Consulting and Remedial Coaching for Impaired, Distressed and Disruptive Professionals

Prior to establishing his consulting practice, Dr. Heitt worked with impaired, distressed and disruptive physicians, lawyers, psychologists, executives and senior leaders at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System. As the Associate Director of the internal Employee Assistance Program, ex-officio member of the Professional Assistance Committee - - a sub-committee of the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Medical Board, and founding member of the Nursing Professional Assistance Committee, Dr. Heitt was the chief consulting psychologist for such issues. He brings these years of experience and perspective to each and every consultative and clinical encounter.

Much has been written in the literature about professional impairment, and the majority of this has focused on alcohol and drug-related impairment. Professionals can also suffer impairment secondary to psychiatric illness, such as depressive and anxiety disorders, and physical illness or injury, such as traumatic head injury or senility. Even more common are everyday life stressors including relationship difficulties, concerns about children and mourning the death of a loved one; these factors often negatively affect one’s performance.

Separate from these types of difficulties is the behaviorally disruptive professional. A disruptive professional can undermine morale, diminish productivity, increase turnover of staff, pose safety hazards, and generally have a negative influence upon others in the work environment. At its extreme, the behaviorally disruptive professional acts in such a way that others may feel personally intimidated or fear physical harm. Please visit my blog with covers many topics including disruptive behaviors for more information and recent trends in various industries for dealing with disruptive professionals.

What can be done?

Organizations can seek guidance from Dr. Heitt on how to best handle situations involving impaired, distressed or disruptive professionals. Such approaches should focus on protecting the professional and his/her career, viewing him/her as a valued person and part of the organization’s human capital. In line with this, often policy development and refinement are necessary; Dr. Heitt can assist in this process as well.

Dr. Heitt is also available to provide clinical and/or coaching services to the professional who recognizes his or her own troubled behavior, decreased productivity or general dissatisfaction.

Individual Assessment

Professionals who are self-referred or referred by a concerned supervisor, mentor, healthcare provider, family member or friend are scheduled for individual assessments. Such assessments are typically comprised of an individual interview with Dr. Heitt and the gathering of collateral information from the referral source and others who have interest in, and perspective of, the professional’s well-being. Occasionally, questionnaires and/or psychological tests are used to provide additional information to aid in the assessment process. Following the initial consultation, Dr. Heitt provides feedback and recommendations to the professional and, with the professional’s consent, to the referral source as well.

To arrange a consultation or to inquire about services regarding disruptive professionals, please contact Dr. Heitt directly.