The Better Institute

09/09/2025

Ready to build a stronger connection with your kids this school year? 🤝

Emotion coaching is a powerful tool for parents, helping you guide your children through their feelings and build resilience. Our latest blog post gives you a simple, four-step playbook for success.

Read more here: https://loom.ly/6OY-pn0

As the air cools and new routines settle in, September offers more than just a return to school—it’s a valuable time for parents to build stronger emotional connections with their children. Whether you’re waving to your kindergartner at the bus stop or helping your teen manage homework stress,...

09/03/2025

🏈 Football season is here, and with it comes a surge in sports betting.

For many, it's a fun part of the game-day excitement, but for some, the line between entertainment and a serious problem can blur.

When does gambling become a problem? It's not about how much you win or lose—it's about the behavior and how it impacts your life. Problem gambling is a recognized mental health condition, an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences.

Recognize the signs:
🚫 Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost.
🚫 Lying and secrecy: Hiding the extent of your gambling from family and friends.
🚫 Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, school, or family.
🚫 Using it to escape: Gambling to relieve stress or anxiety.
🚫 Financial distress: Going into debt or asking others for money to cover losses.

You don't have to do this alone. At The Better Institute, our therapists specialize in gambling disorder and offer confidential support to help you regain control.

Don't wait. Reach out to us today to schedule a confidential appointment.

08/27/2025

Celebrating Advocacy in Action

We are excited to share some exciting news! This summer, our CEO, Jody Bechtold, received the prestigious "Advocacy in Action Award" at the 2nd Annual International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction. This award, presented by Seagulls Flock Organization, is a testament to the tireless work being done in problem gambling awareness and advocacy.

This recognition fuels our commitment to shining a light on the serious issue of problem gambling and amplifying the voices of those affected. Our dedicated advocacy page is a hub for:

✨Raising Awareness: We gather media mentions, insightful video clips, and valuable links to shed light on the often-hidden harms caused by problem gambling.

✨Empowering Voices: We focus on sharing the stories of individuals and families impacted by this addiction, ensuring their experiences are heard.

✨Driving Change: We advocate for stronger support systems, preventative measures, and a greater understanding of problem gambling as a public health issue.

Join us in celebrating this important milestone and continue to support our mission! Visit our advocacy page to learn more. 🔗 https://loom.ly/s-Q13Z4

Let's continue to work together for a future where everyone impacted by problem gambling receives the support they need.

08/20/2025

Are you ready to prioritize your mental health? The Better Institute has openings for new clients! We're here to support you on your journey to wellness with both in-person and teletherapy options.

Take the first step towards a better you.

Visit our website or call us today, and let's take the first step towards a better you!

https://loom.ly/2DOFG-8

08/13/2025

That back-to-school feeling isn't just for kids! 🎒 August brings a unique energy that can inspire all of us in Pittsburgh to embrace a fresh start.

Whether you're an athlete hitting the field or an adult working toward personal goals, the principles of routine and mental resets can lead to success. Our latest blog post explores how to use this "new season" mindset to your advantage by:
➡️ Embracing the Power of Routine: Learn how consistent habits can free up mental energy and build a foundation for achieving your goals.
➡️ Performing a Mental Reset: Discover how to hit "halftime" for your mind by reflecting, releasing negativity, and reconnecting with your core values.
➡️ Creating a Game Plan for Success: Get tips on setting SMART goals and breaking them down into manageable steps.

Ready to make this your best season yet? Tap the link in the comments to read the full post and discover how to channel that back-to-school energy into positive change!

08/06/2025

Level Up Together: A Fun Game and Activity for Parents & Kids

Looking for a way to connect with your child through something they already enjoy? Try stepping into their world—one controller at a time.

Game Pick: “Rocket League” (Available on all major platforms)

Fast cars. Soccer goals. Endless replay value.

Rocket League is a high-energy, car-soccer hybrid game that’s easy to pick up but has enough skill depth to keep teens engaged. It’s 2v2 or 3v3, meaning you can either team up with your teen or compete against them (in good fun).

After a few rounds, try this:
✅ Ask: “What’s your favorite move or strategy in the game?”
✅ Reflect: “We got better as a team—what do you think helped most?”
✅ Share: “Want to teach me a trick next time we play?”

Ready to press start on a new way to connect? Grab a controller and give it a try! What game are you and your kids playing this week?

07/30/2025

❓Did you know... The Better Institute offers resources such as book recommendations, videos, and podcasts related to our areas of service on our website.

Including:
🔷 Problem Gambling Resources
🔷 Supporting First Responders and Their Families
🔷 Relationship Resources
🔷 Healthy Screen Use
🔷 You Getting Better Blog

Learn more at https://loom.ly/B44JoKw and share this post to spread the word!

07/24/2025

Connecting Through Gaming: 3 Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

Gaming doesn’t have to be a barrier between you and your child—it can actually be a bridge. These three tips will help you connect, communicate, and build trust through their favorite digital pastime.

#1 Be Curious, Not Critical
Instead of jumping to judgment, ask questions:
🗣 "What do you like about this game?"
🗣 "Who do you usually play with?"
🗣 "What’s your favorite part of it?"
Showing genuine curiosity helps you understand what gaming means to them—and lets them know you care about their world.

#2 Really Listen
If your child talks about gaming, treat it like any other interest. Nod, ask follow-ups, and avoid using that time to lecture about screen time. When kids feel heard, they’re more likely to be open to future conversations, including the harder ones.

#3 Don’t Use Games as a Punishment Tool
Taking away gaming out of frustration can backfire. It often creates more resistance and less cooperation. Instead, set clear expectations around when and how gaming fits into their routine.

Want more strategies for fostering positive communication and connection in your family? See the link in the comments.

07/16/2025

Looking for more information on gaming, teens, gambling, relationships, and other mental health topics?

Visit The Better Institute's YouTube Channel!

https://loom.ly/Ipd9GT0

07/10/2025

Recently, two of our clinicians, Robin and April, were featured on the Fall In podcast. Fall In raises awareness about problem gambling among military service members and veterans.

They're combined expertise in problem gambling and trauma creates a powerful recovery approach for first responders and their families.

Listen to the episode here: https://loom.ly/-JSltDc

07/08/2025

Are Video Games Good for Kids? A Balanced Take for Parents.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, gaming offers surprising benefits—like boosting imagination, task completion, and social interaction—while also carrying potential drawbacks if not approached thoughtfully.

Here’s a brief summary of the article:
1. Embrace the Upside: Cognition & Connection
Video games—from puzzle games like Tetris to adventure titles like Breath of the Wild—can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and even social skills when kids play with friends or family.

2. Keep an Eye on Limits: Addiction & Overuse Signs
Experts warn that excessive gaming can mirror addictive patterns—withdrawal, loss of interest in other activities, or mood swings—highlighting the importance of mindful oversight (health.harvard.edu)

3. Promote Active Play: Make Gaming Part of a Bigger Picture
Try introducing exergames—motion-based titles like Ring Fit Adventure. These blend mental engagement with physical movement, offering a healthy mix while your child enjoys a game.

Navigating screen time can be tricky. If you're looking for support in balancing your child's gaming and overall well-being, reach out to The Better Institute. We’re here to help!

How much play time is too much? Video game addiction is a concern for many parents, but video games can have positive effects on your brain, too. A pediatric behavioral health specialist and child psychiatrist discuss the pros and cons of gaming.