How does hot weather affect your mental health?

As we’ve been facing a few days of hot, and sometimes record-breaking temperatures, I’ve been thinking about how the heat affects my mood.

Most people are probably familiar with the way that heat makes us feel more irritable. It’s more difficult for most people to sleep when they are hot, and the heat can sap our motivation to go about our daily tasks or face challenges that come up in our lives.

As the weather gets hot, I suggest stopping for a few minutes to pay attention to the way the temperatures are affecting your mood. Does it make you feel more irritable or less motivated? Has it affected your sleep? Maybe some people feel energized, or more relaxed with the heat of the sun on their faces. Whatever it is, pay attention to it, and maybe name it out loud. When you pay attention to what you’re feeling, you have more information to make choices about your behavior. If you know you’re already irritable, you can catch yourself before saying something harsh to a partner, family member, or store employee. If you know that you feel irritable from the heat, it may also give you more empathy when someone else acts more cranky than usual. You can ask if the weather is making them feel more cranky, too. Paying attention to how the external environment affects your mood is an important way to practice the tool of self-awareness and help you to make better choices to be the kind of person you want to be.

In our work, we always recommend appropriate physical activity to help improve mood and address some other mental health concerns. But when it gets hot, especially with summer winding down, motivation can dwindle, too. It can be more difficult to reach our fitness goals if it means going outside when it’s hot. Think of a few short-term changes in habit – get up earlier to exercise in the cooler morning, find a few Youtube videos to do your workouts at home, or go swimming to get your heart rate up.

Finally, you’ve heard that refrain everywhere – drink more water! When it’s hot, it’s easier to get dehydrated and further overheated. Drinking plenty of water helps our bodies cool off naturally – and staying hydrated can also impact our mood in a positive way.

So we hope you’re staying cool, finding ways to stay motivated, and treating yourself and others kindly.

Endurance’s Fit Family youth participating in a triathlon.

Retreats

We are hoping to offer some retreats to you and we would love your input about the types of retreats you’d love. What types of topics, areas of focus and locations would you be interested in? Please contact us with ideas!

Running and hiking media

I’m excited about three recent articles that I had the pleasure to contribute to on Finding Your Reasons to Run, 7-Thru-hikers on Coping with Post Trail Depression, and Living with Anxiety, Loving Triathlon. Make sure you read them under our Media Link. They have some great tips. Thanks and enjoy your week.

Two new workshops for young athletes and parents of athletes

We are pleased to announce two new workshops. Please contact us to find out how to attend.

Title: Improve your sports performance: a mental training and mindfulness workshop for young athletes (2 hours)

Description:This workshop will focus on ways to improve your sports performance by improving your mental game. It will address strategies to overcome barriers to optimal sports performance and present practical techniques to help you perform at your highest level, while balancing and enjoying your life. You will learn the tools that many professional and successful  athletes use to perform their best while living a healthy and happy life.

Who will benefit from this training? 

1. High School Athletes  

2. Young athletes who aspire to be professional athletes

3. College Athletes

Outcome Objectives: By the end of the training, you will be able to: 

1. Understand the connection between what you think and how you perform

2. Recognize obstacles and self-sabotaging behaviors and thoughts

3. Identify a variety of mental skills and tools to help improve your sports performance

4. Use practical tools and mindfulness skills to reduce anxiety, pressure and stress

5. Improve communication with parents, coaches, and other athletes 

Presenter: Cory Nyamora, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Certified USATF (Track and Field) Coach & USAT (Triathlon) Coach

Location and Time: Email endurancesportspsychology@gmail.com for details on Sacramento, Davis, Berkeley and Pinole workshops.

Title: Supporting your child’s athletic career (2 hours)

Description:This workshop will focus on the common stressors that young athletes and parents of athletes face. There will be practical tips and guidelines on how to support your children and help them (and yourselves) manage the busy schedules that your family may face. It will also address some of the common mental health conditions that may occur for athletes, as well as ways to alleviate some of these challenges. We will also explore the negative and positive impact that sports can have on your child’s mental health and suggest concrete strategies to build a positive home environment and sports culture for young athletes. 

Who will benefit from this training? 

