Special Olympics Pennsylvania is so excited to announce the new offering of the Strong Minds discipline at Healthy Athletes events going forward! Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Leading our new discipline is our new Clinical Director, Dr. Adam Assoian. Learn more about Dr. Assoian and Strong Minds by checking out the Q&A below!
Special Olympics Pennsylvania: Describe your job/practice. What do you like best about what you do?
Dr. Assoian: I am the owner and Clinical Director of Ally Psychological Services, a private psychological practice in Bucks County. At Ally Psych we help individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds feel better about themselves and improve their mental health. We also offer evaluations and support groups to those in need.What I love most about my job is being able to interact and get to know so many people. Helping those that are ready for change is incredibly rewarding.
SOPA: What are you most excited about in volunteering with Special Olympics Pennsylvania?
Dr. Assoian: Being able to help the athletes strengthen their mental health and have them feel more comfortable and confident throughout the games is going to be such an amazing experience.
SOPA: How do you see Strong Minds benefiting our athletes?
Dr. Assoian: Whether it’s pregame nerves or post-game emotions, most athletes will experience strong emotions during the competition. Strong Minds can benefit athletes by giving them a place to learn realistic and useful coping skills to make handling their emotions a little bit easier.
SOPA: What is your favorite sport?
Dr. Assoian: My favorite sport is definitely Powerlifting. It’s something I believe is such a great coping skill and something I do in my own life too.
You can learn even more about the Strong Minds discipline by following this link!
Special Olympics Pennsylvania 