Lawyer Wellbeing
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Dr Catherine Sykes
Independent Psychologist & Coach
Lawyer WellbeingMental HealthLeadership Development
Independent Psychologist & Coach.
Dr Catherine Sykes is a Chartered Coaching Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, specialising in supporting professionals working in high-pressure environments, particularly partners and leaders within City of London law firms. Her approach combines practical experience with evidence-based psychology, drawing on areas including Leadership Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Somatic Psychology.
Beginning her career in the NHS, Dr Sykes later spent 10 years in academia at City University, contributing to research including the psychological determinants of burnout. Today, her work combines individual coaching with an understanding of how workplace culture, leadership and environment influence wellbeing and performance. Her areas of expertise include burnout, leadership, performance, relationship intelligence, imposter syndrome and productivity.
Dr Catherine Sykes’s profile brings together professional experience, specialist subjects and published Chronicle Law contributions.
Mental Health
Follow Dr for practical commentary and professional insight on mental health.
Leadership Development
Follow Dr for practical commentary and professional insight on leadership development.
From Dr’s Chronicle Law profile.
MENTAL HEALTH · 5 MIN READ
What a Lot of Lawyers Struggle With – A Lack of Sense of Agency
Dr Catherine Sykes examines why many lawyers lose their sense of agency, the hidden cost it has on wellbeing and performance, and the four core skills needed to rebuild it. Discover practical ways to restore control, boost motivation, and foster long-term resilience in the legal profession.
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MENTAL HEALTH · 3 MIN READ
When High Standards Hurt: Subtle Signs of Unprocessed Stress in High-Achieving Professionals.
In this article, Dr. Catherine Sykes explores how high standards in high-achieving professionals can mask unprocessed stress. She unpacks the “injustice wound,” a subtle emotional pattern tied to early experiences of conditional love and unmet needs, and offers insight into how greater self-awareness can help professionals maintain their drive without the hidden toll.
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MENTAL HEALTH · 3 MIN READ
Burnout in the Legal Profession: The Questions We’re Finally Starting to Ask
Burnout isn’t new in law—but talking about it is. Dr Catherine Sykes answers 3 common questions.
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GENERAL · 5 MIN READ
Suicidal Ideation Among Lawyers: Insights from Recent Research.
In this piece Dr Catherine Sykes considers recent research by academics in the US about suicide ideation and how it is a significant issue in the legal profession due to existing mental health challenges.
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MENTAL HEALTH · 3 MIN READ
Taking the first step to talk to a psychologist
Ahead of Dr Catherine Sykes ‘Ask me Anything’ free zoom sessions on the 26th February 2025, she discusses what your first appointment with a psychologist could be like if you have taken the first step in addressing some mental health concerns.
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GENERAL · 6 MIN READ
Being a Partner at a law firm comes with unique pressures and challenges!
The legal profession is known for its high standards and relentless demands, especially for Partners who balance leadership, client expectations, and personal lives. In this feature from Dr Catherine Sykes highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by Partners at law firms, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and burnout.
Read the article →Sessions presented by Catherine.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT · UPCOMING PAID SESSION
Embody Your Expertise: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Age of AI
23 October 2026 · 12:00pm
View session →PUBLIC CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE
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