1.     Parents of school aged athletes

2.     Parents of children who want to be professional athletes

3.     Parents of children who want to play college sports

Outcome Objectives: By the end of the training, you will be able to: 

1.     Identify common stressors and risks that athletes face in attaining high goals

2.     Utilize practical tips to help your child reach their athletic goals with while maintaining positive mental and physical health  

3.     Understand the tools that can reduce anxiety, stress and depression in athletes

4.     Create a healthy balanced family environment and culture 

5.     Help your child live well, perform with excellence and enjoy what they are doing

Presenter: Cory Nyamora, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Certified USATF (Track and Field) Coach & USAT (Triathlon) Coach

Location and Time: Email endurancesportspsychology@gmail.com for details on Sacramento, Davis, Berkeley and Pinole workshops.

Join Dr. Cory Nyamora at this year’s 5th Annual SVPA Student Research Conference!

Dr. Nyamora will be one of the panelists at this year’s 5th Annual SVPA Student Research Conference!

(2.5 CE credits pending approval from CPA for the Mindfulness and Sports Psychology trainings)

When: Friday, March 29th, 2019 (schedule below)

Where: Sacramento State (CSUS) Alumni Center

REGISTER HERE

There are many ways to get involved:

Students:

Present a professional poster

Attend Mindfulness and Sports Psychology trainings

Participate in Peer Mentoring for High School Students interested in learning from College Students

Professionals:

Attend the Mindfulness and Sports Psychology Training for 2.5 CE Credits

Support the students and attend the poster session

Sponsor the Student Research Conference - $100, $250, or $500 levels

Building a mindfulness practice: Daily tips to get outside your head and into the present moment:

I’ve been reflecting lately on the busy lives we live and how most of us are constantly moving from one thing to the next. We rarely take time to pause, reflect or be conscious of our breath, our bodies or how we are feeling. We easily miss what’s actually happening in our surroundings and in our day to day lives, because we are either thinking, planning, worrying, regretting, rushing or giving our minds and our thoughts more power than they need to have. This often leads to missing out on the joys of life, as well as increasing stress, depression and anxiety. One of the benefits of therapy and exercise is having a built in ritual of pausing, reflecting, noticing, and attending to one’s life. It often times involves getting outside our heads, into our bodies and present to our lives and relationships.

Here are a few tips to get into the present moment:

1.    Take two minutes at the end of each hour to notice your breath – you could count each breath or simply notice your stomach moving as your breathe

2.    Notice and label five different sounds you hear

3.    Light a candle or smell something pleasant 

4.    Hold someone you love for a few minutes, paying attention to how that feels 

5.    Notice and name the colors you see around you 

6.    When running, walking, or exercising, pay attention to the birds, animals, sounds and other objects you see outside

7.    Notice the wind, rain or sun on your skin

8.    Laugh every day – hang out with people who bring humor to your life, watch something funny, or use your imagination and silliness

9.    Eat your meals without media distractions. Pack away your phone, books, TV or computer so you can taste and savor what nourishes you. Calm background music and conversation with loved ones is okay.

10.  If you exercise outdoors – do it without music, podcasts, or other distractions. This is  important time to see what your mind and body do and to engage with the outside world or your exercise partner. So much comes from this time! 

Enjoy!

Dr. Cory Nyamora is a licensed  psychologist, an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychological services to children, adults, and families. He provides trainings for organizations on topics related to the intersections of sports and mental health and overall wellness.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

How to live a more fulfilled, fun life – strategies for mental and physical wellness

I'm thrilled to have finished preparations to present the following workshop to CocoKids - an organization doing important work.  

I will be presenting an active, interactive workshop on effective strategies to enhance mental and physical wellness, reduce burnout, and develop a home and work life filled with balance, fun, fulfillment and relaxation. These skills are extremely important for all humans living, loving and working in the 21st Century. There will be some journaling, discussion, physical activity and movement. 

If your organization is interested in similar workshops please contact us. 

Who will benefit from this training?

1.    Organizations committed to  maintaining a well-functioning, happy and healthy workforce

2.    Individuals who want to prioritize and actively pursue their wellness and live life with purpose and at their full potential

Outcome Objectives: By the end of the training, attendees will be able to:

1.    Assess their own wellness and identify areas that need attention and focus

2.    Figure out how to balance personal and professional goals

3.    Utilize tools to manage social media, news, and reduce feels of overwhelm 

4.    Implement concrete strategies to improve their physical and mental health and overall wellness

5.    Leave with a commitment for simple, fun and effective strategies to improve life

Dr. Cory Nyamora is a licensed  psychologist, an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychological services to children, adults, and families. He provides trainings for organizations on topics related to the intersections of sports and mental health and overall wellness.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

New Offices in Sacramento and Davis, California

We’re so excited to announce our expansion to Sacramento and Davis, California. We will open new offices in May 2018 and we will have room for clients who want psychological services (therapy and evaluations) as well as those interested in endurance coaching (running, triathlon and sports psychology sessions). Check out more details on our locations and services and call 510-981-1471 to schedule an appointment.

