Anxiety doesn't always look anxious
Some of the people most affected by pressure at work are the ones who seem to be coping best. They are organised, prepared and reliable, and from the outside nothing looks wrong.
Change, uncertainty, restructures, AI and heavy workloads can keep the stress response switched on. The cost is easy to miss and can stay hidden for a long time.
My talks help organisations understand what pressure does to the brain, recognise what struggling can look like, and focus on what actually helps people work well.
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Talks
High Performing, Highly Anxious
Why outward success can hide significant anxiety, and what organisations can learn from the people who appear to be coping. Covers how anxiety can drive over-preparation and perfectionism, why "still functioning" is not the same as feeling well, and how managers can notice earlier and respond well.
Best for:
Leadership teams, HR audiences and high-pressure professional environments.
The Anxious Workplace
What uncertainty, restructures, AI and constant change can do to people, teams and performance. Covers why change can feel threatening, what anxiety can look like during change, from withdrawal to over-preparation, and practical steps leaders can take to support people through it.
Best for:
Organisations going through change, HR conferences and people managers.
Your Brain Under Pressure
An accessible look at what happens in the brain when pressure takes over, and why our responses are not always as rational as we think. Covers the stress response in plain language, why recovery matters as much as resilience, and small Solution Focused steps people can use straight away.
Best for:
All-staff sessions, wellbeing weeks and conference keynotes.
Ways to work together
Each talk can also run as an interactive workshop. Workshops combine a clear explanation of the research with practical Solution Focused exercises. People work individually and in pairs, and only share what they choose to, so they leave with something they can use the next working day.
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Keynote or interactive talk: 30 to 60 minutes, for audiences of any size, in person or online
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Lunch and learn: around 60 minutes, ideal for online teams
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Half-day workshop: interactive, for groups of up to 30 in person or 20 online
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Leadership series: a short run of sessions for a management or leadership group
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Ongoing staff groups: small, confidential Solution Focused groups meeting weekly or fortnightly, in person or online, with up to six people per group
Timings and group sizes are flexible and tailored to your event. In person across the UK, or online anywhere.
About Dr Sharon Bateman
I'm a Psychologist and Clinical Solution Focused Therapist. I hold a PhD and have studied psychology for over a decade. I founded Mindful Clinic in Corsham, Wiltshire, where I work one to one with people experiencing stress, anxiety and pressure.
My approach is grounded in neuroscience and research, not wellbeing trends. I explain what is happening in the brain under pressure in plain language, then use Solution Focused methods to build on what is already working, rather than dwelling on what is wrong.
Before private practice, I managed a large NHS volunteer programme for a charity, so I understand organisations, teams and the pressures on the people who lead them.
PhD, GMBPsS, DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, MNCH (Reg), CNHC
Contributor to The Crewroom podcast with Scottie Bateman, on decision-making and performance under pressure.
How it works
1. A short call. We talk about your audience, your goals and what pressures people are facing right now.
2. Tailored to you. I shape the talk or workshop around your organisation, sector and the outcomes you want.
3. Delivered well. In person or online, with a short follow-up resource for attendees.
Fees depend on format, length and travel. Get in touch for a quote.
Book a talk or workshop
Tell me a little about your event or team and I'll reply within two working days.
