Counseling and Functional Fitness
By Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP
Counseling and Functional Fitness is for anyone who wants to improve themselves and help others.
You can contact Adam by emailing counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com.
Counseling and Functional FitnessMar 22, 2024
#48: Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, and Performing Your Best
This episode is an adapted version of a presentation that Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, gave to the student athletes at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee on March 18th, 2024. In this episode, Adam discusses how emotions affect performance, what resilience is and how building resilience can help us in our performance arenas, the relationship between how we think and feel affects how we perform, the stages of growing after adversity, how strength can come from pain, methods for improving emotional intelligence, using our strengths both in and out of the performance arena, looking for opportunity in difficulty, and how our attitude affects our performance.
Books mentioned in this episode include: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Do Hard Things by Steve Magness, Resilience by Eric Greitens, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen, The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday, Permission To Feel by Marc Brackett, Endure by Cameron Hanes, The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser, As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
#47: Strengthen The Body, Strengthen The Mind
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, discusses lessons he learned from competing at a functional fitness competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Topics discussed include mental composure, the importance of our thoughts, mental fortitude, the helpfulness of mantras and strong reminders, reminding yourself of your inner strength, and learning through difficulty what we cannot learn any other way.
Books mentioned in this episode include: As A Man Thinketh by James Allen, Resilience by Eric Greitens, Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
#46: Dr. Nate Zinsser - Choosing A Confident Mind
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with performance psychologist Dr. Nate Zinsser about the concept of the first victory, building and protecting confidence, being curious about imperfections and mistakes, using selective attention, training and strengthening mental filters, managing our mental bank account, the sewer cycle and the success cycle of how our thinking affects our emotions and therefore affects our performance, and how choosing confidence makes all the difference in the journey of growth.
Dr. Nate Zinsser is a renowned performance psychology expert who has taught three generations of soldiers, athletes, and executives to master the art of confidence and mental toughness. Dr. Zinsser is the director of the Performance Psychology Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point, the most comprehensive mental-training program in the country, where, since 1992, he has helped prepare cadets for leadership in the U.S. Army. He has also been the sport-psychology mentor for numerous elite athletes, including two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, as well as many Olympians and NCAA champions. He has been a consultant for the FBI Academy, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and the New York City Fire Department. He earned his PhD in sport psychology from the University of Virginia.
Adam’s Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#45: Opportunity In Every Difficulty: Counseling From An Adlerian Perspective
This episode is an adapted version of a presentation by Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, at the 2023 Tennessee Counseling Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee. In this episode, Adam discusses core concepts of Adlerian philosophy, including encouragement, helping clients move from a 'felt minus' to a 'desired plus', and therapeutic insight, as well as the 4 phases of Adlerian therapy, the Adlerian push-button technique, and the Adlerian technique of early recollections.
Books mentioned in this episode: Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy by Gerald Corey, Resilience by Eric Greitens, Introduction to Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy by Dr. Timothy Barclay, Post Traumatic Success by Fredrike Bannink
Adam’s Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#44: Justin Cotler - Virtuosity, Humility, and Maximizing Performance
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Underdogs Athletics Head Coach and Co-Owner Justin Cotler about helping people learn and grow from adversity, moving at the speed of trust, self-confidence, identity, and the roles that virtuosity and humility play in maximizing performance.
Justin's instagram: @justincotler
Adam's Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#43: Mental Fitness
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, discusses what mental fitness is, a tool for improving your emotional intelligence, emotional and cognitive work capacity, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth, the importance, in therapy, of the therapist's journey of growth and healing, and the role that reflection plays in mental health and fitness.
Books mentioned in this episode include: Permission To Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Post Traumatic Success by Fredrike Bannink, Resilient by Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson, The Making of a Therapist by Louis Cozolino, Resilience by Eric Greitens, The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#42: Dr. Julie Foucher - Growth Through Adversity
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Dr. Julie Foucher about the importance of rest and recovery, the shadow sides of strengths, how problematic behaviors can serve protective purposes, how progress is a constant process of refinement, the pursuit of balance, grateful processing, the power of the stories we tell ourselves, and growth through adversity.
Dr. Julie Foucher is a board-certified family physician and has completed her coursework through the Institute for Functional Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Biomedical Engineering and completed her medical school and residency training at the Cleveland Clinic. Julie also holds a Master’s in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University and has completed the Integrative Medicine in Residency curriculum through the University of Arizona. Julie competed in the CrossFit Games from 2010-2015 where she consistently finished among the top 5 women with two podium finishes. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between fitness and medicine to empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She continues to do CrossFit for health and longevity and hosts a popular health and fitness podcast called Pursuing Health.
Dr. Julie Foucher's Instagram: @juliefoucher
Pursuing Health podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2j7xPIEgcLwH7hh6h7MWhc?si=ddc750d5e49848fe
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#41: How To Build Self-Confidence
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, discusses how to build self-confidence, how to respond to self-doubt, how to make your future self proud, the importance of thought patterns, and how character precedes achievement.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Books mentioned in this episode: Applied Sports Psychology edited by Jean Williams and Vikki Crane, Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday, 12 Rules For Life by Dr. Jordan Peterson, Resilience by Eric Greitens, Introduction to Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy by Dr. Timothy Barclay, Atomic Habits by James Clear
#40: Dr. Blake Huddleston - The Power of Identity
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Dr. Blake Huddleston about purpose, how the past can impact the present, helping athletes restore confidence and mentally recover after injuries, how facing challenges in fitness can help us face challenges in life, self-talk, the role of visualization in goal-setting, relative intensity, making the most of your new normal, finding your new 100 percent, and the power of identity in mental health and fitness.