We also provide several workshops for athletes and coaches, professionals, organizations and community members.  

Our offices in Berkeley and Pinole are still fully running and the number to schedule services at any location is still the same: 510-981-1471. 

Thanks!

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

Using sports and athletics to heal from trauma

I just finished my presentation preparation on Using sports and athletics to heal from trauma for The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco. The presentation will be part of a day-long staff training on Friday March 30th on Becoming Trauma Informed. 

I'll post some highlights of the training in the upcoming week. In the meantime, contact us if you'd like to schedule a similar training. 

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

Happy New Year!

As we kick off 2018, I’m excited about our continued partnership and work with you (our clients) and helping you reach your goals -  whether these involve improving physical and mental health, attaining new athletic heights, building more confidence, creating happier relationships, developing professional and business skills, enhancing communication, or recovering from past traumas. We are committed to this journey with you.

We are looking forward to our work in the therapy room and outdoors. We hope to kick off our new year of Fit Family Programs and expand our outdoor programs to include kayaking, hiking and rock-climbing activities. If you are interested in participating in any of these activities please let us know.

There is so much that is sacred about the work we do. All of us enjoy and value creating a space to pause, reflect, listen, talk, learn, witness, connect, strategize, and move forward. We value and feel honored to have your trust and truly feel blessed to see our work have a profound impact. We know that the connections and work we do with you, impacts the work you do in the rest of your lives and the people you touch and interact with.

I have a short story to share that reminds me of the value of making space for the deep sharing that comes in a therapeutic relationship.

During one of our www.runinkenya.com trips, in which we take runners and other travelers to Kenya, we were staying with an aunt who hosts our groups. Her nephew and his partner were having some problems in their relationship and needed to talk. My aunt and other elder relatives basically took the whole day off to sit and talk to the couple. They re-structured the day to make this work because it was a priority.  This experience reminds me that we need to make room for and prioritize each other. I’m lucky enough to have developed a work life where this can happen during most of my week. I hope that even if this is not your line of work, that you do take time to listen to, support and nurture your family, friends, and others in your community.  These small actions go a long way to promoting healthy, nurturing, happy communities

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

What happens if we put our best effort into the things we do?

Post 2013 Marathon in Kenya

I ran a marathon last weekend with a very specific time goal. It would have been the fastest I have run that distance so far. As an adult, I’ve loved running and other endurance sports for several reasons: I love being in nature, and enjoy the quiet time, as well as the ability to understand my mind under exhilarating and challenging circumstances. Running is a ritual I love. However, through this new goal, I realized that in the last few years I’ve held back on fully letting my competitive athletic side out. As I ran the marathon and came close to my goal, I realized I was willing to put much more work into seeing what potential I have if I shifted my mindset and training slightly. My hope is that I learn something new about myself and the experience no matter the outcome.

Because running can be a beautiful metaphor for how we live our lives, I have a few questions for you. Are there areas in your life where you are holding back, even if just slightly? Is there one goal you want to focus on and give your all to - just to see what would happen? You don’t have to be 100% dedicated and invested in everything in your life to get benefits and enjoyment from them, but if you pick one or two parts of your life where you are holding back and put in significant work and dedication, what would happen? 

Letting go and diving fully into a new adventure or a new way of doing something you already love, requires an open mind, dedication, a solid support team and willingness to ride the ups and downs of the journey. 

I wish you happiness, success, and love.

Happy Holidays!

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

On the integrity of our bodies

Integrity - “The state of being whole and undivided. Unity, coherence, cohesion, togetherness, solidarity.”

As I drove home yesterday, I was reflecting on all the negativity and assaults to the integrity of our bodies and minds reflected in the media reports of sexual assaults, shootings, and the divisive aggressive politics of the Country. These incidents are snapshots of some of the mainstream cultural norms that celebrate individualistic and dominant masculinity, racial and gender hierarchies and a privileging of only one way of thinking. What this means on a more intimate level, is that many of us take on and internalize these cultural norms and rarely have opportunities to step back and look at how we are perpetuating these types of violence (even on a smaller level) towards ourselves and others. What have we bought into when we harm our own bodies, speak negatively and hatefully about ourselves or dwell in unhappiness because we can’t meet certain standards? What happens when we believe so strongly that our perspective is right and others who disagree are wrong? What allows us to feel that we can dominate or access other people’s bodies without their consent? How does our lack of reflection or empathy impact how we treat or see others? 

