DMU Psychiatrist Offers Techniques for Managing Big Patient Emotions
West Des Moines, IA (04/02/2025) — Autumn Brunia, D.O., a psychiatrist at Des Moines University Clinic - Behavioral Health, is helping equip physicians with tools to better manage emotionally intense patient encounters.
She recently spoke at the Women Physician Wellness Conference, an international conference focused on supporting and empowering female physicians. The conference founded by Erica Howe, M.D., provides a space for women in medicine to develop leadership skills, practice self-care and advance their careers in a historically male-dominated field.
Brunia's talk, "Therapy Techniques for Managing Big Patient Emotions," shared key strategies for improving patient interactions while maintaining professional well-being. Covering topics such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness, she encouraged physicians to set boundaries and recognize their own emotional needs.
"As physicians, we often feel like we always have to be superhuman all the time. But that is an unrealistic expectation," Brunia says. "It's important to check in with yourself and practice mindfulness to elicit strong patient relationships and be able to communicate effectively."
The WPW conference offers three opportunities to recharge and grow professionally and personally, each with a slightly different focus. Brunia's session was part of the Climb track, which focuses on career and leadership development while maintaining the self-care needed to succeed.
"Attending this conference challenged me to reassess my career path and prioritize my well-being as a physician," Brunia says. "I hope to continue advocating for physician self-care and leadership development in medicine."
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers 10 graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass rates on board certifications and match rates for medical residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
Media Attachments
Des Moines University
Denise Lamphier, 515-271-1382, media@dmu.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- 2025 in Review: DMU's Most Memorable Stories
- DMU Earns Accreditation to Launch Its Own Residency Programs
- DMU Mini Medical School Opens Registration
- DMU Dual Degree Student Earns National Award for Public Health Impact
- Des Moines University Wins CASE District Award
- DMU Professor Selected as National Research Champion
- New Research Shows Collaborative Care for Plantar Heel Pain Leads to Long-Term Savings and Better Outcomes
- DMU Faculty Win AACOM Compassionate Community Grants
- Des Moines University Wins National 2025 UCDA Design Award
- DMU and Regis University Announce Partnership to Expand Graduate Health Sciences Opportunities