Wellness in Today’s World
Dive into the latest hot topics in wellness, psychology, and everything in between.
Your new favorite wellness podcast!
鈥淲ellness in Today鈥檚 World鈥 with Dr. Debra Kawahara is the space to hear the latest insights in psychology, wellness trends, and everything in between. Hosted by APA President and California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) Associate Dean Dr. Debra Kawahara, each episode explores important topics with thought leaders and health experts. You鈥檒l also hear compelling personal stories from the wellness community and 糖心传媒. Dr. Kawahara and her guests are ready to be a valuable resource for your mental health and well-being!
Just in time for this summer鈥檚 major championship sporting events, this episode of聽Wellness in Today鈥檚 World聽features host Dr. Debra Kawahara in conversation with sports psychologist Dr. Sara Hickmann about the growing mental health pressures facing athletes at every level of competition. Drawing from her experience working with professional teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Jets, and Brooklyn Nets, Dr. Hickmann explores topics such as perfectionism, burnout, performance anxiety, 鈥渢he yips,鈥 and the mental difference between clutch performances and choking under pressure. The conversation also examines the impact of NIL culture, social media, and constant performance expectations on young athletes, while highlighting practical tools such as visualization, self-talk, reset routines, and cognitive flexibility that can help athletes and non-athletes alike navigate stress, adversity, and high-pressure situations.
About Dr. Debra Kawahara
Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at 糖心传媒. She earned her BA in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from CSPP with a focus on multicultural and community psychology. In 2025, she became the first Asian American woman and the first Japanese American to serve as APA President.
About CSPP
Founded in 1969 as one of the nation鈥檚 first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.
CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.
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- (full video interview)