The Better Institute

11/25/2025

🔔 Holiday Heads-Up: The link between stress & risky gambling is real.

Holiday bills, family drama, and pressure can make us more vulnerable. Gambling is not a financial fix—it causes real financial strain and mental health struggles.

Our Counselor Tips:
✨ Set a hard limit. Stick to it.
✨ Don't gamble when stressed. Find a healthier outlet.
✨ Help is available! There is no shame in seeking support.

If you or a loved one is struggling, we have resources to help: https://loom.ly/adfqcX4

11/20/2025

Seasonal Relationship Tips from Robin Witt, Director of Relationship Dynamics:

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season does not need to be a wedge in your relationship. Unite and cross the finish line together!

1. Discuss the gift-giving budget and brainstorm ideas.
2. Turn shopping into a date night! Whether you're shopping online while enjoying take-out or hitting up the mall & Starbucks, have fun with it!
3. Determine together what invitations are most important, say "no" to others, allowing for more space for the two of you to slow down and enjoy each other.
4. Reflect & Plan. Get cozy and discuss what went well in 2025—set goals as a couple for 2026.

The Better Institute has a page full of FREE resources to help you build stronger, healthier relationships. 💪

View Relationship Resources from The Better Institute: https://loom.ly/rYZsKjk

11/19/2025

💔 A Family's Story: Navigating Gambling Harm

The Better Institute recently welcomed a brave family member to share her powerful, personal story about her son's experience with problem gambling and its impact on their lives.

Hearing from those directly affected is a vital step in understanding the true scope of gambling harm.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling or betting, please know that you are not alone, and help is available. Resources are accessible through The Better Institute.

https://loom.ly/IZJ58DY

The Better Institute welcomes a family member affected by problem gambling as she shares her story about her son's experience with gambling harm. If you or s...

11/13/2025

We all look for ways to feel less stressed and more fulfilled. The good news? One of the most powerful tools is already at your disposal.

At The Better Institute, we’ve seen the incredible impact that a simple, intentional practice can have: Gratitude.
It’s not just a nice feeling—it's a scientifically-backed practice that actively rewires your brain for happiness.

Gratitude Isn't Just for Holidays—It's for Life.

A daily focus on appreciation has been shown to:
💡Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Interrupting negative thought patterns.
💡Improve Sleep Quality: Clearing the mind for true rest.
💡Strengthen Relationships: Deepening connections through validation and thanks.
💡Increase Resilience: Building your ability to bounce back from life’s challenges.

Ready to discover the simple steps you can take to make gratitude a habit?
Read Our Full Blog Post on the Benefits of Gratitude: https://loom.ly/4Ct12TM

We often think of gratitude as a nice-to-have emotion—something we feel when a friend buys us coffee or we get a raise. But at The Better Institute, we know that practicing gratitude is far more than a passing pleasant feeling; it’s a foundational pillar of mental and emotional wellness.

11/10/2025

Toughness doesn't mean silence. November is Men's Mental Health Month, a vital opportunity to dismantle the stigma that keeps men from seeking help.

The unique pressures men face often force them to suppress their feelings, leading to silent struggles. Mental well-being is not a sign of weakness—it's the foundation of a healthy life.

This month, let's advocate for openness and support.

Discover resources and actionable steps to champion men's mental health 👇
https://loom.ly/sK2kWcI

11/05/2025

The rise of mobile sports betting has brought the issue of gambling addiction to the forefront.

Our CEO, Jody Bechtold, recently lent her expert perspective to a major Rolling Stone feature discussing the serious risks associated with this surge.

At The Better Institute, we know this isn't just a trend—it's a critical public health concern. If you or a loved one is struggling with the speed and accessibility of modern gambling, you are not alone. Our team provides specialized, compassionate care to help you regain control.

Click the link to read Jody’s insights on how mobile sports betting is changing the landscape of addiction: https://loom.ly/UmsuvZU

The rise of mobile sports-bet operators like FanDuel and DraftKings has coincided with a spike in problem gambling among young men in America.

10/30/2025

Meet the newest addition to The Better Institute!

Stephanie Higgins is an intern at The Better Institute and a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Salisbury University. She is known for her compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families as they heal from the impacts of problem gambling. Stephanie understands how gambling can strain trust, disrupt family systems, and create financial instability, and she approaches her work with both compassion and practical guidance.

