Conversations to Have With Yourself: A Discussion With Detroit Pistons Team Therapist Dr. Corey Yeager

Introduction

On The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, engages in conversations with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspiring individuals to explore the strategies they employ to optimize their thinking, emotions, and actions.

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Meet Dr. Corey Yeager

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Dr. Corey Yeager has dedicated much of his career to facilitating meaningful dialogue about race and racism. He is also the Detroit Pistons' therapist and the author of "How Am I Doing: 40 Conversations to Have With Yourself." In this book, he offers thought-provoking questions aimed at fostering self-awareness.

Why Dr. Yeager is Mentally Strong

Dr. Yeager has successfully fused his passions for sports, psychology, and conversations about race and racism. His book not only offers introspective questions but also provides practical tools and tips for improving mental well-being.

Highlights of the Show

• The significance of asking meaningful questions to gain self-awareness
• The value of solitude in self-discovery
• Society's perspective on self-awareness versus Dr. Yeager's insights on genuine self-reflection
• The process behind developing the 40 questions featured in his book
• Dr. Yeager's approach to uncovering the root causes of issues, utilizing stories and metaphors
• The importance of identifying what genuinely brings you profound happiness
• Dr. Yeager's belief that therapy can occur between friends
• Lessons learned from NBA players' 23 seconds of game time
• The role of a therapist as a curious observer
• Specific conversations Dr. Yeager recommends having with oneself
• The manifestation of different personality facets in various situations

Key Takeaways about Mental Health and Mental Strength

• The term 'self-awareness' is frequently used, but methods for developing it are seldom discussed.
• Understanding who you are, your values, and your aspirations is essential for living a fulfilling life.
• Acknowledging shortcomings and mental health issues can be part of healthy self-awareness.
• Recognizing your shortcomings does not imply a lack of growth potential. Developing self-insight can improve your thinking, emotions, and actions.
• Dr. Yeager offers specific questions to aid in self-exploration. Taking time for quiet reflection can enhance your understanding of your behavior and relationships.

Quotes from Dr. Yeager

• "If you take time to be with yourself and you start to be curious, you will produce questions and answers about yourself that you never had thought about." - Dr. Yeager
• "I see the world as a pattern of stories."
• "I also believe that therapy happens between two friends—that there's no license that is between either of them—but it's therapeutic when they come together and have discussions and talk with one another. That's therapy."
• "The job of a therapist is not to fix anyone's issues or change anyone. It's really just to be curious [about their clients]."

Additional Information

• Visit Dr. Yeager's website: DrCoreyYeager.com
• Follow Dr. Yeager on Instagram: @DrCoreyYeager
• Purchase Dr. Yeager's Book: How Am I Doing?

Recommended Episodes

• 10 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Want to Be Mentally Strong
• How to Be More Curious: Even if Curiosity Doesn't Come Naturally
• Why Self-Awareness Is Important in Communication, Relationships, and Life

Disclaimer

The podcast's content is solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as a diagnosis or treatment for mental health conditions. In the event of a mental health crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).