The Better Institute

11/20/2024

🎯Around the holiday season, it's important to remember the things you can and cannot control.

For many, the holiday season can be filled with stress and challenges outside our control. When we focus on what we can control, our thoughts empower us and trigger positive emotions.

So what’s in our control and out of our control:

👉In my control: My words, my actions, my ideas, my play, my effort, my mistakes, my behavior

👉Out of my control: Other people’s actions, other people’s feelings, other people’s words, other people’s behavior, other people’s ideas.

Looking for more support? Contact The Better Institute: https://loom.ly/2DOFG-8

11/14/2024

✨ Meet the newest addition to The Better Institute!

Abby Shurmatz is a second-year Master’s level Social Work student at the University of Pittsburgh working towards her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) professional license. Abby has been selected by The Better Institute for their Gambling Disorder Counseling Fellowship through the University of Pittsburgh. She has received training in gambling disorder treatment and works side by side with the other clinicians in the practice. Abby graduated with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Pittsburgh in 2023 and is currently working at Western Psychiatric Hospital where she provides individual patient care and leads group therapy sessions with patients struggling with eating disorders. Abby has a wealth of knowledge about a variety of mental health problems.

✨ As part of The Better Institute’s commitment to quality, affordable mental health care- we’re pleased to offer no-cost sessions with Abby under the supervision of Rob Bumbaco, LCSW.

Abby works with individuals focusing on:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Eating Disorders
-Problem Gambling
-Related Mental Health Concerns

✨ For details and availability- contact Rob at rob@betterinstitute.com or visit: https://loom.ly/2DOFG-8

11/07/2024

November is Men’s Mental Health Month, a crucial time to shine a light on the mental health challenges men face and encourage them to prioritize their well-being.

While mental health is important for everyone, men often face unique pressures and expectations that can make it difficult to open up and seek help. Societal norms can sometimes discourage men from expressing vulnerability or admitting they’re struggling. This can lead to men suffering in silence, which can have devastating consequences.

👉 Learn more about ways to support men’s mental health this month and every month at: https://loom.ly/sK2kWcI

10/31/2024

Building off my previous post on athlete identity. It's so important to define yourself as more than an athlete, especially when it comes to emotional wellness.

💡 Strategy: Recognize Your Unique Strengths

Take a moment to identify 2-3 qualities that define who you are—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Reflect on these daily to remind yourself of your unique strengths.

💪

10/30/2024

Athlete identity is such important topic. It’s very easy for an athlete to connect their identity to their sport. They begin to define themselves by the outcomes they are getting (wins, losses, goals, points, hits). This can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression when these outcomes aren't achieved.

💡 Strategy: Set Goals Outside Your Sport

Take time each week to set one personal goal outside your sport. This allows you find better balance in your life.

Embrace every dimension of yourself. 💪

10/30/2024

🎃 Self-Care, Halloween Edition - Try these fun ways to practice self-care with a fun Halloween twist!

-Treat Yourself
-Dust Off a Creative Skill or Hobby
-Watch Your Favorite Halloween Movie
-Journal and Take Time to Reflect
-Stay Away from People and Things that are Toxic
-Let Go of the Past and Move Forward
-Pick a Pumpkin and Decorate It

🎃 What's your favorite Halloween self-care activity?

10/28/2024

Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Episode #142-Reflection Question for Parents

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob provides parents with an important question to help them reflect on their son or daughter's athletic experience.

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob provides parents with an important question to help them reflect on their son or daughter's athletic experience. https://betterinstitute.com/big/ or on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/backinthegamebi

10/25/2024

How can I help my youth athlete be more confident? Probably the number one question I get. Although there is a lot that can go into increasing your confidence, here is a quick tip to get your athlete moving in the right direction.

Focus on the here and now! Instead of worrying about past mistakes or future outcomes, commit to the present moment. Ask yourself "What is one thing I can do right now to set me up for success?" 💪

10/24/2024

As a parent of a young athlete, you wear many hats—cheerleader, motivator, role model. Balancing each of these can be difficult.

Here are few tips to help you find the right balance.

1️⃣ Know your athlete's "Why"- Understand what your athlete enjoys most about their sport to help guide you as the best way to support them.

2️⃣ Celebrate process over outcome- Encourage things like effort, attitude, and good body language, foster a growth mindset where the athlete is able to learn from their mistakes.

