About the training

This immersive, voice-activated, virtual-reality experience challenges learners to navigate sensitive conversations with struggling team members using evidence-based approaches that reduce stigma, maintain connection, and facilitate appropriate care. In the process, users will develop the ability to distinguish between situations requiring immediate referral and those where engaged leadership and mentorship can provide effective support. It’s an opportunity to practice creating supportive environments in which team members feel safe to seek help while maintaining their sense of purpose and belonging within the team.

Scenario:

In this experience, the learner plays the role of a leader approaching junior team members about changes in their performance or habits that signal cause for concern.

Targeted Learners:

Service Members

Learning Objectives

  • Practice non-judgmental communication
  • Address performance concerns with care
  • Avoid minimizing team members' struggles while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Distinguish between situational stress and potential mental health conditions
  • Reduce stigma around mental health care and help-seeking behavior
  • Keep struggling team members connected to their team and sense of purpose
  • Provide effective warm hand-offs to clinical support when appropriate
  • Develop skills for ongoing mentorship and support

Skills

  • Active listening
  • Mental health awareness
  • Stigma reduction
  • Crisis assessment
  • Team integration strategies
  • Supportive leadership and mentorship
  • Resource awareness and navigation
  • Maintaining operational readiness while supporting wellness

Related Trainings

Safe Messaging for Postvention
Use Safe Messaging strategies after a suicide death to check in with Sailors who were close to the deceased.](/content/training-library/safe-messaging-for-postvention/index.html)

Peer to Peer Support
Practice building trust and resiliency within your unit by connecting with a peer who is experiencing stress in their personal life.](/content/training-library/peer-to-peer-support/index.html)

Conversations for Stronger Leadership
Develop communication skills for unit cohesion by bringing a Chief and a Sailor in her shop together to get to the root of a performance issue.](/content/training-library/conversations-for-stronger-leadership/index.html)

Conversations for Safer Operations
Explore proactive methods for handling difficult conversations by helping two Sailors talk to each other after a safety mishap.](/content/training-library/conversations-for-safer-operations/index.html)

Safe Messaging for Suicide Related Behavior Reintegration
As a Sailor returns from treatment for suicide-related behavior, use Safe Messaging to check in on her and to interrupt rumors spreading through the unit.](/content/training-library/total-sailor-safe-messaging-for-suicide-related-behavior-reintegration/index.html)