Dr. Blake Huddleston, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the owner of Volunteer Physical Therapy and Performance in Murfreesboro, TN. Along with his staff physical therapist, Dr. Rachel, the clinic specializes in keeping active adults and athletes out of pain and doing the activities that they love!
Adam's Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Volunteer Physical Therapy + Performance Instagram: @volunteer_ptp
Website: https://volunteer-ptp.com/
Counseling and Functional Fitness Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#39: Dr. Matthew Cowling - The Importance of Consistency
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Dr. Matthew Cowling about motivation, the mental and physical risks of inactivity, the importance of acting while feeling unpleasant emotions, the importance of consistency, small victories, and focusing on what you can do rather than focusing on what you cannot do.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Dr. Matthew Cowling's Instagram: @dr.matthewcowling
Counseling and Functional Fitness Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#38: Strong Body & Strong Mind
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, discusses what it means to have a strong body and a strong mind, what mental toughness is, how to build inner strength, how to respond to your inner critic, the benefits of persistence and self-control, as well as the differences between being proactive and reactive.
Books mentioned in this episode: Sport Psychology by Dr. John Perry, Applied Sport Psychology edited by Jean Williams and Vikki Krane, Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Never Finished by David Goggins
Adam's Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
#37: Michael Hayes - You Are Your Only Competition
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Michael Hayes about viewing yourself as your only competition, creating strength from failure, being open-minded about your identity, the importance of reflection, and making your future self proud.
Books mentioned in this episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear, 12 Rules For Life by Jordan Peterson, and Resilience by Eric Greitens
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
#36: Training Think Tank Coach Mike McGoldrick - Mental Preparation For Performance
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Training Think Tank coach Mike McGoldrick about mental preparation for performance and competition, building confidence, how effort is a choice, and the importance of putting yourself in environments where you can grow.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
You can learn more about Mike and Training Think Tank at https://www.trainingthinktank.com
#35: Invictus
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC, talks about the poem called Invictus by William Ernest Henley. He discusses post-traumatic growth, realizing your strength, how people heal from trauma, the importance of your thoughts, and how to think more positively.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Books mentioned in this episode: Post Traumatic Success by Fredrike Bannink, Resilience by Eric Greitens, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
#34: Training Think Tank Coach Mike McGoldrick - Becoming A Better Coach
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC, talks with Training Think Tank Coach Mike McGoldrick about becoming a better coach, the importance of surrounding yourself with great people, creating your own style of helping, taking responsibility for your growth, helping people overcome adversity and difficulty, and the importance of trying often.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
You can learn more about Mike and Training Think Tank at https://www.trainingthinktank.com
#33: Emotional Intelligence
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC, discusses how you can better understand your emotions and improve your emotional intelligence, as well as how you can use your emotional intelligence to improve yourself and help others.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Books mentioned in this episode: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett, Boost! by Michael Bar-Eli, Endure by Cameron Hanes, and The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford.
#32: Hope in Action
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
Adam's Psychology Today profile: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
#31: Resilience in Mental Health and Fitness
Adam's Psychology Today Profile: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
#30: Learning From Difficulty
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., NCC, talks about courage, resilience, giving your best effort, and how you can learn from difficulty in your life.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
#29: Melanie Shmois - How Emotions Affect Performance
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., NCC, talks with Melanie Shmois, who is a high performance life coach, and she also works with professional athletes. Adam and Melanie discuss the power of fully experiencing emotions, how acceptance can lead to change, the role of creativity in counseling, how counseling is an art, dealing with anxiety, the differences between guilt and shame, how the stories of our lives are sacred, and how emotions relate to our performance in life.
Adam's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/adam-barfoot-chattanooga-tn/962913
Counseling and Functional Fitness Instagram: @counselingandfunctionalfitness
Melanie's website: https://www.melanieshmois.com
Melanie's Instagram: @melanieshmois
#28: Don’t Quit Now
#27: Reframing As A Mental Skill
#26: Improve Yourself, Help Others
#25: Lessons Learned From A Half-Marathon
#24: Communication Skills
#23: Patience, Pain, & Progress
#22: Courage & Overcoming Fear
#21: On Purpose
#20: Strength From Pain
#19: The Buttery Bros - Building Relationships Through Fitness
#18: The Man In The Arena (Part Two)
#17: The Man In The Arena (Part One)
#16: Travis Williams - Earn Your Confidence
#15: What is Self-Talk?
#14: What is Mental Health?
#13: Reasons To Not Ask Why
#12: Make Your Future Self Proud
#11: What is empathy?
#10: Austin Malleolo - Focus on the Process
#9: Josh West - Vulnerability in Fitness
#8 - Becoming the Best You Can Be
#7 - How to Win Wisdom
#6 - Resilience (Part Two)
#5 - Resilience (Part One)
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed. defines resilience, he talks about how you can become resilient, how resilience applies to counseling, self-acceptance and self-improvement, the growth mindset, how you can learn from your own scars and wounds and those of others, and how you can learn from the hardship and difficult experiences that you have lived through and those that others have lived through.
#4 - Integrating Mental Health and Physical Fitness
#3 - What is Functional Fitness?
#2 - What is Counseling?
Topics covered in this episode include definitions of counseling, misconceptions about counseling, sitting with people in between the hurting and healing, strengths-based counseling, and the core conditions of counseling, which are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence.
Disclaimer: In this podcast, Adam discusses his personal views, and does not speak on behalf of any counseling organization or any of his employers.