One of the gifts of my work and position in the world is that I am constantly trying to think outside my own box and striving for openness to different ideas and perspectives. I have to listen closely, ask questions of myself and those I work with. I have perspectives and a base of knowledge and experience, but I frequently practice having a critical mind about what I believe and how I may cast judgement on others. I invite you all to do this as a daily practice. Your thoughts and perspective are not always right; multiple perspectives can actually be true at the same time. Of course, there are times that quick judgements need to be made and action needs to be taken, but without awareness and time to reflect, repair relationships, or talk, it’s easy to make the types of decisions that affect us all negatively. 

One of the sacred qualities of psychotherapy, is having the ritual and space to pause, reflect, question, share, and move toward a more fulfilled and fulfilling perspective about ourselves, others and humanity. I find sanctuary in creating space for this sometimes slow, ambiguous process, which is missing in so many parts of our lives. Hopefully this space allows us all to be more aware, compassionate, non-violent people, who also take action in creating a world that’s equitable. 

Here is what I hope you can do for yourselves and each other:

1. Turn off the TV and news sometimes and listen to music, podcasts or stories that remind you that the majority of the time, we are doing something right! There are good people in the world.
    
2. Take time to run, swim, bike outdoors, without any music or media and just let your mind be free. This is precious time and can lead to so much more creativity, compassion,  solutions and productivity.
    

3. Focus on ways you can improve care for yourself and others. How are you nurturing your body every day? How are you standing up against sexism, heterosexism, racism, homophobia etc.? What individual ways are you engaging with your own problematic behaviors and assumptions and how can you actively change this? How are you investing in people and organizations that are making differences in the world? What ways do you own your own power in making these changes? Are you listening to people who inhabit a more marginalized position in society and putting some of their ideas to practice? 

4. Spend time with friends, family and loved ones and share what’s going on in your lives. So many times, we present ourselves in pretty packages, all guarded and wrapped up. When you are with others, talk, listen and love each other, because at the end of it all, it’s our relationships and what we’ve shared and done with and for others that will matter most. Support each other and each other’s gifts and focus on what you can really do to contribute to a better world for everyone. It doesn’t have to be a grand accomplishment always. You can support those who will take leadership on issues and if you aren’t a gregarious leader (which we all shouldn’t be), what are you doing in your smaller circles and communities to create positive change?
    
5. Have some fun while you are at it. The gifts you are presented with aren’t to be taken for granted – so enjoy nature, food, sports, art, music, love, and all that our bodies and minds can create. Please support, celebrate and nurture the integrity of bodies.

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

New office location in Pinole, CA.

We are so excited to announce that after a long search we have added an Endurance office in Pinole, CA. at 759 Appian Way, #2C Pinole, CA. 94564. We are still in Berkeley and Oakland, but glad to provide a more convenient location for Contra Costa clients. You can find all our office locations here. We will begin seeing clients here on Monday October 23rd, 2017. 

To schedule appointments please call us at 510-981-1471. For more information on our psychological services and insurances we accept, visit our Services Page. Our therapists, Genoa Hamiel, LMFT, Stephanie Marti, Psy.D., and Kelly Sharp, LMFT, LPCC. have openings for new clients at this office.

Thanks so much and we look forward to seeing you in Pinole, CA. 

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

How we've grown our clinical practice with and endurance sports mindset

I’ve been reflecting on our growth in the past year and the factors that have helped us expand our clinical services and enabled us to provide therapy to a large number of clients. I’m hoping the following thoughts are helpful to anyone who is hoping to grow their capacity to serve others.

