This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (May 2024) |  |
Armando "Mondo" González, who markets himself as Dr. Mondo,[1] is an American mental health and performance coach.[2][3][4] He is the founder of Cheatcode and Cheatcode Foundation.[5]
Mondo González | |
|---|---|
| Born | Armando González |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Sacramento State University Alliant International University |
| Occupation(s) | Mental health and fitness coach |
| Known for | His work with Dansby Swanson, Lindsey Vonn, and Chris Godwin |
Biography
editGonzález earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Sacramento State University and holds a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from Alliant International University.[6][1] His interest in sports psychology was initially sparked by the career of Chuck Knoblauch, a former MLB player whose performance notably declined after transferring to the New York Yankees in 1998.[5] This observation, made during González's teenage years in Sacramento, California, influenced his subsequent career path.[5]
Professionally trained as a licensed marriage and family therapist, González later specialized in brainspotting, a psychotherapeutic method he studied under brainspotting founder, Dr. David Grand.[5][7] This technique, based on the concept that eye positions can impact emotional states, has become a central component of his practice, particularly in treating athletes with performance-related anxieties, including the yips.[5]
González's approach often involves addressing underlying psychological issues contributing to performance declines.[5] For example, he worked with Dansby Swanson, a Chicago Cubs shortstop, to address anxieties related to being a high draft pick and subsequent trade experiences.[5][7] González has also worked with various professional athletes, including Lindsey Vonn and Chris Godwin.[7][8] He also holds a tenure with the Tennessee Titans under head coach Mike Vrabel.[5] In the NFL, his work includes addressing performance anxiety issues, such as repeated penalties for false starts.[5] His methodology integrates brainspotting with other therapeutic techniques, customized to the individual needs of each athlete.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b "Profile on González' personal website".
- ^ "Mental health expert on Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension from Olympic team". KCRA. 4 July 2021.
- ^ Caiola, Sammy (9 June 2016). "Sacramento therapist discusses Biggest Loser weight gain findings". Sacramento Bee.
- ^ Caiola, Sammy. "'Biggest Loser' researcher explains why weight loss won't stick". The Spokesman-Review.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Armstrong, Megan (7 September 2023). "We Still Don't Understand the Yips". Esquire.
- ^ "Mondo González biography".
- ^ a b c Torres, Maria (27 January 2023). "How Dansby Swanson utilized mental wellness coaching to blossom as a leader". The Athletic.
- ^ Zaccardi, Nick (11 January 2022). "In 'Rise,' Lindsey Vonn tells how she found joy in retirement through serendipitous meeting". NBC Sports.