Venus Williams has underlined the importance of therapy as she believes that it is good to start working with a therapist even before facing certain problems in life. “It’s important to engage in therapy before you even have anything exactly to talk about, to work on and prepare for anything that may come up in your life,” Williams told PEOPLE magazine.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, reveals that her mother, Oracene Price, used to tell her that working on her mental toughness could be the key. “You don’t always have to wait until you’re in trouble,” Williams added.
“My mom always told us that: You have to work on your mental toughness. That was her theory about raising children, you also have to help them be mentally ready and prepared.” Williams and fellow American players Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe have joined forces with online counseling service BetterHelp to provide up to $3 million worth of free mental health therapy.
Knowing the importance of good mental health, Williams is happy to be a part of such a great initiative.
Williams on helping provide free mental health therapy
“I’m so excited to be a part of that and literally provide opportunities for people to work and improve their mental health,” Williams said.
Over the last year and a half, more players are openly discussing their mental health issues. In the world of tennis, Naomi Osaka was the first to talk about her story. Osaka’s case inspired other athletes, not just tennis, to open up and share her experiences.
“We’re supposed to be indestructible, invincible, super strong, almost like superheroes. But having athletes share their stories of what they’ve been through really helps people from all walks of life, and that’s so important,” Williams said. .