Here is what I attribute our growth to:

1. Commitment for the long-haul: I incorporated Endurance in 2009 and have been working tirelessly at it for all those years. Before incorporation, since 2005 when I became licensed as a psychologist, I worked to build my base, expertise, innovation, connections and knowledge to support what was to come.
2. Rest and rejuvenation: In 2016, taking a much-needed sabbatical gave my partner and I space and time to re-boot, re-energize, re-focus and dive into bringing on a team of wonderful therapists. Read more about the sabbatical and why I highly recommend one even if you think it’s impossible.
3. Solid support: We are lucky to have an amazing team of support staff who have been working with us tirelessly from the beginning. They do all the behind the scenes work – the website maintenance, billing and administration.
4. Reliable and committed staff: We are also blessed to have our clinicians, Carey Shaffer, Psy.D. and Maggie Krier, LMFT, who have worked with us so reliably for so many years, as well as all of the wonderful skilled staff who joined us in 2016.
5. Endurance mindset: Thinking of our business & work and all its’ areas with an Endurance sports mindset has helped sustain and grow our capacity. I equate this journey to training for a marathon or triathlon:

• We have the equivalent of training plans and coaches for business, clinical and sports training practice – we follow, lead, create, grow and learn constantly.
• We do the daily training - we have committed to a business model and goal that serves and helps more people effectively and we do the tasks and work every day, except for rest days.
• When we are discouraged or overwhelmed we slow our pace, catch our breath, ask for help and remember that we just need to keep moving forward. We don’t get attached to the highs or lows of our sport or life or business.
• We know that in the end of it all, what counts is that we enjoy what we are doing, who we are doing it with, what we learned and taught, and who we helped along the way.

Good luck and if you need any help with growing your business or practice please contact us.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

Tips for therapists working with LGBTQ immigrants and people of color

I was pleased to be one of the presenters at Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay this week. This organization provides several essential services to the community and has a large refugee resettlement program. The presentation was titled, Coming Around: How to Improve Services to LGBTQI Clients from All Cultural Backgrounds.

The main focus of the training was helping providers understand that there are other models of “coming around” to understanding one’s sexual and gender identity and still remaining connected to one’s family and community. These models may not reflect the more visible white American form that most people recognize of “coming out”; which usually involves verbally acknowledging one’s identity, telling family and friends and community, and sometimes cutting people off who aren’t immediately supportive, and withdrawing from past communities because of their homophobia.

There are other models that many immigrants and people of color may follow that leave them more connected to their families, communities, cultures or religious communities. For many people connection to all aspects of their culture are so essential and cutting oneself off from any aspect of these communities could be damaging and dangerous, especially in a country where having and being part of your cultural community is essential for healthy mental and physical health. Many people of color and immigrants are masters at piecing together communities and surviving and thriving this way.

Here are a few tips for therapists when working with LGBTQ people of color and immigrants:

1. It’s important for therapists to be affirming and supportive of their LGBTQ clients and have knowledge and understanding that being LGBTQ is normal and healthy. If you are not able to do this, please refer the client to supportive services.

2. Reject the idea that more “traditional cultures” or non-Western cultures are homophobic or look at the reasons that this is the common story or stereotype. How much has racism and colonialism impacted and created this story? Find stories together and examples from the past and from their present lives that affirm a more accepting, welcoming and honoring tradition within their communities.

3. Discuss what it actually means for the client to be LGBTI in their particular family and cultural community or in the larger gay community. What stereotypes does the client have about LGBTI individuals? Can they find stories or real life people in their communities whom they admire and feel similar to? Help them develop a solid positive identity and sense of self that works for them. The more happiness and integrity the client feels and has, the more they will be able to maneuver complicated family and community relationships

4. Help connect with other LGBT people to normalize the experience and also focus on connecting with communities that the client identifies with culturally (there may be some hesitation around this due to shame or fear or rejection), so you can work with where the client is. Connect the client to media that reflects LGBTQ people of their culture.

5. Create their own model of coming out or coming around and integrating themselves and their new identities with family and community. Help clients think of what would work best around how to include their families and communities. This could be less direct than the standard verbal declaration model, depending on the client and the culture. It may just mean bringing a partner around more, experimenting with talking about LGBT issues. If they want to verbally come out, what do they want to tell their parents or family or friends? Reduce pressure on timelines or even telling. What works best for this particular client at this particular point?

6. Remember that it may be important for client to stay connected to other people from their community. This may sometimes look puzzling if they are still attending a Church or Mosque that is homophobic or seeming “closeted” within the family system. Explore these issues and how the client sees things. What are the values that keep them connected to these original communities?

7. If a particular community niche doesn’t exist help them figure out how to build it e.g. they can form a dinner group, soccer group, or even engage with the most accepting people in their existing communities.

