By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Chris Ward and Dr. William Hiebert, general secretary of the Family Therapy Association.
Chris Ward has more than 50 years of coaching experience and a 30-year background in counseling, and the knowledge of her combined roles earned her an invitation to present at the
Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.
She explained her presentation, “Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT Techniques to Train Exceptional Athletes to Elite Success and Research Their Family Support Systems,”
focused on her use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her counseling practice (Geneseo Marriage and Family Counseling) and she said, “but I also encourage the CBT techniques to coach athletes.”
Ward and her husband Larry have been coaching gymnastics in Geneseo and Sterling for more than 50 years, and currently are the coaches for the Geneseo High School gymnastics team and for the Geneseo Park District, and Ward said, “We have no plans to retire, and I would not be able to do all that I do without the help and support from my husband Larry.”
Her knowledge of CBT also comes from having served as a middle school counselor for 29 years prior to retirement in 2020.
Chris Ward is photographed at the Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.
In preparing for her presentation in Scotland, Ward interviewed 10 college track athletes and gymnasts, and she said, “I also did a qualitative research project with their feedback about how their own parents or families supported them to be the most successful.”
When asked to define CBT, Ward replied, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses the technique of learning to think differently about an issue, another person, or problem. Therefore, they may feel differently, and ultimately behave more positively. CBT is a very popular theory because it is so effective.”
Larry & Chris Ward.
She said CBT is effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as managing emotional challenges like grief and stress.
While positive thinking is part of the puzzle of CBT, it is not the only focus, CBT also incorporates behavior techniques and goals to help people develop a more balanced and realistic perspective, not just a positive one.
Ward and her husband Larry were in Scotland for 11 days and while much of their time was spent at the World therapy Congress, they also enjoyed touring Scotland and visiting castles.
