Areas of Focus

Together we  address multiple issues that can impact athletes and performers and their teams.  Problems are addressed using individualized, sports-oriented, and values-driven approaches.

Mental Fatigue in Athletes

Mental fatigue is just as real as muscle fatigue. The demands of sport (prolonged intense trainings, consuming travel schedules, high expectations to perform) coupled with the normal stressors of life can leave athletes mentally fatigued. If not addressed, an exhausted brain can negatively impact mood, performance, motivation and concentration. Learning to manage thoughts and emotions, establishing a healthy relationship with your sport, and building strong connections with others can help you remain mentally resilient and focused.

Perfectionism in Sport & Performance

A crippling fear of failure, rigid thinking, and excessive self-criticism help drive perfectionism and shove a wedge between you and your sport. Setting high yet attainable goals, challenging yourself, and striving for excellence are crucial for sport success. Pursuing progress and growth rather than perfection can lead to a stronger mindset and greater self-confidence.

Sports Injury and Recovery

Injuries force you out of the game. Waiting for your body to heal is stressful and can test your patience. Injured athletes often experience isolation and a sense of not belonging. Being inactive in your sport can also lead to anxiety, depression and self- doubts about not returning to the same level of fitness as before, or even returning to your sport at all. Managing your stress and emotions during the healing process is a vital part of physical recovery and getting you back in the game.

Athletes, Eating Disorders and Body Image

Proper fueling is vital for sport success. Restricting food, bingeing and purging are dangerous and destructive behaviors that can lead to poor sport performance and serious medical problems . Obsessing about your body weight or shape and excessively worrying about the consequences of eating certain foods can have a negative impact on your mood, you body image and potentially lead to serious eating problems. Having a healthy relationship to both food and your body is a must to excel in your sport.

Compulsive Exercise and Overtraining in Athletes

Too much of a good thing can be bad. Working out and training are key components to succeeding in your sport. But pushing your body beyond its limits to recover can lead to injury, depression and anxiety.

Sports Performance Anxiety

The immense pressure from coaches, parents, peers and oneself to excel can create crippling performance anxiety. Excessively worrying about your performance is exhausting and can hinder your focus and limit your success. Staying calm and focused can help you show up, excel and more fully enjoy your sport.

Non-Traditional Sports

Ballet, martial arts, rock climbing, cheer and other non- traditional sports are physically and mentally demanding. Participants in non-traditional sports can experience anxiety and worries about performance, body image and eating issues, and a negative mood following a physical injury. Addressing these issues is a critical part of staying mentally fit and ready to perform.

Sport Leadership Development

Being a leader of a team demands excellence. Leading can be both lonely and rewarding. Whether you are a coach, a trainer or a player, guiding your team to success requires mental strength. Managing your own emotions, cultivating a positive attitude and recognizing your own strengths

Team Dynamics

Relationships with teammates, coaches, trainers and others involved in the sport are crucial resources to help you achieve success. Disruptions in these important connections can impact your mental game and disrupt your ability to focus. Strong relationships make for strong teams.

Post-Sport Transition

Letting go of your sport and saying good-bye to something that has been a part of your life and your identity for a very long time is difficult and painful. Endings hurt and grief is very often part of the process. Whether you leave your sport by your own choice or because of an injury or medical issue or your coach made the decision for you, losing your sport creates all kinds of feelings. Anger, sadness, confusion, and fear about the future are common reactions athletes experience as they transition from their sport and move into the unknown. Your sport story may have come to an end, but your story has not.

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL)

The collegiate sports world is a very different place with the introduction of NIL. Athletes are now small business owners, managing their own brands while still juggling academic and athletic responsibilities. Navigating the ups and downs of the business side of sports can be daunting and stressful. Being aware of the added stressors and effectively managing the feelings that come as a result can help you and your brand succeed.

Athletes and the Media

Exposure to constant comments, critiques and bullying via social media and the press can chip away at an athlete’s confidence and self-wroth. Learning how to separate yourself from the outside noise and pay attention to the voices that really matter can help keep your mind stay focused and your attitude strong.

Sexual Orientation and Sports

Sexual orientation issues present a unique set of challenges that can be difficult to manage. The stress of keeping your identity private or the anxiety about coming out, or worse, the fear of being outed, can impede the sense of belonging and safety that are vital to a team’s dynamic and your success as an athlete. Having the skills to navigate this unique terrain can help lower your anxiety and increase your self-confidence.

Substance Abuse With Athletes

Athletes are not immune from abusing substances. The immense pressure to perform, the sting of defeat or the chronic pain after an injury or surgery can leave some turning to substances to cope. Developing healthy ways to manage your feelings and appropriately addressing physical pain will help you protect your mental and physical health from the negative impact of abusing substances.

Stress of Sports Recruitment and Transfer

Sport recruitment, especially for young athletes, can be overwhelming and confusing. Trying to decide where you want to live, study and compete as a young adult while you are still focused on high school can be overwhelming. Entering the college transfer portal or being recruited by a professional team creates its own struggles and stressors for athletes trying to decide where to go to next. Managing your anxiety while drawing upon the support of others can help you think your way through the process so that you can make the best decision for you.