About the program
REAL Pro has content that ranges from 3 – 12 hours and can be customized to a variety of workplace schedules. We collaborate with partners to ensure the content is tailored to their organization’s needs through stakeholder meetings and baseline surveys. CCFW facilitators lead group sessions that include teaching, small group activities, guided contemplative practices, and group discussions.
Our program material is grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness research. Recent research shows mindfulness practices are efficient and effective strategies to prevent the negative effects of emotional distress in professional settings (Janssen et al., 2018). We’ve also learned that higher dispositional mindfulness of Head Start providers was associated with higher well-being and a stronger working alliance with parents and relationships with children. We continually evaluate and update the program to ensure it is culturally inclusive and trauma-sensitive.
Results to date
Between 2017 and 2021, CCFW has offered REAL Pro to more than 700 professionals. Participants’ feedback is overwhelmingly positive – including feedback that the program feels relevant to their work, supportive of effective stress management, and inclusive of their personal beliefs. Preliminary results from two evaluations with professionals show that the program significantly decreases secondary trauma symptoms, increases emotion regulation and coping skills, and greater self-compassion and resilience.
Visit our resource library for professional resources.
Interested in partnering with CCFW to support well-being in your workplace?
Contact Becca Calhoun, Director of Community Programs and Training, at calhounb@uw.edu
