Dr. Kensa Gunter discusses the unique challenges faced by athletes in the world of sports. These challenges include the intertwining of athletic identity with self-worth, the constant pressure to perform at a high level, the public scrutiny and dehumanization of athletes, and the loneliness that can come from feeling misunderstood. She also highlights the importance of providing support and resources to help athletes navigate these challenges and maintain their mental health and well-being. The conversation explores the cultural shift towards acknowledging and discussing mental health in sports, particularly in the NBA. Dr. Kensa Gunter discusses the Mind Health program and the importance of humanizing mental health and positioning it as an essential element of excellence, wellness, and performance. They also discuss the need for diversity and representation in the field of sports psychology, as well as the role of media in portraying athletes in a way that respects their humanity. Dr. Gunter provides advice for athletes experiencing dehumanization or adultification and emphasizes the importance of empathy and curiosity in media interactions.

Takeaways

• Athletes often face unique challenges in the world of sports, including the intertwining of their athletic identity with their self-worth.

• The constant pressure to perform at a high level and the public scrutiny can take a toll on an athlete's mental health.

• Loneliness can be a common experience for athletes, as it can be difficult for others to truly understand their unique experiences.

• Providing support and resources to athletes is crucial in helping them navigate the challenges they face and maintain their mental health and well-being. There has been a cultural shift towards acknowledging and discussing mental health in sports, particularly in the NBA.

Bio

Dr. Kensa Gunter is a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) dedicated to humanizing conversations about mental and emotional health. She emphasizes the influence of social, cultural, and environmental factors on well-being and performance. Dr. Gunter offers counseling and consultation services to individuals, teams, and organizations in sport, education, and business, focusing on enhancing organizational health to foster individual development and team culture. An experienced public speaker, she has delivered keynote presentations, participated in panel discussions, and moderated conversations at national and international conferences.

Dr. Gunter has been featured in various podcasts and print media publications. Her leadership roles span multiple professional organizations, and she has received the distinction of Fellow from both the Georgia Psychological Association and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), where she served as President from 2020-21. Currently, she coordinates EDI efforts for APA Division 47.