3️⃣ Communication is key- Listen to your child’s feelings about their sport. Let them guide the conversation about their experiences and challenges. Some athletes like to discuss the game afterwards and some need time to process.

10/23/2024

🚨 As a coach or leader, adaptability is key! What worked 20 years ago may not work today. Here’s how coaching has evolved:

1️⃣ Old School: Punish mistakes
New School: Mistakes are opportunities for growth

2️⃣ Old School: Critical, authoritarian communication
New School: Two-way communication that’s supportive and constructive

3️⃣ Old School: Mental toughness meant suppressing feelings
New School: Support mental, emotional, and physical health

💡 It’s time to lead with empathy, growth, and open dialogue! Let’s build better teams and stronger individuals by evolving our approach. 💪

10/23/2024

The Better Institute has made it a focus to help as many people as possible who experience gambling harm, including individuals, partners/spouses, and the family.

To help, we've listed videos, podcasts, and other media resources on our website under 'Problem Gambling Help' Learn more at: https://loom.ly/adfqcX4

10/21/2024

Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Episode #141-Building Resilience Part #2

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob discusses the importance of emotion regulation.

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob discusses the importance of emotion regulation. https://betterinstitute.com/big/ or on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/backinthegamebi

10/16/2024

As we begin to enter into the colder months and start to spend more time inside we often turn to shows and movies to help fill our time. With the seemingly unlimited amount of streaming options available we can easily binge-watch as many shows as we’d like.

Research has shown that binge-watching shows can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, and interference with sleep and other daily activities.

Here are 3 tips on how to balance your streaming in a healthy way:

1. Make sure to set a time limit: Set limits for the amount of time you are allowed to watch or set a limit for the number of episodes you will watch in one sitting.

2. Create a healthy balance with your streaming: Balance out the amount of time you spend watching with another activity such as physical exercise or a personal hobby.

3. Keep those lights on: Keeping the lights on wherever you are watching helps to prevent you from losing track of time.

Looking for more help? Contact The Better Insitute: https://loom.ly/B44JoKw

10/15/2024

Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Episode #140-Building Resilience Part 1

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob discusses the importance of making a mindset shift when building resilience.

This week on Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast Rob discusses the importance of making a mindset shift when building resilience.

10/09/2024

Nurturing Your Mental Well-being This World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2024

World Mental Health Day is a timely reminder that prioritizing our mental health is vital for our overall well-being. It’s a day to not only focus on our own mental health needs but also to extend a helping hand to those around us.

Here are a few simple yet impactful ways you can participate:

✨Self-Care: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby, allow yourself the space to recharge.

✨Connect: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues and check in on how they’re doing. A simple conversation can make a world of difference.

✨Learn: Take the time to learn more about mental health and the resources available in your community. Knowledge empowers us to better support ourselves and others.

✨Give Back: Consider volunteering your time or donating to a mental health organization. Your contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of others.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted support network.

Let’s work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a world where everyone feels comfortable seeking the help they need.

https://loom.ly/WBV0bak

10/02/2024

Feeling disconnected? 💔 Struggling to communicate? 🗣️

The Better Institute has a page full of FREE resources to help you build stronger, healthier relationships. 💪

https://loom.ly/rYZsKjk

09/25/2024

❇️ Join a Growing Team Committed to BETTER Mental Health

The Better Institute offers:
✨A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
✨The opportunity to work alongside a team of talented and compassionate clinicians
✨Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
✨Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth
✨Continuing Education, Health, and 401 monthly benefits

If you're a licensed therapist (PhD, PsyD, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) committed to evidence-based practices and passionate about helping clients thrive, we want to hear from you!

❇️ Visit https://loom.ly/q0bosm8 to learn more.

09/18/2024

Are you and your partner facing challenges in your relationship? Do you feel like you're not communicating effectively, resolving conflict constructively, or connecting on a deeper level?

The Better Institute's Marriage Marathon can help. This intensive couples therapy program is designed to help married and pre-marital couples improve their communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy in a short period of time.

Based on the Gottman Method, a proven approach to couples therapy, the program focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of conflict in relationships.

Marriage Marathons are led by Robin Witt MS, LPC, a licensed therapist and Director of Relationship Dynamics at The Better Insitute. Robin is passionate about helping couples build strong and lasting relationships.

Learn more and see if Marriage Marathon is right for you at: https://loom.ly/ucfcLns