News and Updates at River Valley BHWC

Sports Psychology at River Valley BHWC
 

Britin Thomsen, M.A., M.S. - Pre-licensed: Mental Health Therapist & Mental Performance Consultant

We are all performers. Although the field is derived from a sports context, it is for anyone who desires to improve their mental game. The term "sport psychology" is also referred to as "mental performance" and "mental skills training." Sport psychology is applied in settings beyond sport, such as in business, the military, the performing arts, and many others.

Immediate Openings 
for Medication Management Appointments

New Team Members at RVBHWC

Lacey Hammond, MSW, LICSW
Location: Telehealth/Savage

Bio coming soon...FIND OUT MORE

Wade Keller, MA - Location: Telehealth/Savage

Wade took the path less traveled to becoming a therapist. After 30+ years of gaining life experiences (good and bad) ultimately he was called to the helping profession. It is from his life experiences and the perspectives he’s gained from traveling, volunteering and his education that he makes it of primary importance to meet every person he works with ‘where they’re at’. He believes strongly that the level of comfort each person has in working with him will lead to their own breakthroughs and successes...FIND OUT MORE

Broaden My Knowledge

Book of the Month: "The Champion's Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive" by Jim Afremow

Even among the most elite performers, certain athletes stand out as a cut above the rest, able to outperform in clutch, game-deciding moments. These athletes prove that raw athletic ability doesn't necessarily translate to a superior on-field experience—its the mental game that matters most.

Sports participation—from the recreational to the collegiate Division I level—is at an all-time high. While the caliber of their games may differ, athletes at every level have one thing in common: the desire to excel. In The Champion's Mind, sports psychologist Jim Afremow, PhD, offers the same advice he uses with Olympians, Heisman Trophy winners, and professional athletes.

Video of the Month: "Last Chance U" and "Last Chance U: Basketball"

The first two seasons focus on all aspects of the football program at East Mississippi Community College, one of the most successful JUCO programs in the country. Major themes include the academic struggles of the players – some of whom have come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. This is set against an overall redemption and coming-of-age “last chance” theme for the group of men struggling to find their place. Team academic advisor Brittany Wagner is featured prominently as she is tasked with getting all team members to graduate on time. Head coach Buddy Stephens' struggles with controlling his temper is also a major theme, which is often juxtaposed with his devout Christian faith that he attempts to impart on the team. The original series is broken into five parts.

There is also a spin off series, Last Chance U: Basketball, which currently has 2 seasons available. The eight-episode first season explores the basketball program at East Los Angeles College, which features a once faltering junior college team that has become a title contender under head coach John Mosley. Through his strong convictions, Coach Mosley leads young men who hope to fulfill their major college potential.

Kichari is a porridge made of beans and rice. It has traditionally been used as a cleanse but different forms of it have shown to be a balanced vegetarian meal. Many versions can be used as a soft cleanse, cleaning your system of toxins while not keeping you from going on with your daily life! Kichari is an easy to digest meal that can work well when your digestion is feeling "off".

The author of the recipe, Kate O'Donnell, has a few books out with numerous Ayurvedic recipes that are delicious! If you are looking for something to change up your recipe cycle, this may be it. Ayurvedic recipes will most likely introduce you to some new spices and flavors.

Ingredients:

1 small butternut squash
Coconut oil
¾ cup split mung beans, soaked overnight or at least a few hours
¾ cup basmati rice
4 cups water
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp turmeric
2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely diced
1 tsp salt
¼ cup coconut, large flakes, for garnish

Step 1:

Roast the Squash. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds, and rub with coconut oil on the inside faces. Place face up on a baking sheet and roast for 60 minutes.

Step 2:

Rinse the rice and mung beans and soak them if you did not soak them overnight.

Step 3:

In a large saucepan on high heat, boil 3 cups of the water and the coconut milk. Add the rice, beans, seasonings, and the diced ginger. Allow to come to a boil again and then turn the heat to low.

Step 4:

Scoop out chunks of the butternut squash into the pot. Simmer, partially covered for 40 minutes, adding the extra cup of water as needed.

Step 5:

The kichari finished when the rice and mung beans are soft and the consistency is loose and soupy. Turn off the heat and stir in the salt.

Step 6:

In a small and dry frying pan, toast the coconut flakes on medium heat until they begin to brown.

Step 7:

Spoon kichari into bowls and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Enjoy!

Be sure to utilize all the techniques and recipes from our previous newsletters in the "Cue to Be Well" archive: