Tess M. Kilwein PhD, ABPP, CMPC

About

Tess M. Kilwein, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist who holds space for difficult conversations about the things we don't talk about: sex, love, sport, gender, trauma, and addiction. Dr. Kilwein believes that it is through doing hard things, difficult conversations, and bold storytelling that we best understand human behavior and change that occurs in the trenches. The Trenches is all about telling the truth, even when it hurts, even when it's ugly.

Recent Posts

Let’s Grab a Dink! A Pickleball Revolution

Pickleball sky-rocketed in popularity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Players of all identities and abilities continue to “grab a dink” together.

Differentiating Mental Health, Illness, and Performance

Mental health, mental illness, and mental performance are distinct concepts that impact the way we think, feel, and behave and may or may not be correlated with each other.

How to Be a Good Pickleball Partner

Pickleball remains the fastest growing sport in America and doubles partnership can be improved through enjoyment, communication, positivity, adaptivity, and knowing your role.

Creating Trauma-Informed Sports Environments for Athletes

Athletes may carry traumatic experiences to sports fields and gymnasiums, and trauma-informed sports environments can be created through key assumptions and principles.

Trauma and PTSD Among Elite Athletes

Even our “toughest” athletes are impacted by trauma both within and outside of sports. Sports organizations should be prepared to recognize symptoms and refer appropriately.

Is Sleep the New Performance Enhancing Drug?

Despite growing evidence that adequate sleep improves athletes' health and performance, sports environments are not conducive to obtaining appropriate sleep.

LGBTQ+ Representation in Sports Is at an All-Time High

Sports organizations should be prepared to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion practices.

Why Aren’t We Talking About Regional Identity in Athletics?

Regional culture is an often overlooked aspect of identity that impacts athletes' experiences. Sports ecosystems should discuss athletes' regional identities.

Hanging Up the Cleats: How to Transition Out of Sports

Athletes face psychological challenges when transitioning out of their sport. These recommendations could support healthier transitions.

What Is a Sport Psychologist?

As the field of sport psychology continues to expand, so do the settings and functions you can find sport psychologists operating in.