Mental Health And Sports Psychology In The NBA With Dr. Alex Auerbach Dr. Alex Auerbach is the Director of Wellness and Development for the Toronto Raptors. He joined the Toronto Raptors after serving as the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology for the University of Arizona. Dr. Auerbach has worked with NCAA Division-I schools in the Pac-12, ACC, Big 12, and Conference USA. Dr. Auerbach earned his doctoral degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in sports and performance psychology from the University of North Texas. He received a Master’s in Business Administration from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. Dr. Auerbach is a member of the American Psychological Association’s Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) and Division 17 (Counseling Psychology), as well as the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Dr. Auerbach is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, a Licensed Psychologist, and a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry. Most people often associate athletes as formidable forces due to their excellent performances in their sports. But like any human being, athletes also have a soft side to bear. All aspects of their life need care.

Sports psychologists address the mental health conditions of athletes. In this episode, John welcomes Dr. Alex Auerbach, the director of wellness and development for the Toronto Raptors.  As a sports psychologist, Alex helps athletes cope with all issues that they need to overcome to reach their peak performance. Whether these issues include pressures involving their careers or some personal dilemmas that hinder them from achieving their goals, he makes sure that athletes deal with these aspects with mindfulness and self-regulated learning.

His background in football has made him more empathetic toward what professional athletes are dealing with in the sports arena. His educational background is also aligned with his passion. He received his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of North Texas.  He is also a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sports Psychology Registry and the American Psychological Association Division 7.

[Timecodes]

02:53 Dr. Alex Auerbach got involved with sports psychology by focusing on his passion.  05:13 NBA has a wellness program.  07:33 What does Alex’s day-to-day look like? 09:27 What is sports psychology? 12:20 What is the best advice for athletes? 15:11 What is self-regulated learning? 17:40 What does the United States Olympic Committee Sports Psychology Registry do? 18:40 What is Alex’s advice for professionals aiming for a career in sports psychology? 24:40 The environment influences human behavior.  28:43 Alex shares his self-care tips.

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