Cyclists wearing smiley face jerseys participating in a bike race with spectators lining the route.

Life Lessons from Athletes

Posted on: March 23, 2016by Dr Kim Dr Hil

Spring Into Exercise

Spring brings sunshine, more time to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of nature blooming. Spring offers the perfect inspiration to get out and get moving. We are very passionate about movement, exercise and feeling fit as a pathway to happiness. In fact, exercise is one of the most important tools in the happiness toolbox. Countless studies prove it is vital to mental, emotional and physical health and even more powerful than most antidepressants, heart medications and sleeping pills. It also offers a great way to release negative energy, get a new perspective, increase self-confidence and grow ourselves. Having ridden our bicycles across the state of California twice in the past three years in support of those with HIV/AIDS, we can attest to the endless and often unexpected benefits of exercise. With lots of time to be present with ourselves, it was easy to work out life tensions in the saddle. This is similar to working stuff out on the yoga mat, the tennis court, surf board, or any other sport you engage in.

Life Lessons from Athletes

We recently published an article on Life Lessons from Athletes. Whether you play sports or believe you are an athlete, we all have an inner athlete and can use fitness to get stronger, overcome perceived limitations and expand our consciousness. As an athlete you have to learn to get out of your own way, act in spite of fear, work together as a team and go for your goals. In our private coaching practice we find that athletes and the arena of sport parallel important life lessons we can all benefit from.

Check out our latest article published on Psychcentral - Life Lessons from Athletes

Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. have been a team for 20 years, specializing in mind, body, spirit psychology. They are the authors of the bestselling books The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams and founders of Authenticity Associates Coaching and Counseling. They are passionate about combining the best of holistic and traditional approaches to health and happiness.

About the Authors

Hilary Stokes Phd

HIlary Stokes, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in California with more than 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, anxiety, depression, and nervous system healing. She holds Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology and Sports Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. Dr. Stokes is extensively trained and certified in brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and other mind body approaches. Her integrative work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and holistic psychology to help clients process unresolved trauma, rewire stress patterns, and build emotional resilience.

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Dr. Stokes’ clinical approach is informed by advanced professional training and her own healing journey from complex trauma, which shaped her commitment to therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, addiction and PTSD treatment centers, universities, integrative medical facilities, and private practice. As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programming at Sanoviv Medical Institute, she witnessed firsthand the power of integrating mind and body for lasting transformation. Today she helps individuals heal trauma, strengthen emotional regulation and reclaim purpose through brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and mindfulness interventions.

Kim Ward Phd

Kim Ward, Ph.D. holds both a masters and a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, Brainspotting and mind-body transformation. She is extensively trained and certified in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Ward integrates neuroscience, nervous system regulation and consciousness-based psychology to help individuals process unresolved trauma, shift limiting beliefs, and access greater emotional resilience. Her work focuses on healing at the root, beyond symptom management, through brain-body therapies that create lasting change.

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As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely holistic perspective to trauma therapy and personal growth. Her path from corporate leadership into psychology shaped her commitment to helping clients move beyond external success toward embodied fulfillment and emotional freedom. Dr. Ward's expertise combines Brainspotting, emotional intelligence, contemplative psychology and purpose-driven coaching. Drawing from both advanced academic training and lived experience navigating complex family mental health dynamics, she supports clients in transforming stress patterns, reclaiming vitality, and aligning with authentic purpose.

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founders Dr. Hilary Strokes and Dr. Kim Ward sitting on large rocks with view of sunset at the sea

Life Lessons from Athletes

About the Authors

Hilary Stokes Phd

Kim Ward Phd

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