The Sports Backdrop

Athlete Mindset | NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter


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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.

Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mind Health program is working to shift the conversation around mental health from stigmatization to normalization, ensuring that athletes are supported holistically on and off the court. She also shares insights into injury recovery, mental resilience, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being within teams.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Kensa Gunter:

  • Dr. Gunter is the Director of NBA & WNBA Mind Health, which supports athletes’ mental health and performance.
  • How resilience and mental performance contribute to athletic excellence.
  • The connection between mental and physical health in injury recovery and performance.
  • The evolving landscape of mental health awareness in professional sports.
  • The power of leadership in driving culture change and prioritizing athlete well-being.
  • Practical mental performance tools like visualization and self-talk to enhance focus and resilience.
  • Resources Mentioned:

    • NBA & WNBA Mind Health | Program Website
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    • Crisis Text Line
    • Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.

      Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

      Support the Athlete Mindset Community

      Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

      By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

      Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

      • Dr. Kensa Gunter: LinkedIn | Website
      • Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
      • SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X
      • Related episodes to “NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter”:

        • Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment
        • The NBA Media Rights Deal Details & What It Means for Fans
        • Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
        • NFL and Mental Health
        • Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

          SportsE Media

          The post NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

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