Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast
Hosted by Samantha Livingstone
Episode 7: Dr. Laura DeBruin - For the Love of Sport
In this episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Laura DeBruin DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS; to explore the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during transitions. From injuries and performance slumps to sport retirement and identity loss, Laura shares how parents and coaches can support young athletes with empathy, language, and mental skills that build long-term resilience. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to support the human behind the athlete.
• 01:00 Introducing Laura DeBruin and The Mindful Athlete • 04:20 Performance is not identity: helping athletes separate self-worth from results • 08:30 How transitions like injury or retirement affect mental and physical health • 12:00 What it means to normalize emotional waves • 16:00 Practical tools for rebuilding confidence after injury • 20:45 What role should parents play in helping athletes developing important skills • 25:30 When athletes feel lost: helping them connect to themselves with what they can do • 29:45 What to say (and not say) on the car ride home • 33:00 A parent’s language shapes an athlete’s mindset • 36:45 Laura’s message to sport parents: you’re writing more than just the athletic chapter
Quotes
• “Who you are is not what you do. That separation is a foundational step in navigating transitions well.” [08:32] • “When an athlete is injured, it can be like an earthquake to their sense of self.” [12:44] • “Instead of saying ‘Don’t be nervous,’ try ‘Of course you feel that way—it means you care.’” [24:07]
Social Media and Links
· RTSP Instagram
· samanthalivingstone
· www.debruinpt.com
Dr. Laura DeBruin’s Bio:
Dr. Laura DeBruin is a Westfield, Massachusetts native. She grew up playing a variety of sports which led her to play four years of Division I soccer and lacrosse at the University of Rhode Island where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, specializing in fitness and wellness in 2001. In 2004, Dr. DeBruin obtained her Master’s Degree from Springfield College in Physical Therapy. While attending Springfield College, she played two years for the New England Mutiny Semi-Professional Soccer Team. Dr. DeBruin began her professional career at Concentra Physical Therapy working in orthopedics.
Dr. DeBruin continued on the education tract and pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2008. Her passion for orthopedic manual physical therapy was heightened following completion of her Residency and Fellowship Training through the Manual Therapy Institute. Dr. DeBruin achieved Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). Fellows of the AAOMPT provide the highest level of musculoskeletal care through advanced manual therapy practice. Most recently she has been named a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Dr. DeBruin also is involved in teaching at Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists (Granby, CT), and the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT), Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at UCONN since 2012 to provide her expertise on the Sacroiliac Joint in relation to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment procedures.
Dr. DeBruin is married, has a son, daughter, and a Labrador retriever whose presence is frequently requested by patients during therapy sessions. While her two teenagers keep her busy as a hockey mom, Dr. DeBruin still finds time to give back to the community as a volunteer soccer coach. Of note, Dr. DeBruin has over 30 years of soccer coaching experience and obtained the content for her Class D license in 2001. Dr. DeBruin treats many young and elite athletes due to her vast multi-sport experience. Her knowledge as a 20 year Physical Therapy veteran also attracts adults and seniors who appreciate the individual treatment sessions. Dr. DeBruin has a phenomenal group of colleagues that she collaborates with to ensure the best patient outcomes in various aspects of life.
