Helpers armor initiative

 "I enjoyed that we could first learn and review the concepts on our own via the Teachable platform and then have the time to process the concepts or skills during our processing groups.  I also appreciated several of the activities in the workbook that walked us through the skills presented. "

"The way the material is presented and you can do on your own time."

"I like doing components on your own and then also coming together as a group to discuss."

"Delivered in an easily digestible format (four sessions split over several months with time to practice skills from each section), lots of support (having the processing groups helped to cement what I had learned, and helped me to feel less alone in the process), Knowledgeable instructors, who shared their own life experiences and struggles."

 "Both presenters are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, committed to this work, and supportive of those of us in this work.  Also, they made themselves available to us during and in-between sessions."

"Instructors' knowledge, instructors' use of self and comfort level."

"The transparency of the presenters. The rich content."

"Great information and the presenters were wonderful and dynamic. I liked that there was the option of the message boards to ask questions as well." 

"How relatable the material was. I appreciate that the instructors are therapists that understand the intensity and demands of this job."

"The knowledge of the presenters, the personal stories, and the humor."

"It is nice to hear from professionals in the mental health field that really believe in what they teach!"

"This course provided us with a great deal of relevant and very important information, both professionally and personally speaking."

"My takeaway is that my feeling of burnout at work is validated and not to feel ashamed when I'm overwhelmed. I have new tools to help me relax and put things back into perspective when I am feeling overwhelmed at work."

"You can't pour from an empty cup and this training recharged my batteries."

"The course in general was amazing and the presenters made us all feel comfortable. We explored areas that we never really thought about and that was helpful."

"How applicable the FFPR content is to our career in the helping profession."

"I enjoyed the Zoom with the instructors. It made the material human and personal. I liked that it was skill-based and something we can use right away."

"I just wanted to say thank you! I started with a similar feeling of - "hey I checked in with myself three times today!" I was proud of that, but realized I needed to grow from there and I did. I stop myself during intense situations and do a body scan. I do it multiple times a day, maybe not 200 yet!!! I have my covenant posted and I remind myself to do the best I can in my work day. It is easier to leave at the end of the work day, or if I do need to stay late I know that it is because I need to finish what I said I promised in my covenant...not just because it needs to be done or it would make tomorrow less stressful. I also feel as if I have been more intentional with self care and we talk about self care A LOT! So, I already workout, but now I started intentionally meditating and using some crystals in my office - even if it is just something to send my stress to! I really really will absolutely continue this practice because even at this beginner level, I do feel so much calmer, healthier, and adjusted. You guys are awesome!"

"I particularly enjoyed the information and research about Burnout -- I feel like it was explained at a deeper level that helped me understand what I have been experiencing, why I have been experiencing it, and what I can do about it.   Learning and putting into practice the connection/support and the self-care and revitalization resiliency skills are also incredibly helpful during this time. Thank you so much for your time and support!"

"I loved hearing everyone's stories and the universality of some of the emotions and experiences in the group!"

"The importance of self care. I've never been in a training where the importance was stressed in this way. I always thought we were expected to handle it on our own because we are supposed to be trained professionals!"

"Burnout happens, but if we stick to our values and identify what helps us cope and decompress we can overcome it. Identifying and creating a concrete plan to combat burnout was really useful."

"It's so helpful and validating to hear from others who are in our profession and who may be experiencing some of the same feelings/struggles/stress from our role as helpers."

"I loved the idea of my mission statement. I will do that yearly and reflect on it throughout the year. It is my truth... it is who I am."

"Knowing there are different ways I can achieve self care and am able to share this information with friends or family who I know could also benefit." 

"I enjoyed that my feelings were validated and I was given the ability to hear from some of my co-workers that they feel the same."

"The burnout was so interesting for me, I have experienced it in the past, but to actually read about it and realize I was experiencing it again was eye-opening."