"Dink about it!"
A Therapuetic Pickleball Experience
Led by Jason Hsu, LCSW,
&
Patrik Karlsson, LCSW
We are two experienced therapists who have spent decades treating clients for depression, anxiety, and variety of other mood and trauma related disorders.
What were some common themes?
Isolation. Feeling alone in suffering. Lost in negative thoughts. Lack of connection. Shame. Guilt. Sadness.
And that's why we came up with "Dink about it!"
(Oh, and we both enjoy playing Pickleball!)
What is it?
An immersive group of two 8 week sessions designed to move your body and your mood. We combine the fastest-growing sport in the world with Behavioral Activation (BA)—a proven therapeutic approach that helps you break through cycles of emotional stagnation and anxiety by engaging in meaningful, supportive, & skill-based activity.
But how does it help me?
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Physical Activity: Use the court to regulate your nervous system and boost dopamine through consistent, accessible movement.
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Social Connection: Reduce isolation in a supportive "team" environment where everyone is learning together.
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Building Mastery: Over 16 weeks, you’ll go from a beginner to a more confident player, translating that sense of "I can do this" from the court to your personal life.
Recent Graduate
"I appreciate what the two of you have created; the concept is cool, the group format and community is special, and the skill building on and off the court has been invaluable"
Current Member
"I was not leaving the house very much and basically avoided most social and work situations. Now I can't wait to get out and play. Sometimes 3-4 times a week. I have a whole new energy and passion for life. Even my wife says I'm different. In a good way!"
New Member
"After just 3 sessions, I already feel better. I am out of my head more. I like that we learn skills to help our mental health and we learn Pickleball. And I love how supportive everyone is."
Why Pickleball?
Unlike many sports, pickleball has a "low ceiling" for entry but a "high floor" for growth. This makes it the perfect vehicle for Building Mastery—the clinical process of gaining competence to improve self-esteem, emotional wellness, and resilience.
"The results show significant improvements in the different psychological variables measured in pickleball practitioners: personal wellbeing, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc., pickleball shows potential as a new tool to work and improve people’s mental health."
"Exercise has been adopted as a first-line treatment in guidelines for depression globally with good acceptability and safety," he writes. Yet he says it remains underappreciated and underutilized.
The Details
Duration: Two 8 Week Sessions Day/Time: Tuesdays 11 - 12:30 Cost: $95/Session Location: Public courts in Albany, CA
Program:
1. Individual intake with Jason or Patrik
2. One Saturday 3 hour Emotional Wellness Orientation session
3. Fifteen 90 minute on the court sessions w instruction and support
4. Weekly check ins with wellness tracking and emotion regulation skill instruction
Get Started
1. Fill out the
form
2. We will call you to set up a free consultation
Who are we?
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