Givel’s Institute, LLC

Recently, a friend shared their experience of working with a mental health professional virtually, based in another state. I found myself growing concerned about the practitioner, yet, they couldn't specify the licensure of the individual.

🧠 Navigating the realm of mental health professionals can be daunting, with various licensures denoting distinct qualifications and expertise.

🧠 Whether seeking advice or services, you must ascertain the licensure status of any practitioner you're considering.

🧠This ensures you entrust your well-being to someone with the appropriate training and credentials.

Happy

Social media and culture have been putting more emphasis on the importance of mental health and mental health diagnosis.

🧠 With all of the information out there, it can be hard to sift through and know what's backed by science and evidence.

🧠 Information overload weakens our resolve to question and ponder the information we receive.

This month, take some time to take care of yourself. Do some extra research on some topics of interest to develop your competence. Find local practices and resources.

I was asked to be a guest speaker on a podcast about basketball. Check it out here! https://on.soundcloud.com/YJN8tuUQSK7BdoMZ8

ASD is as diverse as the individuals it affects, with a spectrum encompassing a wide range of traits and behaviors. While there are some common signs such as social challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors, it's essential to recognize that ASD presents differently in each person.

Two demographics that often face challenges in receiving timely diagnoses are African Americans and females. Studies show that African American parents may need to advocate up to five times more before obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Similarly, females tend to mask their traits, leading to missed diagnoses by medical and psychological professionals.

Amidst the wealth of information available on social media about ASD traits, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of professional evaluation and diagnosis. While recognizing similarities in traits can be insightful, only licensed professionals can accurately assess and diagnose ASD.

Signs of autism can manifest in infancy through various avenues, highlighting the uniqueness of each individual's experience. It's essential to strike a balance between self-awareness and seeking professional guidance when advocating for yourself or your child's well-being.

Recently, I had the privilege of working with a group of teens at a local high school. What struck me the most was the overwhelming amount of stress they were facing like academics, social pressures, family dynamics, and more.

7 out of 10 Gen Z individuals report lying awake at night due to stress. A fact many of us overlook. Sleep, crucial for their growing minds, often takes a backseat amidst the chaos of daily life.

So what strategies can we do to impact our young people?

🧠 Identify the root causes to understanding the main sources of their stress

🧠 Create a supportive environment prioritizing strong social support

🧠 Limit and control social media exposure to avoid excessive use that can exacerbate stress and anxiety

🧠 Spend time outdoors soaking in the sunlight and fresh air.

🧠 Prioritize self-care such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and engaging in regular exercise.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.

🧠 There's only one you, and you deserve to prioritize your well-being.

🧠 Whether it's taking a moment to unwind with your favorite book, going for a leisurely walk in nature, or simply indulging in some much-needed rest, remember to carve out time for self-care amidst the chaos.

🧠 Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's an act of self-love that replenishes your mind, body, and spirit.

🧠 So, whatever form your self-care takes, embrace it wholeheartedly and cherish this time dedicated to nurturing yourself.

You deserve it.

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Unfortunately, the sports world is no exception to this reality. It's imperative that we raise awareness, speak up, and foster safe environments for athletes at all levels.

🧠 Sexual assault can have devastating effects on individuals and communities, and it's vital that we confront this issue head-on.

🧠 By speaking up and taking action, we can help prevent future incidents and support survivors in their healing journey.

How can we take steps to create a safer environment for athletes:
1️⃣ Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of sexual assault and how to support survivors.
2️⃣ Promote Consent: Emphasize the importance of consent in all interactions, both on and off the field.
3️⃣ Speak Up: If you witness or suspect any form of sexual misconduct, don't hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities.
4️⃣ Provide Resources: Make sure athletes know where to turn for support, whether it's counseling services, hotlines, or advocacy organizations.

🔗 Resources:
➡️ RAINN (R**e, Abuse & In**st National Network) https://www.rainn.org/
➡️ National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) https://www.nsvrc.org/
➡️ It's On Us https://itsonus.org/
➡️ SafeSport https://uscenterforsafesport.org/

In the fast-paced world of youth sports, burnout is a real concern.

