From Court to ConfidenceA Teen's Transformation Through Basketball & DBT
"For the first time, I feel like someone who gets me. The basketball sessions don't even feel like therapy."— Liam, 13
Meet Liam
Meet Liam, a 13-year-old boy from Geelong who faced significant emotional challenges. Struggling with panic attacks, low self-worth, and difficulties attending school, Liam felt overwhelmed and uncertain about his future. This is the story of how Shake Counselling empowered him to regulate his emotions, build confidence, and rediscover his passion for basketball.
Initial Challenge
Emotional dysregulation, panic attacks, school avoidance, low self-worth
Location
Geelong, Victoria
Where the transformation happened
Counsellor
Tyler
Youth mental health specialist
Final Outcome
Improved emotional regulation, enhanced basketball performance, achieved goals during grand final
Life-changing results
Background
Liam loved basketball and dreamed of playing at a higher level. However, his emotional struggles were holding him back:
Emotional Dysregulation: Frequent panic attacks and difficulty managing emotions
School Avoidance: Challenges attending school due to anxiety
Low Self-Worth: Negative self-perception affecting his daily life
Goals
Together with Liam, we set out to:
Increase Distress Tolerance: Teach Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to help him manage intense emotions
Discover Personal Goals: Explore what Liam wanted to achieve through counselling and in life
Enhance Self-Confidence: Use his love for basketball as a tool for growth
Our Approach
Over three months, Liam engaged in weekly sessions that combined therapy with physical activity:
Building Rapport
Initial Focus
Establishing trust through shared interests and light-hearted conversations.
Activities: 20-minute walks around the Barwon River to create a relaxed environment.
Integrating DBT Skills
Skill Development
Introducing DBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques during sessions.
Activities: Practicing skills in real-life scenarios, particularly through basketball.
Basketball as Therapy
Phase One & Two
Phase One: Playing basketball to build rapport and release endorphins. Phase Two: Incorporating DBT skills during the game to simulate moments of distress.
Activities: Playing one-on-one games without 'going easy' to help Liam practice emotion regulation under pressure.
Key Takeaways
Active Application: Real-world practice of skills enhances learning and effectiveness
Clinical Insight
Personalisation: Tailoring therapy to individual interests increases engagement
Clinical Insight
Supportive Relationships: Building strong rapport fosters trust and openness
Clinical Insight
Outcomes
Improved Emotional Regulation: Liam learned to use breathing techniques and grounding exercises during stressful moments
He applied these skills during basketball games and reported feeling more in control
Enhanced Performance: By regulating his emotions, Liam played more efficiently and enjoyed the game more
He experienced fewer conflicts with teammates
Achieving Goals: Liam successfully used his new skills during his basketball grand final, contributing to his team's victory
He expressed pride in his ability to manage stress during important moments
Clinical Reflection
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating movement-based therapy with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. By meeting Liam in his element - through his passion for basketball - we created an environment where learning could happen naturally, without the resistance often seen in traditional therapy settings.
Clinical Team, Shake Counselling
Youth Mental Health Specialist
Shake Counselling
Registered
Professional
Evidence-Based Practice
Compassionate Approach
Safe & Supportive
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"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Your transformation starts today."
— The Shake Team