Disclaimer:
In this episode of the Unearthing Compassionate Tech Podcast, Julie Johnson, co-founder of Integrate Trauma Informed Network, provides a thoughtful review of the Calm app. It's essential to note that the information shared is for educational purposes only, and listeners should seek guidance from mental health professionals for individual needs. Personal experiences may vary despite Julie's expertise-based assessment.
Listeners are strongly urged to prioritize their mental well-being by consulting licensed professionals for personalized support. While the podcast offers valuable insights, it does not replace professional mental health advice. Your mental health is paramount, so seeking appropriate help is crucial for overall well-being.
Description:
The feedback on the Calm app is subjective and reflects the host's perspective. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and consult professionals when making mental health decisions. Empower yourself with informed choices and professional guidance as we explore tools like the Calm app in our upcoming episodes.
Reviewing the Calm App: Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices
In Episode Two of 'Unearthing Compassionate Tech,' Julie Johnson, an instructional designer and co-founder of Integrate Trauma-Informed Network, reviews the Calm app. Using a specialized rubric assessing trauma-informed interpersonal skills, Julie evaluates how well the app teaches validation, mirroring communication, aligning words and actions, boundaries, and inquiry. Overall, the Calm app scores a high 55 out of 60, particularly excelling in providing emotional validation and customization. Areas for improvement include offering more activities on boundary setting and identifying fight or flight responses. Julie concludes with an invitation for other mind-body or mental health app developers to have their products reviewed.
00:00 Introduction to Unearthing Compassionate Tech
00:28 Meet Julie Johnson: Your Guide
01:27 Today's Focus: Reviewing the Calm App
01:52 Trauma-Informed Interpersonal Skills
03:57 Calm App's Performance Breakdown
04:04 Validation and Communication Features
04:47 Mirroring Communication and Customization
06:38 Boundaries and Inquiry in Calm App
08:32 Trauma-Informed Decision-Making Skills
10:07 Personal Agency and Customization
12:49 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
How we Evaluated the Calm App based on our rating scale:
Our Scale:
40-60=An abundant amount of trauma-informed skills in the app features (4-6)
30-50=A mooderate amount of trauma -informed skills in the app features (3-5)
10-20-A modest amount of trauma- informed skills in the app feaures. (1-2)
Trauma-Informed Communication Skill Rating
Validation Communication: 4-6
Motivational Interviewing: 4-6
Aligning Words and actions. (4-6)
Presents media on learning to set boundaries (4-6)
Used inquiry and curiosity within exercises, communication and overall (4-6)
Trauma-Informed Communication Skills Practice
Presents body awareness prompts or activities (4-6)
Facilitates exercises that help people discern a system of threat and safeness (3-5)
Promotes personal agency and cutomization (4-6)
Provides people to assess personal capacity (4-6)
Offers space for people to make a plan for their wellbeing (3-5)
Consider exploring theCalm App with yourself and/or a mental health professional to support you!
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Email us at integratenetwork@gmail.com to inquire more
Julie Johnson, an instructional designer and trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness teacher, hosts the second episode of 'Unearthing Compassionate Tech.' She reviews the Calm app, focusing on its integration of trauma-informed practices. The app scored 55 out of 60 on Julie's rubric, excelling in areas such as emotional validation, mirroring communication, and customized mindfulness practices. Julie details the strengths and areas for improvement within the app. The episode concludes with an invitation for developers to submit their mind-body or mental health apps for review.
Learn more about Julie’s work
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