Veterinary Professional Assistance Program

Connection and Community

Social wellbeing thrives when we prioritize connection and community. There's something powerful about feeling connected at work. Building strong relationships takes intention—it requires open communication, genuine presence, and respect. This month, we're exploring practical ways to deepen these essential connections and discover how meaningful relationships strengthen our wellbeing.

Improving relationships at work through improved communication and conflict resolution:  Workplace dynamics are complex. We interact with leaders, colleagues and teams across departments, cultures and time zones, often requiring us to adjust how we communicate. With this complexity comes the challenge of miscommunication—but also the opportunity to strengthen how we collaborate and navigate conflict with intention and respect. Read more.
 
How to build a life of close connections: Close connections matter. Research shows that loneliness and isolation can affect our mental and physical health in significant ways. Discover practical strategies for building a life rich in meaningful relationships and the wellbeing that comes with them. Read more.

​​​Wednesday We​​llness Webinars: For VPAP Members​

The VPAP hosts 6-8 wellness webinars over the lunch hours on Wednesdays throughout the year, If you have topics you are interested in learning more about, let us know: DATCPVeterinaryProfessionalAssistanceProgram@wisconsin.gov

Earn one (1) hour nonscientific CE for attending the VPAP members only webinars​

Upcoming VPAP Exclusive Wednesday Wellness Webinars:

Creating a Culture of Support:
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
September 23, 2026
12 - 1:00 p.m.
Registration Link
 
Despite the profound impact on individuals and communities, these topics remain shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. This comprehensive session breaks through barriers of stigma, offering participants a nuanced, evidence-based approach to understanding complex emotional struggles. Attendees will gain sophisticated insights into the psychological underpinnings of suicide and self-harm, learning to recognize subtle warning signs and develop meaningful, supportive communication strategies. Through expert-guided instruction, participants will acquire practical crisis intervention tools, emotional support techniques, and resources for professional guidance. By cultivating a culture of empathy, understanding, and proactive care, this training empowers individuals to create safer, more supportive environments that can potentially save lives and promote mental wellness.

In this session, participants can expect to:

  • Learn about suicide and risk factors: Understand the complexities of suicide, self-harm behaviors, and associated risk and protective factors.
  • Tackle stigma: Demystify taboo topics and discover ways to address societal stigma and encourage open conversations.
  • Establish practical skills: Learning the skills that can be used to support someone in crisis while maintaining awareness of their role and limits.
  • Develop self-care strategies: Learn essential self-care techniques and explore additional resources to maintain personal wellbeing.

Care for the Caregiver
October 28, 2026
12 - 1:00 p.m.
Registration Link

*This presentation has a focus on human caregiving. That said, the emotional toll and the tools used to develop good coping mechanisms are the same for those providing care to animals and experiencing 'compassion fatigue'

The role of caregiver, while often rewarding, can also take a tremendous toll on individuals both emotionally and physically. It is critical that caregivers look after themselves as well as the person in their care. This principle is particularly important for members of the sandwich generation who are juggling both elder and childcare responsibilities. Whether participants are already caring for an aging family member or plan to take on this role in the future, this seminar will provide important information to consider.

Objectives

  • Understand the emotions typically experienced by caregivers.
  • Implement strategies to make caregiving easier.
  • Develop healthy caregiving habits and positive coping skills.

Unlocking the Secret to Financial Well-Being
November 18, 2026
12 – 1:00 p.m.
Registration Link

This session begins by helping participants define clear financial goals—both short- and long-term—tailored to their unique circumstances. Through guided exercises, attendees will learn how to track their spending, identify areas for adjustment, and uncover patterns in their financial habits. Participants will explore practical strategies to overcome common obstacles, such as managing debt and curbing unnecessary expenses, while building a personalized financial plan. The session also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing goals to align with individual values and needs, fostering a sustainable approach to managing money. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable tools and knowledge to create a balanced financial strategy, empowering them to take control of their financial future with confidence and clarity. Whether striving for financial independence or greater security, this workshop provides practical strategies for success.

Participants can expect to:

  • Understand How Money Beliefs Influence Financial Decisions: Learn how personal beliefs shape financial habits and how to shift them for better financial health.
  • Track Spending Effectively: Discover tools to monitor expenses, identify patterns, and find areas for improvement.
  • Explore Strategies for Reducing Debt and Managing Expenses: Learn effective debt reduction techniques and how to prioritize expenses for savings.
  • Recognize Emotional vs Logical Spending: An understanding of how our emotions can impact our spending patterns.

Have you taken your Total Wellbeing Assessment on the TELUS Health One Platform?

The Total Wellbeing Assessment is a simple set of questionnaires based on the four pillars of total wellbeing: financial, social, physical, and mental. The start of a new year is a great time to assess and create new goals for the year ahead in the four pillars of total wellness.

Health and Wellness Coaching

TELUS Health has introduced a fantastic new service, Health and Wellness Coaching! This benefit offers you the support you need to kick start the new year! Through individualized support from a qualified health coach, you'll learn practical skills and increase your chances of success and the likelihood of long-term maintenance.

Learn more about the five health and wellness coaching modules today!

TELUS Health All Clients Complimentary Webinars

Available at TELUS Health One within the first two weeks of the month. To access all upcoming complimentary TELUS Health learnings, visit the 2026 Wellbeing Calendar.​​   ​

TELUS Health VPAP Orientation

Are you a new credential holder in Wisconsin or new to the Veterinary Professional Assistance Program (VPAP)? This short VPAP orientation video will guide you through accessing VPAP benefits. As a Wisconsin licensed veterinarian or certified veterinarian technician, learn how to make the most of the VPAP benefits for you and your immediate family.

Access the Orientation Video

Access the Orientation Video Transcript​​​

​The Veterinary Professional Assistance Program (VPAP) offers guidance and assistance with family issues, finding chi​ld and adult care​, workpla​ce concerns, ​lega​l and financial issues, stress, health and well​​ness, and any other​ issues that concern veterinary ​professionals. It also offers personal, co​nfidential guidance, coaching and counseling for all veterinary professionals and their household members.

VPAP_logo_4c.pngServices are confidential ​and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. VPAP services include:

  • Flexible options that include counseling​ sessions — in-person and/or by phone.
  • Access to professionals who can​ assist with issues across disciplines, collaborating to address your concerns and help to efficiently solve your personal and work issues.
  • Access to life coaches who can help you reach your personal goals.
  • ​Customized referrals and educational materials with verification of availability and vacancy.
  • Mobile app that connects to tools on topics ranging from family and life to health, finances and work. 
  • Dedicated website offering expert articles, assessments, resource finders, interactive tools, checklists, podcasts and webinars.​​​

Vis​it one.telushealth.com to access services, assessment tools, free webinars, and much more from the VPAP. Use login: VPAP and password: resources.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board​ (VEB) assumes all​ costs for this program for veterinary professionals and their household members. If additional assistance is necessary, referrals will take into account your preferences, medical plans and financial circumstances.

This program is confidential, even to the VEB, so do​ not be concerned that using this service will impact your credential. The VEB will have no knowledg​e of individual utilization.​​​​

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