Natalie Graves: Championing Mental Health in Sports
I like to describe it as my clients are getting treatment for themselves, whatever that looks like as an athlete and them outside of their sport as an individual and I think that's enriched the process and I hope I like to believe I've done good work with them.
Ever wondered how athletes tackle mental health challenges? This episode of 'Courtside Wellness' dives into the world of sport social work with Natalie Graves, a dedicated mental health expert for athletes and coaches. Host Brandon St.Croix, a former athlete and social worker, engages Natalie in a candid conversation about her journey in sport social work. Based in Chicago, Natalie shares her experiences and the unique hurdles athletes face when seeking mental health support.
Natalie sheds light on her innovative projects like the 1in4 Project and her private practice, Natalie Graves Athletic Counselling. She emphasizes treating athletes as whole individuals, not just performers on the field. The episode also explores the evolution of sport social work over the past decade, celebrating the progress made and acknowledging the barriers that still exist. With a focus on creating a supportive community, Natalie discusses how social workers can play a pivotal role in the sports world.
She also shares how she adapted to the pandemic by offering webinars and masterclasses, ensuring that mental health resources remained accessible to athletes during these challenging times. For anyone interested in the intersection of sports and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just passionate about sports, you'll find Natalie's story both inspiring and enlightening. Tune in to learn more about the critical importance of mental well-being in the sports community.