Effective Mental Health Training: 9 Insights from Employees
We asked founders and managers about the most impactful mental health training they’ve experienced. From an improv show that boosted morale to highlighting the power of mindfulness, these nine responses highlight valuable lessons learned.
- Improv Show Boosted Morale
- Gamified Workplace Culture
- Trauma-Informed Care Training
- Silent Week Improved Focus
- CBT Trained for Mental Health
- Mastered the Art of Rest
- Learned Stress Management Techniques
- Understood Mental Struggles
- Highlighted Mindfulness
Improv Show Boosted Morale
While not a “workshop on mental health,” I once hired Improv Asylum to run a virtual event to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of my company. They did some intake in advance about my team, our challenges and successes, and then conducted the interactive performance with a handful of their actors. Not only did they make reference to our team, but they pulled in several of our team members into the show.
We laughed so hard as a group that it became an incredibly cathartic experience. After a stretch of stressful work leading up to that moment, our collective mental health was substantially improved as a result.
Jeremy Ames
Leader, Workplace Technology
Gamified Workplace Culture
My most valuable training/workshop was Cards for Culture (gamifying workplace values and behaviors and driving to bring them to life within an organization)
I’ve played this game with 50+ companies over the past four years, and each time I learn something new. It’s engaging and fun, creating a tangible game plan to move culture forward rather than platitudes and words on walls. Companies need action items, not just ideas, and I love that this tool creates that.
Beyond culture work, I highly recommend that companies work culture training into a complete strategy for training and development of their teams. A one-off training isn’t sufficient. People need to see a path for ongoing development that encourages life-long learning and improvement of skills. Be intentional; set a strategy, not just one or two training events per year. Talent Magnet Institute does this! Connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more.
Melanie Booher
Engagement & Experience Officer, Talent Magnet Institute
Trauma-Informed Care Training
The most effective training I participated in was a workshop on trauma-informed care. It stood out because it offered practical strategies for recognizing signs of trauma in clients, creating a safe environment, and adapting my approach to support their unique needs. The real-life case studies shared were invaluable, allowing me to see how theory translates into practice, and it deeply enhanced my understanding of empathy and patience in therapeutic settings.
Kristie Tse
Founder & Therapist, Uncover Mental Health Counseling
Silent Week Improved Focus
The most effective mental health training I’ve been a part of wasn’t a typical workshop at all. Instead, it was a company-wide “silent week.”
For one hour each day, we turned off Slack, silenced emails, and worked on personal projects—whether it was learning something new, organizing our workspace, or just thinking. It was completely self-directed, with no expectation to share progress or results.
The value came from the mental clarity and autonomy it gave us in an otherwise noisy, distracted work environment.
I realized that true mental health at work isn’t always about external support—it’s about carving out space to reflect and recalibrate internally.
That simple shift had a lasting impact.
Austin Benton
Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists
CBT Trained for Mental Health
The Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, provided by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, is the best mental-health foundational training, offering theoretical and practical insights into the principles and techniques of CBT.
Although aimed at professionals, the course does not exclude everyone else from participating. The structure of the course, starting with the basics, allows you to work out the foundation for understanding what comes next. The knowledge provided by the video lectures, hands-on activities, role-play videos, and resources ensures easy and structured learning, allowing participants to grasp and apply key concepts effectively. Additionally, regular knowledge check-ups and tests reinforce the learning process and your understanding of each section.
Whether your goal is to learn to deal with your own problems and improve mental health or help others, the course equips you with practical CBT tools for real-life applications.
Nina Paczka
Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
Mastered the Art of Rest
The best mental health workshop I’ve participated in at work was one devoted to mastering the art of rest, conducted by a stress-management expert. Thanks to this great online event, I rethought the way I care for myself by getting rid of unhealthy narrations about rest and stopping viewing it as laziness or something to feel guilty about.
Now, I can identify which types of rest I lack and understand how each one uniquely impacts my well-being. The workshop also gave me the knowledge and practical tools to seamlessly incorporate rest into my daily routine. Mindful participation in the event and using actionable tips I got there later on improved my overall health, boosted my energy level, and enhanced my work performance.
Agata Szczepanek
Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer
Learned Stress Management Techniques
My top tip for effective mental health training in the workplace is to focus on practical, applicable skills. The most valuable workshop I participated in was a “stress-management and resilience-building” seminar our firm organized. What made it stand out was its interactive nature and focus on real-world scenarios we face in medical malpractice law.
For example, we practiced mindfulness techniques to use during high-stress situations, like preparing for a difficult court case. We also learned about recognizing signs of burnout in ourselves and colleagues. The trainer used role-playing exercises to help us practice supportive conversations with team members who might be struggling. This was particularly helpful as our work in seeking justice for clients can be emotionally taxing. I learned specific strategies for setting boundaries, like scheduling “worry time” to address anxious thoughts without letting them interfere with work or personal time. The workshop also emphasized the importance of self-care and provided us with resources for further support.
The bottom line? Whether you’re fighting for just compensation through the court system or working in any challenging field, having practical mental health skills can significantly improve your well-being and job performance.
Dioselvi Lora
Certified Paralegal, Freedland Harwin Valori Gander (FHVG)
Understood Mental Struggles
Of course, as a psychologist, the best training would be the actual training of dealing with people with mental-health struggles. It has opened my mind to the kinds of things people are worrying about. Believe it or not, some are just petty to us, but it’s a major struggle for others. It made me appreciate things more because not everyone can have what I currently have.
Veronica West
Founder | Psychologist, My Thriving Mind
Highlighted Mindfulness
One of the most effective training sessions I’ve participated in focused on mindfulness and mental health. This workshop was particularly valuable because it integrated theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, allowing participants to experience the benefits of mindfulness firsthand.
The experienced mental-health-professional facilitator guided us through various mindfulness techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement. This hands-on approach helped me understand how to incorporate these practices in my personal life and within my organization.
One key takeaway was the importance of creating a supportive environment where employees feel safe to express their mental-health challenges. I learned that fostering open communication about mental health can significantly reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
The workshop also emphasized the role of self-care in enhancing overall well-being, which resonated with my mission at Yoga Basics. It inspired me to implement regular mindfulness sessions and encourage staff to prioritize their mental health. This experience reinforced the idea that mental well-being is foundational to a productive and positive workplace, a principle I continue to promote in my organization.
Timothy Burgin
Founder and Executive Director, Yoga Basics
Submit Your Answer
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