With professional designations as an Accredited Financial Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Military Qualified Financial Planner®, Stephanie blends technical financial expertise with a recovery-focused perspective. Her experience includes working with military service members, their families, and those living abroad.

Stephanie’s counseling style is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on practical strategies while also honoring the emotional aspects of recovery. She values working alongside clients and their support networks to rebuild stability, restore trust, and create a healthier future.
As part of The Better Institute’s commitment to quality, affordable mental health care, we’re pleased to offer no-cost sessions with Stephanie under the supervision of Rob Bumbaco, LCSW.

Stephanie works with individuals focusing on:
Anxiety
Depression
Problem Gambling
Related Mental Health Concerns

Learn more at: https://loom.ly/n9JTs9s

10/28/2025

Your Fall Mental Wellness Toolkit 🛠️

As fall routines settle in, use these five quick, actionable strategies from The Better Institute to intentionally prioritize your mental health all month long.

We’ve created a simple plan to help you check in, set boundaries, and reset your mind when stress spikes:

🛠️Check In With Yourself: Like you would a good friend, take a moment today to ask: “How am I really doing right now?” 💬 Genuine self-awareness is the first step toward self-care.

🛠️Boundaries Protect Peace: It is absolutely okay to say no without guilt. 🧡 Setting a healthy boundary isn't selfish—it's necessary for protecting your energy and your peace.

🛠️Gratitude Before Bed: Shift your perspective before you sleep. 🙏 Tonight, write down three things you’re sincerely thankful for. This simple habit can rewire your brain for positivity.

🛠️Fill Your Cup First: Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 💧 Prioritize small, necessary acts of self-care so you have the energy to show up fully for the people and work you value.

🛠️Breathe to Calm: When stress spikes, use 4x4 Box Breathing: 🌬️ Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. It’s a powerful, simple reset you can use anytime, anywhere.

Save this post and use it as your guide this month! Which tool are you using today? Let us know in the comments! 👇

10/22/2025

Feeling like gambling has taken control? 🎲 You're not alone, and help is here.

In our newest YouTube playlist, CEO of The Better Institute, Jody Bechtold, breaks down the complexities of problem gambling with compassion and clarity.

This playlist is for you if you want to learn about:
Warning signs: Identify the behaviors that may signal a problem.
Getting help: Normalize the process of seeking support and discover that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Available resources: Find out about a variety of tools and organizations that can help you or a loved one.

It’s time to get your life back in the game. Watch the full playlist now: https://loom.ly/kwajJwM

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a globally recognized gambling addiction expert who works with individuals, organizations, and associations....

10/15/2025

Ever wonder about the mental risks athletes face in today's world?

We're thrilled to share that our COO, Rob Bumbaco (LCSW, Certified Mental Coach), recently sat down for a powerful conversation on a recent episode of The Modern Meeting!

Rob brings his unique perspective as a former Division I athlete to discuss:
🧠 The founding story of The Better Institute and our mission.
🏅 The unique mental health challenges and risks athletes face today.
⚖️ The urgent need for awareness and support in the evolving landscape of sports and life.

If you're interested in the intersection of sports and mental health, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗https://loom.ly/YBN72BI

The Modern Meeting · Episode

10/09/2025

Feeling ready to take your game to the next level? 🎯

Our free YouTube playlist, Back in the Game: Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? is here to help you master the mental side of sports. We've broken down the six essential mental skills that can make a real difference in your athletic performance.

Whether you're an individual athlete or part of a team, you'll learn how to:
🎯Boost Your Performance: Build confidence, stay motivated, and handle pressure like a pro.
🎯Stay Consistent: Manage the highs and lows of competition and learn from every game.
🎯Get Personalized Training: Use tools and feedback to improve your mental game in key areas.
🎯Build a Stronger Team: Enhance communication, develop leadership, and work together more effectively.

Ready to play smarter? Click the link to start watching! https://loom.ly/jAe8x7U

Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? Back in the Game® Can Help. We’ve identified the six essential mental skills that make a real difference in athlet...

10/07/2025

❇️ Join a Growing Team Committed to BETTER Mental Health

The Better Institute offers:
✨A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
✨The opportunity to work alongside a team of talented and compassionate clinicians
✨Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
✨Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth
✨Continuing Education, Health, and 401 monthly benefits

If you're a licensed therapist (PhD, PsyD, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) committed to evidence-based practices and passionate about helping clients thrive, we want to hear from you!

❇️ Visit https://loom.ly/q0bosm8 to learn more.