As coaches, parents, and mentors, it's crucial that we create an environment that nurtures and supports our young athletes' physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

🧠 Each factor underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of young athletes.

🧠 Research tells us that a coach's approach can significantly impact a player's self-esteem, motivation, and overall attitude towards the sport.

🧠 By providing positive reinforcement, mistake-contingent encouragement, and age-appropriate instruction, we can help foster a healthy relationship between children and exercise.

Just like each athlete has their own unique playing style, we also have our own optimal arousal level—the sweet spot where you perform at your absolute best.

🧠 For some, that might mean riding the wave of high energy and adrenaline, while others thrive in a more relaxed state.

🧠 Think of it like choosing the perfect soundtrack for your workout. Some people might crank up the tempo with pump-up jams, while others prefer the soothing sounds of a slow melody to get in the zone.

So, how do you find your personal performance zone?

🧠 It all starts with self-awareness and experimentation. Take note of how you feel and perform at different arousal levels during practice or competition. Pay attention to what music, rituals, or mindset techniques help you reach your peak state.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to arousal levels. Embrace your unique preferences and trust in your ability to fine-tune your performance for success.

Today, we honor the remarkable journey of Misty Copeland, a trailblazer in the world of dance and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

🧠 As the first African-American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Misty shattered stereotypes and defied expectations, paving the way for future generations of dancers to follow their dreams.

🧠 Throughout Misty's journey, she has been open and honest about the pressures and struggles she's faced, from navigating body image issues to battling self-doubt.

🧠 Yet, through it all, Misty has remained steadfast in her commitment to promoting body positivity and mental well-being, using her platform to uplift and empower others.

Today, let's celebrate Misty Copeland and the countless women like her who continue to inspire us with their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination

Just as we tidy up our homes during spring cleaning season, it's equally important to declutter our minds for a fresh start. This month, let's shift our focus to mental spring cleaning – a time to clear out the mental clutter and prepare ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Think of it as a chance to evaluate the thoughts, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve our best interests. Just like those old clothes gathering dust in the back of the closet, we all have mental clutter that weighs us down – negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, and outdated perspectives.

But here's the good news: mental spring cleaning is an opportunity for renewal and growth. By consciously letting go of what no longer serves us, we create space for new ideas, opportunities, and experiences to enter our lives.

Are you ready to embark on the mental spring cleaning?

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Coaches, this one's for you.

In my work, I once encountered a team grappling with cohesion issues, where negativity and punitive measures from the coach left athletes feeling demotivated and disengaged.

This is where I suggested the COMPASS approach – a holistic checklist designed to nurture and sustain the coach-athlete relationship:

🧠 Conflict Management: From proactive steps to avoid conflicts to cooperative discussions when disagreements arise, proactive conflict management lays the groundwork for understanding and resolution.

🧠 Openness: Beyond the sporting realm, fostering an environment where athletes and coaches feel comfortable discussing personal matters and emotions fosters trust and camaraderie.

🧠 Motivation: Mutual effort, encouragement, and enjoyable interactions form the bedrock of motivational dynamics, driving both coach and athlete towards shared goals.

🧠 Positivity: Flexibility, fairness, and resilience in the face of external pressures are hallmarks of a positive coach-athlete dynamic, promoting sportsmanship and mutual respect.

🧠 Advice: Constructive feedback and praise – offered and received with openness and positivity – fuel growth and development on both sides of the relationship.

🧠 Support: Demonstrating unwavering commitment and availability, both in sporting endeavors and personal challenges, reinforces the coach-athlete bond and fosters a culture of support.

🧠 Social Networks: Cultivating bonds beyond the arena, through shared experiences and downtime, solidifies connections and fosters a sense of belonging beyond the track, court or field.

Incorporating the COMPASS approach into coach-athlete interactions isn't just about winning games – it's about nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and growth that transcends the scoreboard.