For more detailed ideas, resources or presentations, please contact me.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

How to Improve Services to LGBTQI Clients from All Cultural Backgrounds

“Coming Around”
How to Improve Services to LGBTQI Clients from
All Cultural Backgrounds

Please join JFCS East Bay’s Prevention and Early Intervention Program for a panel presentation on providing culturally sensitive practices in serving clients identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI). 

The presentation will include information on:

• “Coming Out” vs. “Coming Around.”
• The mental health impact of life stressors specific to LGBTQI refugees and immigrants.
• Understanding liberty within different cultures and religious approaches.
• Enhancing our self-awareness and tolerance by thinking about our personal biases as providers.

Presenters

• Cory Nyamora, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist who provides psychological services to LGBTI individuals. He has primarily worked with LGBTI people of color and immigrants of all ages and at all stages of identity formation.
• Paul Asfour, M.A., is the organizer and facilitator of Gay Middle Eastern Men’s Group, a support group for gay men of Middle Eastern origin .
• Rhina Ramos, M.Div, is the Director of California Programs at GSA Network. She is also an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ and the founding pastor of Ministerio Latino, a Spanish-speaking open and affirming Latino immigrant congregation in Oakland.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017
10am to 12pm
JFCS East Bay
1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek
(925) 927-2000

RSVP to Sohi Lachini, Psy.D., at slachini@jfcs-eastbay.org
and inquire about parking

Carb Phobia and Mental Health

I’ve been thinking a lot about food lately, and it’s impact on mental health. I was fortunate to grow up in a family and at a time and country (Kenya) that had a very healthy approach to food. Here’s an article on how Kenyans eat.

We ate at least three meals a day with snacks in between. Carbohydrates, protein and vegetables were always part of each meal. If one thing was missing for some reason e.g. we didn't have enough money to buy meat then our go to was rice, cabbage, maize and beans. But no meal was ever carbohydrate or vegetable less because those things were always accessible and affordable. Till this day, it is rare for me to eat a meal without all these elements. Brown rice and oatmeal are common staples in my day. Ugly, whole grain bread and potatoes are also regular parts of my weekly meals. Homemade yogurt, nuts and fruit are daily snacks and also added to oatmeal for breakfast.

The range of vegetables is included in every lunch and dinner, and beans and legumes are our common protein, with the occasional chicken, fish or other meat. I love sweet baked goods though I didn’t grow up with them much and don’t have them regularly at our home. When we were growing up dessert was a fruit salad, though I have no problem enjoying sweet desserts when I do have access to them or when I want them.

My daily drinks are water and unsweetened tea. Growing up with these sorts of habits has made it easy to sustain, enjoy a variety of food and not overthink eating. Most meals are tasty and homemade with the occasional dinner out every few weeks. I am thankful that my family and I love and enjoy food.

The other positive thing about growing up in Kenya was that back in the 80s and 90s there was such limited media, so there were no external pressures that I saw or felt around body image. Luckily, we also had a very active sports culture in school – everyone had to swim, participate in PE and there were ongoing games, lots of space to play and run around and hence an in built active lifestyle, which we took for granted. Time with friends (since we only had two TV channels- which were not worth watching), was spent biking, running around, swimming, trying to find adventures or other ways to reduce boredom! Our parents did not have to entertain us.

Unfortunately, food in current U.S. culture has been associated with so much negativity. There are so many diets & misinformation about what to eat. Recently, there has been a backlash against healthy carbohydrates, which has led to avoidance by many people of all carbohydrates. This avoidance and deprivation of carbs. impacts people’s mental health negatively. If you are not eating a balanced diet you are not going to be at your best mentally, or physically. Carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread, potatoes, and whole grain pasta provide you with vital energy. Researchers have found that carbs. increase the production of Serotonin, a brain chemical that helps us feel good and thus improves our mood, reduces depression, anxiety and anger. High fiber carbohydrates can also help prevent weight gain, improve cardiovascular health and improve or maintain good memory.

If you are in therapy or are feeling depressed, have low energy, poor motivation, irritability, anger or anxiety, I recommend that you first assess the quality of the following basic functions in your life:

1)   Are you eating a balanced meal (and staying way from diets)? If you are unsure about whether you are a dieter, read this article.

2)    Do you eat freely and easily and get a good amount of healthy carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, fruit, fat and dairy?   If you are unsure about this it’s best to consult a Registered Dietitian and avoid looking up diets online. Whether you are an athlete or not, I’d strongly recommend reading The Endurance Diet  by Matt Fitzgerald which is not a diet book!

