The Better Institute

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.

07/02/2025

In today's world, screens are everywhere, and finding a healthy balance with them isn't just helpful—it's essential for your well-being. At The Better Institute, a therapy group in Pittsburgh, we understand the challenges of navigating our digital lives. That's why we've put together three simple tips to help you create healthier digital habits without asking you to give up the tech you love.

1. Establish a Healthy Routine

It's easy to lose track of time when you're immersed in a game or scrolling through social media. One of the most effective ways to ensure healthy screen time is to establish a consistent routine. This means setting specific times for gaming and general screen use, and then doing your best to stick to them. This simple step can make a big difference in regaining control of your time.

2. Don't Take Your Phone to Bed

The temptation to scroll through your phone in bed is strong, but it can severely disrupt your sleep. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with melatonin production, a hormone essential for a good night's rest. Instead of reaching for your phone, try charging it in another room. You could also read a physical book or listen to some calming music to wind down.

3. Build Structure with Breaks and Other Activities

While screen time can be enjoyable, it's crucial to integrate it into a balanced life that includes other enriching activities. Building structure around your screen use means planning regular breaks. For every hour of screen time, aim to take a 10–15 minute break to stretch, walk around, or engage in something entirely non-screen related. This helps prevent digital fatigue and encourages a more well-rounded routine.

Finding digital balance is a journey, and we're here to support you. If you're struggling with screen time or other aspects of your mental well-being, check out the link in the comments.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a more balanced life, The Better Institute offers personalized therapy services right here in Pittsburgh with in-person and teletherapy options.

06/25/2025

Level Up Your Team's Mental Game! 🚀

Coaches and parents, are you ready to see a real difference in your athletes' mindset, motivation, and confidence?

The team behind Back in Game at The Better Institute offers dynamic, interactive sessions perfect for any stage of the season:
❇️ Get fired up for the season ahead!
❇️ Re-ignite the spark mid-way through!
❇️ Sharpen focus for those crucial playoffs!

🛠️ Our certified mental performance coach provides the tools for success.

Discover how: https://loom.ly/AboKy-A

06/18/2025

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer offers beautiful opportunities to deepen your connection with your partner. Robin Witt, our Director of Relationship Dynamics, reminds us that nurturing your bond is an ongoing journey.

This Summer, make time for intentional connection. Here are some simple ideas to get started:
☕ Early morning coffee outdoors before the kids wake up.
🔥 Sit by a fire and ask questions from Gottman's Card Deck App.
🤝 Take a walk together after dinner.
⛱️ Go to a restaurant with an outdoor dining space.
⚾ Attend an outdoor sporting event, like baseball or soccer.

Even small moments can create big connections. If you're looking for guidance to foster a stronger bond, Robin can help.
Contact Robin today to learn how couples therapy can help you embark on a journey of renewed connection. https://loom.ly/ucfcLns