Golf can be a most enjoyable experience. For many people, however, it seems to be a huge source of stress. Instead of coming off the course rejuvenated (albeit a little weary), many golfers tend to feel more tense after their game than when they started.
Golf can actually be therapy! For this to happen three things are required:
1. Good Attitude
2. A little skill
3. More Good Attitude
Let’s see how our attitude can affect our enjoyment of the game.
Bad Attitude: A game is only successful if one achieves a low score and makes excellent shots.
Good Attitude: Every game can be super, regardless of the score or number of great shots.
Bad Attitude: One needs to curse and yell if a shot or putt is missed.
Good Attitude: A simple grimace or smile will suffice after a poor shot or putt.
Bad Attitude: “The people up front are way too slow!”
Good Attitude: “Isn’t the scenery here marvelous?”
Bad Attitude: Ride in a cart regardless of the course demands.
Good Attitude: Take a cart only if dictated by the course or physical needs, otherwise walk and enjoy some exercise.
Bad Attitude: Drink a lot of alcohol while playing.
Good Attitude: Soak up the natural high related to being out in the fresh air.
Bad Attitude: Cheat in tabulating strokes so as to impress fellow players.
Good Attitude: Be honest. We all like a good score but learning to accept imperfection builds character!
Our attitude can transform a game of golf from a potentially stressful and frustrating experience into a therapeutic adventure.
In summary, for the game of golf to be therapeutic one needs to value:
1. Beautiful scenery and fresh air (rain or shine).
2. Fellowship with others.
3. Two to four hours away from it all (with no cell phone).
4. Personal challenge.
5. The ability to not take oneself or the game too seriously.
6. Physical exercise.
Denis works with couples and individuals. His areas of interest include marriage, grief and stress. He also offers counselling to those who suffer from depression and anxiety symptoms. Denis is eclectic in his use of psychological approaches, which include Adlerian, Cognitive/behavioural, existential and emotionally focused therapies. Denis has published a book titled, "Marriage Can Be Great!...no really," which provides tips and strategies that can assist in strengthening relationships. Denis was a Clinical Assistant Professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia and also helped to create the first hospice program in B.C. in 1975. Denis received his Master of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in 1977 and works as a Registered Psychologist. He is a member of the B.C. College of Psychologists and the B.C. Psychological Association. Most importantly Denis has been married to Maureen for over forty-five years and they have four children and four grandchildren.
