40. Dr. Kensa Gunter - Sport Performance Psychologist, President of Association for Applied Sport Psychology, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee External Mental Health Task Force

The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter

Dr. Kensa Gunter is a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She is currently the acting President of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and is a member of the newly created U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee External Mental Health Task Force. Dr. Kensa works with Professional, Collegiate and amateur athletes to help enhance their mental performance in order to help them perform at their highest level. Equally as passionate about decreasing the stigma around mental health she has contributed to publications including Sports Illustrated and partnered with the NBA on a number of awareness initiatives.

In today’s show Dr. Kensa speaks to whether there is a line between “personal” and “performance” related issues. She discusses the concept of compartmentalization being good or bad. Explains why it’s critical to detach. Breaks down the difference between perfectionism and excellence. Why you may be capping potential when you compare yourself to others. Dr. Kensa talks about the need for compassion and empathy around issues of mental health. When looking at our youth athletes why it’s to the child’s benefit to expand the definition of success.

Mentioned In the Show:

AASP: https://appliedsportpsych.org/

USOPC Mental Health Task Force: https://www.teamusa.org/mentalhealth

Follow Dr. Kensa:

Twitter: @drkensa

Website: https://drkensagunter.com/

Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter:

Instagram: @the_professionalathlete

Website: https://www.kengunter.com/

YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast

Produced By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter

Music By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter