Introduction
In this episode of The Village Vision Podcast, Dr. Crystal Morrison interviews Erica Curry, a former NCAA Division 1 athlete who transitioned to becoming a licensed therapist. Erica specializes in supporting athletes with their mental health and post-sport life. She shares her personal and professional journey, discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a different career path and the importance of mental health support for athletes. Listen to The Village Vision Podcast with Dr. Crystal Morrison.
Erica's Journey from Basketball Star to Therapist
Erica's journey from basketball star to therapist began when she realized that her passion for helping others extended beyond the court. After graduating with a degree in psychology, she worked as a mental health counselor before pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. She then specialized in Dialectical and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, two therapeutic approaches that focus on mindfulness, communication, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills.
The Challenges and Rewards of Transitioning to a Different Career Path
Transitioning from a successful career in sports to a new career path in therapy was not without its challenges. Erica faced skepticism from some who questioned her ability to make such a drastic career change. However, she persevered through these challenges, drawing on her resilience and passion for helping others.
The rewards of her career change have been immense. Erica now has the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of her clients, helping them improve their mental health and well-being. She also enjoys the flexibility and autonomy that comes with being her own boss.
The Importance of Mental Health Support for Athletes
As a former athlete, Erica understands the unique mental health challenges that athletes face. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support for athletes, both during and after their careers. Athletes often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and they may struggle to adjust to life after sports. Therapy can provide athletes with the tools they need to cope with these challenges and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Dialectical and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: What It Is and How It Can Help
Erica specializes in Dialectical and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT and RO-DBT). DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on mindfulness, communication, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills. RO-DBT is an extension of DBT that focuses on helping people with perfectionistic tendencies or a fear of failure.
DBT and RO-DBT can help athletes with a variety of mental health challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Anger management
- Post-sport transition
Conclusion
Erica Curry's journey from basketball star to therapist is an inspiring story of resilience, passion, and the importance of mental health support. Her work is helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in sports and providing athletes with the tools they need to thrive both on and off the court.
Tune in for The Village Vision Podcast to learn more about Erica's journey and the importance of mental health support for athletes. You can also connect with Erica on PsychologyToday.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
