Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 19 – Eating Disorders & Youth Sports: What Every Sports Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Kate Bennett

In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone converses with Dr. Kate Bennett, founder and director of Athlete Insight and Full Send Consulting. They delve into Dr. Kate’s background, including her career as a counselor and sports psychologist, and her personal journey in sports from youth through professional cycling. Dr. Kate shares insights into the psychological and physical challenges athletes face, particularly around issues like eating disorders and the pressure to perform. They discuss the importance of creating an empowering and balanced environment for young athletes, prioritizing mental health, and challenging perfectionism. Dr. Kate emphasizes the role of parents in providing a safe, supportive space that allows for growth and learning through failure. They conclude with tips on fostering open communication with children, the impact of family meals, and maintaining a healthy relationship with sports and exercise.

· 01:15 The Athlete Coach Experience and Beyond

· 02:15 Parenting and Sports: Dr. Kate’s Personal Insights

· 08:49 Dr. Kate’s Athletic Journey: From Multi-Sport Athlete to Cycling

· 09:29 The Challenges and Joys of Equestrian Sports

· 11:30 Transition to Cycling and Coaching

· 12:41 The Thrill of Mountain Biking and Competing

· 17:11 The Intersection of Sports Psychology and Clinical Psychology

· 22:44 Understanding Disordered Eating and Perfectionism in Athletes

· 37:47 Navigating Conversations About Body Image

· 39:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Conversations

· 44:06 The Double-Edged Sword of Sports Resources

· 54:26 The Impact of Fear on Performance

· 01:03:44 The Importance of Family Meals

Quotes

• “Typically it’s those kids you never worry about that are the kids we need to worry the most about.” [23:32]

• “It’s really hard to know the difference between, ‘I’m a healthy eater,’ and ‘I have a disordered eating pattern.” [25:05]

• “Fear and flow state are mutually exclusive. They do not work together.” [55:26]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone.co

· athleteinsight.co

· fullsendconsulting.co

· Instagram @athlete_insight

About Dr. Kate

I am a clinical sport psychologist, licensed in the state of Colorado. I earned my BS in kinesiology and athletic training from Indiana University and my EdM in counseling and sport psychology from Boston University. My passion for the connection between the mental and physical health of athletes prompted me to return to graduate school at the University of the Rockies. I completed my practicum at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Counseling Center and my pre-doctoral internship at the Western Washington University Counseling Center. I then completed my post-doctoral fellowship at EDCare.

I spend much of my time with my partner and two children. I embrace every opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado by mountain biking, paddle boarding, hiking, and attending sporting events.

Athletes are “supposed” to be mentally tough; however, the truth is that athletes are humans first. As a person, you experience all of the same stress as your non-athlete peers in addition to ALL of the stressors that sport & competition brings along. You might struggle to acknowledge that your mind may not be “tough enough” to handle all of that stress. I am here to say, it is okay. You can ask for help. In fact, you become stronger and tougher when you know how to effectively manage your headspace.

I meet all athletes exactly where they are at, as humans first. Together, we identify goals to meet your life and sport needs. When you work with me, you get a therapist and a coach. My goal is to provide the “right-for-you” tools, strategies, and insights to support you in becoming the most confident and resilient version of yourself in both sport & life.