Experiential reflective learning as a foundation for emotional resilience: An evaluation of contemplative emotional training in mental health workers

Health care workers in the Community Mental Health (MH) and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sectors face complex psychological issues that exact a heavy emotional toll. Burnout is a significant risk for these workers. Stress management, developing effective work practices and the implementation of burnout interventions are crucial in both engaging and retaining staff. The present study (non-randomized) investigates the effects of a targeted 6-week emotion regulation and mindfulness training program (CEB) in educators and mental health workers. Participants who completed CEB training (n = 20) demonstrated a significant improvement in mindfulness and a significant increase in emotional awareness when compared to the control group (n = 20). Assessments were made at baseline, directly after training (in CEB trained group only) and at 6 months post training completion. This change persisted at 6 months after completing the training. These results suggest that embedding CEB training within a higher education curriculum may have a long-term positive impact on students and health care workers planning to enter the MH & AOD sector. Further research is required.