Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon

Athletes and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Harris

Episode 7

In this episode, Dr.  Sharon and Dr. Paul Harris share their personal experiences and passion for sports and express concern for the mental health of today's athletes. The conversation includes potential issues athletes face, the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community, and the need for proactive measures to support the mental health of athletes.

Dr. Paul Harris serves as founder of Integrity Matters, LLC, which exists to build a just world through training counselors, educators, governing boards, athletics personnel, and faith leaders in how to cultivate justice and belonging in their organizations. He is also a nationally certified counselor and school counselor, a personal coach, and an instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid. He previously served as a tenured Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Penn State University and the University of Virginia, founder and lead pastor of Victory Church of Charlottesville, VA, and as a high school counselor in Newport News and Loudoun County, VA.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine and his Master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling from the University of Virginia, and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Maryland. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University. He currently lives in Richmond, VA with his wife and three children.

Disclaimer: Dr. Sharon Givens provides advice and information that are not intended to replace professional therapy or counseling. Listeners are encouraged to seek assistance in addressing their mental and physical health needs.