Dr. Pete Economou is a distinguished psychologist with a diverse background and career, blending academia, clinical practice, and sports psychology. Growing up in New Jersey, Dr. Economou competed as a swimmer at the international level. His interest in psychology was sparked during college, where experiences in modeling and bartending led a friend to suggest the field to him. Initially pursuing neuroscience in grad school, he transitioned to psychology after discovering his passion for working directly with people. He completed his master's and doctoral degrees and began his clinical practice and academic career immediately after. Dr. Economou's journey through academia involved practicing with a master's license before obtaining his doctoral license. He taught extensively as an adjunct professor, covering 12 to 18 different courses by the time he graduated. Emphasizing the practical application of research, Dr. Economou integrates psychological principles across various fields, highlighting their relevance in everyday life and expressing frustration at the lack of psychological expertise in media discussions on politics. With nearly eight years at a teaching institution developing programs for marginalized students, Dr. Economou moved to Rutgers University to build five academic programs. He developed athletic mental health programs at Rutgers and Seton Hall University and works with professional organizations in the New York-New Jersey area. Dr. Economou supports high-performing individuals, including athletes, by recognizing their vulnerabilities and fostering a supportive environment. He emphasizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and environmental responsiveness as crucial attributes for effective leadership. Dr. Economou's career combines entrepreneurship and academia, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and disrupt harmful patterns. He navigates the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, emphasizing evidence-based insights. His research spans performance, brain impact, sociocultural issues, and mindfulness. He plans to work more with senior-level individuals like coaches and CEOs to create a trickle-down effect within organizations. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for Dr. Economou, who recently took time off to focus on research and self-care. He advocates for proactive mental health habits, living a value-based life, and maintaining close relationships.
