Exploring Sport-Based Therapy to Support Mental Health

Doc Wayne is an award-winning nonprofit leading the field of sport-based therapy and catalyzing a mental health movement. Sports-based therapy allows clinician-led curricula and sports to work together: strengthening social-emotional skills and relationships through engaging in healthy competition. As an undergraduate intern, I conducted therapeutic recess programs to support these kids in learning the tools, training, and services needed to address emotional barriers at local schools in the greater Boston region. ​

Sports-based therapy is a new progressive psychological concept, and I am all for it! The importance of exercise is highly underestimated as it has such a tremendous effect on one's mental health. As a college athlete, I have been playing sports my entire life. Being a part of a team has helped me through ups and downs and provided me with lifetime friendships: discipline and routine train one's mind to improve and put yourself outside your comfort zone.​

As a psychology major, I have always been fascinated by mental health and working with kids. After spending my summer working with DocWayne, I knew that child psychology was the place for me. The ability to foster relationships with kids and connect on a therapeutic level made everyday dynamic. I fell in love with the complexity that childhood and growing up endure. Through my summer internship, I ensured that kids were exposed to great role models and extracurriculars, such as sports. Being a part of the DocWayne team was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I cannot wait to continue down this path. 

Internship funded by the Peter Buck Internship Fund​.