#313 Dr Hillary Cauthen - Supporting Players Through Trauma
Feb 3, 2025
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In conversation with Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a seasoned clinical sport psychologist and the founder of Texas Optimal Performance, the focus is on supporting athletes through trauma. Hillary discusses her journey in breaking down mental health stigma in sports and highlights the crucial role of psychologists in fostering open communication. She introduces a traffic light system for performance psychology to enhance trust in teams. The discussion also dives into the intricate links between mental health and performance, advocating for a systemic approach to athlete wellness.
The dual role of clinical sports psychologists in addressing both mental health and performance optimization is crucial for athlete support.
Recent cultural shifts in sports, led by high-profile athletes, are breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging open dialogue.
Deep dives
The Role of a Clinical Sports Psychologist
A clinical sports psychologist specializes in both mental health and performance optimization within the sporting realm. They provide support for athletes dealing with mental illnesses while also working on enhancing overall performance and well-being. An essential aspect of their role is the ability to bridge the gap between mental health care and sports performance, as many athletes seek help for anxiety, depression, and trauma that can hinder their capabilities. This dual focus allows for a comprehensive approach to athlete care, catering not only to individual performance needs but also addressing underlying mental health concerns.
Importance of Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Sports
The persistent stigma surrounding mental health in sports often prevents athletes from seeking help, contributing to increased occurrences of anxiety and depression. High-achieving sports environments can exacerbate this issue, as athletes are pressured to excel, leading to mental health struggles that are rarely acknowledged. However, recent years have seen significant shifts with high-profile athletes openly discussing their mental health challenges, creating a ripple effect that encourages others to speak up. This cultural change is critical in normalizing mental health dialogues in sports, ultimately enhancing support systems for athletes.
Empathy and Engagement in Coaching
Effective coaching requires a foundation built on empathy and engagement, which are vital for fostering a positive sports environment. Coaches are often in positions to influence the mental health and well-being of athletes positively; therefore, understanding how to approach sensitive issues is essential. A structured framework for coaches can guide them in handling personal matters that players may bring forward, focusing on transparency and appropriate resource utilization. By prioritizing empathetic engagement, coaches can create a trusting atmosphere that encourages athletes to share their struggles.
The Call to Action in Addressing Trauma
The book 'Hello, Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate' highlights the necessity of acknowledging and addressing trauma within sports culture. The first half of the book provides emotional accounts and insights into the experience of trauma, emphasizing how it affects athletes' mental health. In contrast, the second half acts as a call to action for sports systems to improve and mitigate the damage caused by toxic cultures. By promoting discussions about the impact of trauma and implementing preventative strategies, the book aims to reform the approach to mental health in sporting contexts.
I’m delighted to speak with Dr Hillary Cauthen this week. Hillary is a clinical sport psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with over 17 years experience working within the field of sport and performance psychology. She is an active member in her local community and professional associations, such as Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and American Psychological Association - Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology).
Hillary is the Founder and Director of Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services (TOPPS) - working with individuals, families, teams, and groups to improve mental health, as well as athletic, social, academic, and professional performance.
Hillary formerly served as the Director of Organizational Wellness & Performance for Austin FC and was the performance psychologist for the San Antonio Spurs, where she developed their mental performance and wellness programs.
Hillary has developed private businesses that bring mental wellness curriculum to school districts across the nation, as well as an analytics company that helps predict the behavioural risk factors in players for teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and Premier League. Her work in high performance is breaking down stigma across communities which is highlighted in her book "Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate.”
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