Look at you showing up for the second time. I love it!
I forgot to tell you in the last post that I also love basketball. Now, I don’t watch as much as I use to, but I still love it. Growing up, it was a staple in my household. My family watched games together on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Although I love basketball the most, I do watch other sports.
Yes, I’m the person who becomes obsessed with the Olympics and I watch every sport possible. I watched breakdancing last year! Who knew that was a thing in the Olympics?
I love the competitive nature of sports. You showcase your talents to the world to show that you are the BEST of the best. Athletes, who participate in team sports, can showcase their individual talents, but they won’t win championships or medals, without great teammates with whom they have good chemistry and shared goals.
Back to the Olympics.
I vividly remember when my favorite athlete of all-time, Allen Iverson, won a bronze medal with the USA Basketball team. I was happy to see them win a medal, but I remember also feeling sad that the team did not take home the gold medal. Wow, we couldn’t even get the silver medal? There were debates about if the players were actually “team players”. It also did not help that news outlets kept replaying the same clips of The Dream Team, that I had already seen a million times.
Do you remember The Dream Team?
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, etc. What a team!!! Individually, all of these players were great (Hall of Famers!), but together? That was an amazing team; it was a dream (you see what I did there?) Every team who came or will come after them has to prove that they could be equally as great, or better. Shoutout to the Redeem Team and- My goodness, I’m going a bit off track here. Sorry, let’s focus!!
Do you have a Dream Team?
Of course, you are the Michael Jordan (or whoever you think is the “GOAT”) of your own life, but do you have a John Stockton or Magic Johnson next to you?
Here’s the truth:
You need a team, and I strongly believe you need a counselor on your team. Not just a counselor that you know, but one that you work with regularly. I promise I’m not being biased because I am a counselor….I’m actually saying this because I have an amazing counselor as well. What? Did you think I would sell you something that I’m not also buying?!!
You need a team, and I strongly believe you need a counselor on your team.
A healthy therapeutic relationship with a counselor means that you have a person who is unbiased and committed to giving you a safe space to talk openly without judgment. He or she will also give you professional strategies (new ways to process, coping skills, etc) that are tailored to your mental, emotional, social, and behavioral needs. Counselors are equipped to support, motivate you to achieve your goals, and to “see” you. Your best friend may be great at giving you a safe space, but he or she cannot provide you with a treatment plan that is evidence-based, supported by science, research, trainings, and professional experience.
If you already have a counselor, make sure you are using your time wisely! Be transparent and honest about your needs!
You deserve support. You don’t need to do this thing called life without support.
I’m sure you may have people you can call, but add a counselor to your DREAM TEAM!
Your best friend may be great at giving you a safe space, but he or she cannot provide you with a treatment plan that is evidence-based, supported by science, research, trainings, and professional experience.
Alright, I’ve kept you long enough, so we will talk later about the things you can do with a counselor, so come back soon!
Until next time,
Dr. E
