Inside Sport Psychology: Mental Health Strategies for Athletes and Beyond with Dr Tess Kilwein

In this episode of the Twin Minds Unwind podcast, Dr. Holly Batchelder interviews Dr. Tess Kilwein, a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist. They discuss the growing field of sport psychology, the mental health challenges athletes face, and the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in performance. Dr. Kilwein shares strategies for managing performance anxiety, balancing personal and professional life, and the need for inclusivity in sport psychology.

Guest Bio

Dr. Kilwein (she/they) is a board-certified, licensed clinical and sport psychologist practicing in California, Colorado, Tennessee, Wyoming, and PSYPACT® states. They provide sport psychology, mental health, and performance services for Vanderbilt University’s student-athletes, teams, and staff through a comprehensive and integrated performance enhancement and mental health consultation service. Dr. Kilwein is also the founder of Unapologetic Psychology, a clinical practice that provides assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, training, and sport and mental performance services with a unique focus on elite performing, transgender and gender-expansive, and rural populations. They are a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry, the Canada Olympic and Paralympic Mental Health Network, and the Major League Baseball Players Association Mental Health and Wellness Network. Dr. Kilwein’s clinical specializations include trauma/PTSD, substance use/addiction, masculinity, sex and relationships, transgender and gender-expansive healthcare, and sport and performance psychology. They are also an elected member of the American Psychological Association’s Committee for Rural Health and active in research and advocacy related to identity-based marginalization and health-compromising behaviors (e.g., substance use, sexual behaviors).

Takeaways

• Sport psychology is a growing field that impacts many.
• Athletes face unique mental health challenges, including performance anxiety.
• Self-compassion is crucial for athletes to perform at their best.
• Mindfulness and visualization are effective strategies for managing anxiety.
• Balancing personal life and performance is a common struggle for athletes.
• Cultural pressures in sports reflect broader societal issues.

• Inclusivity in sport psychology is essential for all athletes.

• Developing mental strength requires active practice and habit-building.

Dr. Tess Kilwein

https://www.tessmkilweinllc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticpsychpllc/

Dr Holly Batchelder

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder

https://www.instagram.com/holly.phd/?hl=en-Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.