Psychological safety and its importance at home, at school, in the community and in the workplace has only grown in prominence over the course of 2020. Whilst the pandemic has served to confirm its significance, it has always been vital for the wellbeing of individuals.
Within his new book Creating Psychological Safety, established author Dr Tony Humphreys outlines the pathways to psychological safety in a variety of life settings with the intention that the reader will be able to move towards fearlessness themselves and give attention to the relationships they create with others.
Dr Tony Humphreys is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, author and speaker. He began his career as a Clinical Psychologist in State Psychiatric and Psychological Services in England and Ireland and since 1990 has been working in private practice in Ireland. His practice involves working with individuals, couples, families, schools, local communities and the business community. He is a course designer and director of courses on communication and self-realisation and relationship mentoring in University College, Cork and Portlaoise (outreach centre) and M.A in Psychotherapy of Relationship Mentoring in Limerick Institute of Technology in Thurles. He is also a regular guest lecturer in other third- level colleges, corporate organisations, wellness groups and educational systems both in Ireland and internationally. He is the author of many books on practical psychology.
Tony’s specialist knowledge regarding the implementation and need for psychological safety in individuals is evident from his career history as a consultant clinical psychologist, author, course designer, guest lecturer and international speaker.
Tony describes psychological safety as ‘the degree of fearlessness to be able to consciously and openly express one’s self.’ Tony argues that genius that lies within everyone, but when there is a lack of psychological safety (fearfulness) between individuals in the places people live, learn, play, work and pray necessary protective behaviours are created. Most people live in fear, be that fear of what other people think, fear of what might happen or fear of not being good enough. Tony points out that all fear has meaning and it is created as a means of surviving adverse experiences.
Within the book Tony reveals that the level of felt psychological safety that an individual brings to their relationship with another determines the quality of the interaction. Creating Psychological Safety is an essential read for key people in authority so they can examine their own current level of psychological safety and feel equipped to fearlessly inspire those in their care to move from fearfulness to fearlessness. Without awakening their own unconscious, fear-driven responses, leaders will not be able to do the same for others.
In light of this, Tony pays attention to a range of readers, including parents, teachers, managers and leaders, providing guidance to facilitate both their own psychological safety and that of others. In addition to explaining the differences between safety and safeguarding.
Creating Psychological Safety will help the reader to facilitate the psychological safety needed to create fearless and inclusive relationships in all aspects of their lives. Becoming fearless and taking authorship of self is a difficult process, but it is one that is freeing, fulfilling and allows individuals to truly embrace life as an adventure.
