NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter

Athlete Mindset

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.

Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mind Health program is working to shift the conversation around mental health from stigmatization to normalization, ensuring that athletes are supported holistically on and off the court. She also shares insights into injury recovery, mental resilience, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being within teams.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Kensa Gunter:

• Dr. Gunter is the Director of NBA & WNBA Mind Health, which supports athletes’ mental health and performance.
• How resilience and mental performance contribute to athletic excellence.
• The connection between mental and physical health in injury recovery and performance.
• The evolving landscape of mental health awareness in professional sports.
• The power of leadership in driving culture change and prioritizing athlete well-being.
• Practical mental performance tools like visualization and self-talk to enhance focus and resilience.

Resources Mentioned:

• NBA & WNBA Mind Health | Program Website
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line

Credits:

Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

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Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Dr. Kensa Gunter: LinkedIn | Website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

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