3)   Are you sleeping at least eight hours per night?

4)   Are you exercising at least 30 minutes – 1 hour per day?

If any of your answers are no, I suggest actively working on addressing these issues. You can still do therapy and focus on other healing techniques but if these basic functions are not where they should be, you are not going to feel well, no matter how long you have been living this way.

If you believe you have no time to include these things, that’s a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. No one else is going to prioritize this for you and your ability to function well, perform your work and social obligations efficiently, will not happen at the highest level without basic self-care.

It can be difficult to make these changes for a variety of factors, which can be addressed in therapy, but remember that feeling better physically, can help alter depression, anxiety, irritability and lack of focus or direction.

As you work to make these positive changes, know that you are fighting against a cultural norm that does not support this. Currently, you are supposed to work constantly, sleep less, “be productive” all the time, have the “perfect” body and keep pushing and pushing yourself. I’d recommend taking time to figure out what you need and how much you want to buy into these values. Only you can make these changes happen. And your well being actually benefits us all. Living in a society of happy, fulfilled, healthy, vibrant, thoughtful, rested people can only lead to positive things for all of us. So, please help support yourselves and each other so that we can break the cycle of depriving ourselves and wearing ourselves out!

As my final example, I am typically in bed by 8.40 pm. and wake up at 4.40 am. so that I have time to exercise, eat breakfast and get ready for work. I run my own business and work full days but I always have an hour off for my home-made lunch. I've made the choice to prioritize my health, family, sports and actually enjoying nature and the adventures that life offers. I was able to get a doctorate degree with sleep (no all nighters were pulled), and I always worked out early in the morning, which forced me to sleep early at night so that I could get up and function! I found that this actually helped me work more efficiently and I had no problem graduating on time.

I say all this because I know it’s do-able. There are certain things you will have to prioritize over others, but I’ve found, and research also supports that these basic things are necessary for our mental and physical health. They help us overcome or get through the disappointments, challenges, traumas and stresses that we inevitably experience in life.

Please let me know if you have questions, thoughts or stories about how changing any of the above habits actually helped you in your life.

Sincerely,

Cory Nyamora

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach with certifications from USAT and USATF, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families.

Find out more at runinkenya.com and endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.

Therapist Position Announcement

Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. is looking for a part-time licensed contract psychologist, MFT or LCSW to provide therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and families. This position will support Endurance’s mission by providing psychotherapy services as well as by providing support to participants in Endurance’s other programs.

This is a contract position to provide 4 to 20 hours of therapy per week. We are looking for psychologists and therapists with skills and interest in working with any of the following populations or issues: families, children and adolescents, couples, adults, college/graduate students, people of color, LGBT individuals, childhood obesity and athletes. Priority will be given to those who can work weekends and evenings, though we also have daytime weekday hours. Contract psychologist/therapist will have access to referrals from Endurance’s referral network. The therapist will also have access to Endurance’s billing manager, office space in Berkeley (though we are looking to expand to Richmond or other contra costa county locations and would prioritize people who can work in those locations), Consultation, mentorship and other amenities and opportunities are available.

If interested, the therapist may have opportunities to earn additional income by providing group therapy, skill-building workshops, and support/coaching with our sports training groups.

This position is ideal for therapists who are interested in supplementing their current work – and those interested in connecting psychotherapy to sports training and family activities. We prefer clinicians who are comfortable working in a long-term model and with culturally diverse populations.

Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. provides sports training, outdoor adventures and travel, and psychotherapy for children, adults and families. Our goal is to enhance your wellbeing, encourage life-long positive habits and skills, and to help you become your best self.

www.endurancecenter.org

Applicants must have appropriate current therapy licenses and liability insurance.

People of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to

Cory Nyamora, Psy.D. – drcorynyamora@gmail.com

Posted 4.5.17

Kenny Malabag, Born-Again Runner!

Here is Part Two of Kenny's story. I asked Kenny to tell me about his running journey and accomplishments and how he began to love running. If you missed part one of his story, read it now. Congratulations Kenny and thanks for sharing your story - Dr. Cory Nyamora.

By Kenny Malabag:

March 25, 2012 was my first ever-half marathon and it was with you (Dr. Cory Nyamora and Endurance Team). I completed it in 3 hours and 23 min about a 16 min pace per mile. I thought I was going to die! I think I weighed 275 pounds back then, and I swore to myself that I would never do that again!

