News

Ever felt burnout or compassion fatigue as a professional who cares or supports in people for a living? You’re not alone. In our latest Navigating Family Law podcast, Episode 14: What is Vicarious Trauma?, we dig into the hidden emotional impact of working in professions like family law, nursing, social care and beyond — where supporting others often comes at a personal cost.

Special guest Michelle Christie, leading barrister, yoga teacher, and studio owner, explains:

“Vicarious trauma is simply the cumulative effect of being exposed to other people’s trauma. Over time, it can shape how you think, how you feel, and even how compassionate you can be — with clients and with yourself.”

Alongside Michelle, our Family and Child Care Directors Krina Parmar and Sophie Rayment share what it’s really like on the front line of family proceedings, and why controlled empathy, compassion fatigue and burnout are more than just buzzwords — they’re daily realities for many professionals.

This episode doesn’t just highlight the problem, it shares strategies to protect wellbeing and reframe “the cost of caring” into resilience.

 Tune in now to hear the team unpack:

• What vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and controlled empathy really mean
• Why family lawyers, healthcare workers and other caring professionals are especially at risk
• Practical ways to spot the signs and build strategies to cope

Listen here: Episode 14 – Navigating Family Law: What is Vicarious Trauma?

Catch Up on Recent Highlights

• Episode 13: Private Children Law Proceedings Explained (2025)
  Our team breaks down what happens when parents cannot agree on a child’s care, including living arrangements, schooling, holidays, and safeguarding concerns. We explore the different orders available, the role of CAFCASS, and what courts take into account when making decisions.
• Episode 12: When Family Matters Turn Criminal
  Krina Parmar and Sophie Rayment are joined by Barrister Steven Hayden of Nexus Chambers to discuss how criminal evidence intersects with family proceedings, and the challenges around police disclosure in care cases.
• Episode 11: Understanding Care Proceedings – Non-Accidental Injury (NAI)
  Focusing on one of the most sensitive and complex areas of child protection law.

About the Podcast

Navigating Family Law is produced by the award-winning Family & Child Care team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, named Family Law Firm of the Year (London) at the LexisNexis Awards 2024. Each episode tackles complex family law issues with clarity, compassion, and expert insight.

Need Legal Support?

If you're facing care proceedings or need advice on a family law matter, our experienced child care lawyers are here to help. Contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 0333 772 2409 or visit www.duncanlewis.co.uk for more information.