral injury that I dont think weve yet understood. A depth involving loss of purpose, loss of faith in the inherent goodness of the system, loss of trust that our primary task is to care. Underneath all the busy activity there's such profound loss & grief.
21
30
192
Bit of a game changer when you realise that the way to feel more at peace isnt to rush around trying to get on top of all the things causing stress, but instead to slow down and appreciate what truly matters in your heart.
10
26
187
The future of working in healthcare needs to include far more space for reflection, thinking, & sharing experiences. This can be in all kinds of ways to suit individual styles & needs, but the point is to recognise it really matters, & is a central part of safe, quality care.
13
41
181
A simple thing happened today, which has left me feeling supported, inspired, & like I matter.
I spoke honestly to someone, not really knowing if it was the right thing to do.
She listened.
I felt heard.
That's it.
14
19
181
I think pretty much any NHS worker could go off long term sick.
The will to keep going is amazing, but what's stored up in our bodies & minds as we 'get through' another day?
No easy solutions. But can we at least talk more about this & recognise our limits as exhausted people?
20
21
181
Burnout in NHS, caused by:
-Physical/emotional exhaustion & moral injury from chronically depleted conditions
-A deep sense of grief, injustice, & being devalued
-Entrenched culture problems- racism, silencing, no space to think or listen
Realistically how do we heal from this?
30
41
178
We just dont know the half of what's going on in each other's lives, but it's prob safe to assume that literally everyone is carrying a lot. We don’t need to try and be each other’s therapists, but think we can aim to have a spirit of grace & understanding in our interactions.
10
28
181
I’ve got some things wrong recently in my work, & I’ve really had to lean on my supervisor. She’s been so completely supportive. Feels like she’s there for me as a person, as well as 'professionally'. She makes it feel ok to know that I haven’t yet got it all figured out...
15
6
174
When you really care.
Not because you're just doing your job.
But really from your heart.
It can be gentle, it can be feisty.
A loving spirit, a human connection.
Maybe a flash of a smile, a twinkle in an eye.
When you really care.
You need caring-for too.
And so love goes round.
6
35
179
It's a constant source of anxiety in NHS to know you cant possibly do all the things you're meant to do- to know if anyone wanted to find fault in your work they probably could. This sense of vulnerability contributes to a fear of speaking up with concerns- safer to keep quiet.
17
28
176
My 9yo at bedtime just now-
"if I could be anyone in the world, I'd be me"
I bloody love this😍
20
3
178
People ask me if I'm OK & I want to be honest in response. I lead a busy service & I'm also having a tough time. I want to say that I'm not my normal lively self, & I'm still here & available for my team. What makes that possible is our local culture of compassionate leadership.
12
15
175
Idea for a new NHS Trust strapline: ‘Doing the best we can with what we’ve got’.
13
21
174
In teams and organisations where people FEEL cared for and cared about, you dont need mission statements about the importance of 'wellbeing'.
9
22
168
I remember when we were talking about how completely exhausted we were feeling - physically and mentally. That was months ago. It doesn't even seem newsworthy now, things get so normalised. Let's keep on checking-in with each other when we can, sharing and listening. It matters.
4
32
167
I was struck today by the simplisticness of- you're either well & in work, or sick & off work. Truth is many of us are up & down, some managing chronic conditions, & work anyway. A supportive workplace would have space to talk freely about what we each need to sustain us in work.
17
25
171
We don’t need more stuff proving the importance of relationships, listening, kindness, & humility. We all know it. If we want a more relational culture, we need to prioritise & ‘be’ these things, as often as possible, & especially when we're drawn into being busy busy busy.
9
30
169
I’ve met some inspiring people lately, somehow finding ways to work against the grain. I’m wondering how quieter, gentle people can influence systems to become more warm & human – without becoming mangled in the machinery of the status quo.
19
17
169
We can agree that people in caring roles need to feel cared-for too. But how?
This isnt just about access to 'wellbeing' services. It's about the everyday fabric of how we do things- supportive systems meeting basic needs, & regular space to think & nurture relationships.
8
38
167
It feels such an intense, stormy time. Conversations about ‘getting through this’ & togetherness. Colleagues & friends are sharing & relating in new ways.
I'm posting this picture of our boys because i think it’s wonderful; it instantly grounds me, & it fills me with love. 💙💙
14
5
170
Meetings today. We’ll go through agendas, chew over information & decide actions. "Any other business?" & on to the next meeting.
Hang on a second... How are we doing? How are energy levels? How are we listening & participating? How's the quality of our thinking & relationships?
