THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

THE TASK

The University of Sydney required a practical learning experience to help staff recognise, understand and respond to vicarious trauma in the workplace. The challenge was to take a sensitive, complex psychological safety topic and turn it into clear, accessible training without flattening the seriousness of the subject. The work needed to feel human, credible and useful — not like another compliance module dressed in a sad beige cardigan.

THE PROCESS

As creative strategist and copywriter, I worked to shape the learning experience around clarity, care and practical action. I translated research and subject matter expertise into plain-language learning content, helping staff understand what vicarious trauma is, how it can show up, and what they can do if they recognise it in themselves or others. The project required a careful balance of tone: serious without being clinical, supportive without being soft, and direct without becoming alarmist. I focused on building a narrative flow that made the topic easier to engage with, while ensuring the content remained respectful, accurate and psychologically safe.

THE DELIVERY

• e-Learning module
• Learning narrative and structure
• Scenario-based learning content
• Plain-language copywriting
• Knowledge checks and reflection prompts
• Stakeholder review support
• Quality control

MY ROLE

• Creative strategist
• Script writer
• Copywriter
• Researcher
• Content writer
• Quality control