Meet Our Unity Partner: Doc Wayne

Doc Wayne is an award-winning non-profit leading the field of sport-based therapy and catalyzing a mental health movement. They provide training, tools, and services that address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural-based barriers by providing equitable access to better mental health for all.

What kind of resources does Doc Wayne provide?

Doc Wayne offers several key resources, including:

• Chalk Talk® Group Therapy is a clinician-led program that uses sport-based therapy to address trauma, emotional challenges, and social skills development for youth.
• The Champions Network® is a training network that equips adults (e.g., coaches, teachers, youth workers) to support young people's mental health daily. It expands the reach of mental health support through training sessions and workshops on sports-based therapy and trauma-informed care, and intersectional mental health topics to enhance social-emotional learning and resilience.
• Learning Communities (LCs) are groups of adults who learn from each other over time about topics of shared passion with the support of a trained Doc Wayne professional. Rather than listen to content being delivered once, this is a recurring space where YOU exchange your knowledge, successes, and struggles with others who have similar passions but work in different contexts. 

For additional information on the resources Doc Wayne provides, please visit www.docwayne.org.

Why has the sporting world been slower to change regarding mental health stigma?

In recent years, progress has been made in recognizing the importance of having conversations about mental health in the sporting world.  However, the culture of sports values being tough and resilient, which makes it difficult for athletes to feel comfortable speaking up about their challenges and contributes to the stigma around mental health.  Historically, many have believed mental health struggles to be a sign of weakness in competitive sports, so there needs to be a cultural shift that focuses on athletes' performance and mental well-being.

What are some inherent challenges in sports that impact mental health, and how can athletes balance the two?

 Sports can create intense pressure for athletes, particularly expectations to succeed, which may lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The competitive nature of sports can also impact self-esteem, especially when facing competition losses or injuries. Despite these challenges, sport has shown leadership in the space of mental health.  For example, Simone Biles and Naomi Osaki have positively influenced stigma across many domains of society.

What advice would you give to athletes or coaches wanting to support those struggling with mental health?

Coaches can support their athletes who are struggling with mental health by creating an environment where athletes feel safe discussing their struggles without judgment. Building trust is crucial so athletes know they can approach them anytime they need support. Coaches should also make mental health a normalized part of team conversations and show athletes their well-being matters beyond performance by actively listening and validating their experiences. Athletes are encouraged to show empathy to their teammates and provide support when needed. This can mean suggesting mental health resources or just listening.

What resources can athletes or coaches find through Doc Wayne?

Through The Champions Network®, Doc Wayne offers resources and workshops tailored for coaches to incorporate mental health support into sports. A few of the workshops we currently offer include Trauma-informed Care, Supporting Mental Health in Youth Sports: Athletes of Color, and Supporting Mental Health in Youth Sports: LGBTQIA+ Athletes. These resources will help coaches, teachers, and other youth workers support daily mental health care for youth.  Doc Wayne also offers learning communities (LCs) where coaches who work with athletes can learn from each other as they discuss topics of shared passion with the support of a trained Doc Wayne professional. 

What is one thing you wish more athletes knew about their mental health?

 I wish more athletes knew their mental health is as important as their physical health. Taking care of one’s mental health is essential for overall performance. Athletes who take the time for mental rest, practice stress management, and reach out for support when needed will experience improved focus, resilience, and overall enjoyment of the sport.

Should coaches have a more open dialogue about mental health with their athletes? If so, how should they go about it?

Coaches should have a more open dialogue about mental health with their athletes. They need to create a team culture where discussing mental health is just as normal as talking about physical health. We encourage coaches to build regular check-ins into their practices. They can provide a safe space for athletes to share how they are doing, including challenges they may be experiencing. This can also happen in a one-on-one setting by offering an open-door policy to your athletes. Lastly, coaches should take advantage of resources and training, like those provided by Doc Wayne, to stay abreast of the knowledge needed to support the mental well-being of their athletes and to become more comfortable talking about mental health themselves, aware of resources, and to work on their mental health for modeling to their athletes.