6
31
166
Let’s keep on checking in, asking each other how we’re doing. Quiet, sincere moments of care and listening, amidst all the busyness. It really matters, we just never know quite how much...
3
28
164
Everyone’s so knackered. But still the noise, the busyness. We rush around “can I grab you for 2min?” Splinters of understanding.
What if we quieten, make a bit of space? Slow it right down "how are you doing?" Really listen to each other, feel the care in moments of connection.
7
30
162
Sometimes a ‘supportive’ conversation in work is just having a cuppa & chatting about random stuff, sharing a light story or two. Just taking a few moments to do this. ‘Support’ doesnt always have to be heavy sharing of feelings etc. It’s the sense of relationship that matters.
7
24
158
I read that an inspirational speaker came to the hospital as part of a program for senior leaders. Thing is, there are people WITHIN the Trust who couldve held a session on the same subject. What if we fully valued the skills & experiences we already have? Thatd be inspiring too.
15
14
162
We need big shifts in power. Relationships based on trust & openness. Understanding & empathy. Kindness. We're all responsible for making this happen. It's difficult & slow. This is not about bullshit jargon or 'clever' theories, it's about being real with ourselves & each other.
7
36
158
Good chat with ward leaders around how to support exhausted colleagues: meet basic needs first- comfy space for proper breaks, leaders available to listen & enable colleagues to come up with local ideas to look out for each other. Don’t try to fix it all, let it grow informally.
8
31
158
'Really listening’ is being open to what a person's saying - open to being moved, open to being changed. Think we need to normalise how hard this is.
2
40
156
We can talk all we like about psychological safety, civility, organisational values, Freedom to Speak Up etc, but if senior leaders actively silence concerns, if there's more focus on 'optics' & reputation than ethical practice & genuinely caring about people, then we are doomed.
7
35
158
The more exhausting & heavy it feels, the more it can seem appealing for some hero to come along & save the day. But there is no hero, or masterplan. There are just all of us. Ordinary people with experiences, feelings & ideas. We need plain speaking, kindness, & open listening.
6
24
158
Holding someone in mind can be an expression of care. If you really mean it when you say "I'll think of you", if you feel it, i believe this can be an active power for good. In fact, I think holding someone in mind matters even if you don't tell the person you're doing it...
7
20
157
@DrRobgalloway
Hi Rob the statement minimising the extent of what's been exposed is such important context. The unseeing of what's really going on, or worse, the manipulation of reality. THIS is at the heart of so much disillusionment, frustration & burnout- the invalidation of our experiences.
4
24
157
Recently met some people from an old job. It was a toxic place- unsafe & gossipy. Obsessed with data to show it as a success, but colleagues knew it was fake. I left. Still gives me a physical reaction now, the feeling of powerlessness I had. Such powerful dynamics in workplaces.
12
16
154
I'd like to live in a society where there's space to rest & take things slow; to appreciate stillness, calmness, & not be so consumed by mindlessly rushing around; to appreciate relationships & have time for each other. A society that supports care, nonviolence, & participation.
12
26
153
I can't tell you how much I love it that our boys have started asking to go on a "daddy mystery tour". It involves us leaving the house with no plan, & seeing where we end up. It's a direct request for an adventure, to see what happens next. And something always happens next...
13
6
151
I dont want more stuff to fit in, more solutions, more to have to remember, more rushing, more noise. More layers of complication.
I want more space, more time, more meaningful connections, more freedom to move slowly, more peace. More simplicity.
11
13
152
Seems like everyone's talking about
#PsychologicalSafety
. This both excites & concerns me.
Yes to: creating conditions that actively enable us to be ourselves, & take risks in edgy, honest conversations.
No to: reducing its meaning to 'being nice', or a trendy box to tick.
8
27
148
Having a soppy dad moment- thinking of how little I knew & how it really didn't come intuitively to me at all. Still find it pretty hard tbh. But these days there are def glimmers of “this is actually going ok.”
Anyway. The car’s packed & we're off to Yorkshire for the wkend😍🌞
30
1
150
I find it stressful & constraining to be in meetings where everyone’s ‘in role’ - where it's all formal. I much prefer to get to know a bit about people, have a cuppa, beforehand. It's so much easier to engage when I feel free to be myself - when there’s a relational context.
15
10
152
I'd like deep rest. Not just bits of time here & there but an extended period to minimise the demands & relentlessness, & instead have some space to just be, to move & think slowly, & to feel, to look at art & nature, & to read leisurely, & to reflect with no sense of urgency.
35
18
151
Saying things like "we are compassionate" is a bit like "you can trust us". It doesn't work. It's not for the speaker to define this, it's about the experience of the people on the receiving end of actions.
6
24
147