Abstract
Doctors in training are particularly vulnerable to stress and burnout, with the transition into the early parts of training being a period of acute anxiety. Supervisors and mentors have a key role to play in helping trainees make the transition from medical student to practising doctor. This often involves professional conversations, ranging from the relatively routine to difficult issues. The Swansea 6D model has been designed as a guidance tool which provides a simple, memorable framework around which conversations can be structured in terms of identifying meaningful expectations, providing explanations and reframing situations.