March 15, 2012 Workout at Piedmont High School: Dr. Cory Nyamora and Kenny.

Well, Never Say Never! Kenny and his wife.

I started to walk, jog, and run in July 2014, but was only doing it to burn calories to lose weight. 

As I started to run more, I started to meet runners, and started to get introduced into that community.

My sister's partner, Tom, was actually running a 10K race in order to get ready to join your Run Like a Kenyan...In Kenya program for the half -marathon. Ironically because he was training for your event, it got me back to my first race since 2012.

In October 2014, I completed the 10K in 1hr 15mins about a 12 min pace per mile.

My 2nd race was a totally different experience than my first one. I really took a look around at the other runners, and was in awe of how many people enjoyed doing this! Not only that, but people well into their years were not only run the race, but were kicking my ass! I was inspired! I saw this as an opportunity to get better, and the potential to improve.

My Second Ever- Half Marathon came in August 2015.

It has been 10 months since the last race which was only a 10K. I didn't know it, but I was ready for this half marathon. Up to this point I was not training for races, I was only running to burn calories to lose weight.

My only goal for this half marathon was to finish it running the entire 13.1 miles without having to stop or walk.

About a half mile into the race, a pacemaker with a sign that said 2 Hrs and 9:09 pace passed me. There was a pretty good crowd behind them, and I decided I would follow at this pace and see how I do.

When I got to about 8 miles into the race I was feeling good, not tired, my legs were not sore and I was feeling amazing. I snapped a selfie and you can see I'm barely breaking a sweat.

When I got to the last mile, it dawned on me that I was doing really well. Not only did I meet my goal of running the whole time without stopping or walking, but I just ran it at a 9 min pace!

When I crossed the finished line and completed my second half marathon in 2hrs I felt like I could accomplish anything! I was bitten by the running bug, and I couldn't wait to do more races.

After my second half marathon, I began looking at running completely different. I wanted to be a great runner so I started reading about elite long distance runners. Somehow after learning about Abebe Bikila a double Olympic Marathon champion who ran barefoot in Rome and watching amazing runners like Haile Gebrselassie, Meb Keflezighi, and Mo Farah and seeing their speed and endurance it had a very profound impact on me. And now even in my late thirties I wanted to be like these guys. Running was no longer something I did for recreation or exercise, I was all determined that I was going to train, and to take running very seriously. I was now running races to compete, and to actually place very high in my age division, and to win awards.

The only thing was that I had never done this as a sport. I had no high school training or college training when it came to running. I was basically in the dark.

You referred me to Matt Fitzgerald when you took a sabbatical in early 2016. Matt wrote me a training plan, but I called it my blueprint, because up until that point I had now real knowledge of how to train or what I was doing. But when I got Matt's blueprint, it is as if I had been so lost in life and now I found a direction.

My next half marathon was in May 2016 in Sacramento, CA. I chose this race because other races only gave awards to the top 3 runners, but I think because this race was so large it was giving awards to the top 5 finishers in their age group. So I had it in my mind that I was going to finish top 5 and win my first award!

I told a few of my co-workers about my goal, and they looked at me like I was very naive. They even laughed at me and began to give me a reality check. They told me that people who run these races that finish top 10 even in their respective age group have been running most of their lives so I was told to forget getting a placing in the top 5.  I was reminded that the people I will be competing with were most likely high school or even college track stars, that they have been training a lot longer than I have, run more miles and more races than I have, and had way more experience. They were right. But what they didn't have was my heart, and the fact that I believed that I could do it.

When all was said and done, I finished Top 3!

I believed in myself when no one else did, and ever since that race I've been pushing myself to be like those runners that I mentioned earlier.

Here are a few of my accomplishments.
I've run 16 total races
8 half marathons
(1) 10 miler
(1) 12K
(2) 10K
(30) 5K
(1) 1500 meter and (1) 3000 meter track meet.

First Personal Record: Finished half Marathon in 1 hour 42 min.

Second Personal Record: Finished half Marathon in 1 hour 39 min.

SF Giants 10K Race: Finished 1st in my age group.

September 2016: 5K - 19:54 time

First place in Men's 1500 meter track meet, and First place in Men's 3000 meter track meet.

Dr. Cory Nyamora is an endurance sports coach, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the founder of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. He provides endurance coaching for beginner and experienced athletes, as well as psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families. Find out more at Run in Kenya and Endurance - A Sports and Psychology Center.