In this episode, Dr. Topaz keeps the conversation connected to sports as she chats with another esteemed Soror of Delta Sigma Theta. Listen as she talks with Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Through her Atlanta based private practice she provides counseling and consultation services to individuals, teams, and organizations. Dr. Gunter also serves as the Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health, the league’s mental health, wellness, and performance program. Dr. Gunter grounds us with the reminder that our mental health is our ability to function effectively in our lives, mentally and emotionally. The state of our mental wellness is reflected in the health (or lack thereof) of our thoughts, feelings, and relationships. This is no different for athletes. So often with athletes we focus only on their athleticism and physical health. For those of us who support athletes, let’s encourage their accomplishments that are not sports related. We should speak life into our student athletes, win or lose.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives for our athletes! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, athletes, coaches and sports families!

To really know Dr. Topaz is to know that she is a huge sports fan, specifically the NBA and WNBA. In this episode, Dr. Topaz joins the hosts of the Crossover the Pond podcast, Drew Lasker and Josh Sexton to record live in Las Vegas. Drew is an Analyst for Amazon Prime Video Short. Josh is a member of the credentialed NBA media.

Listen as Dr. Topaz chops it up with Drew and Josh and shares her mental health expertise within the context of sports and athletes. This is a great episode for athletes and parents of student athletes. We all need to remember that athletes are NOT super human; they are human with special talents and gifts in sports. Athletes should be allowed to fully feel their feelings and be given the tools to have healthy responses and resolutions. Athletes should be encouraged to seek professional mental health support as a part of their overall wellness regime. (Shout out to universities and professional sports teams who now provide mental wellness services for their athletes.

It’s about time.) Dr. Topaz also advises athletes to stay focused on their support system, those who are taking this journey with them. As best they can, athletes need to ignore the naysayers. (There will always be naysayers.) Don’t allow your haters to impact your mental health and impact your game. This is sage advice, no matter your profession.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives for our athletes! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, athletes, coaches and sports families!

One of the hot topics for 2026 has been the use of the ‘Dr.’ credential, and how to confirm who has earned the right to use of that title. (IYKYK!) Understanding the different types of credentials that are held by mental health professionals is helpful in determining who is best suited to meet your needs.

In this episode, Dr. Topaz hosts a Mental Health Round Table designed to address some common concerns when seeking mental health care, in terms that are easy to understand.

This conversation is moderated by Yvonne Harris (21 Media), and Dr. Topaz is joined by Erin Stanley, LCSW, (Episode 7 guest of "Strong Mind, Soft Life") and a social work professional expert. Along with Keith Bryant, PsyD, (Episode 11 guest of "Strong Mind, Soft Life") and a psychologist professional expert.

Listen as the group discusses some of the seemingly interchangeable terms used to describe the roles played by the professionals, and some of the related misconceptions. They also breakdown which professional you should see based on the concerns you need addressed.

Exploring your mental health services options is a serious matter. Do not rely heavily on social media content or personalities for important information. Link with credible professionals, and always advocate for yourself.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, Sis!