Just for Athletes

Sports are fun, right?  And for most people, they're really more of a hobby than anything else.  Adults join softball leagues, swim a few laps after work, play flag football on Sundays, and shoot hoops at lunch.  Kids take tennis lessons on Tuesdays, karate lessons on Thursdays, and play soccer games on Saturdays.  Sports become a fun, even stress-relieving part of everyday life.

At least this is what it is for most people.

Serious athletics are a whole different story.  Athletes who are groomed as children to pursue Olympic-level or professional-level sports experience a different world of "everyday life" altogether.  They eat, sleep, and breathe their sport.  Hours and hours of the week are dedicated to time on the court, field, or track and any extra minutes are used for cross-training, watching videos, cleaning equipment, and nursing injuries.  A stress-relieving activity for anyone else is actually a stress-inducing activity for a serious athlete.

I should know.  I was one.  As a former NCAA tennis player, I experienced a childhood devoted to my sport, a young adulthood devoted to collegiate competition, and an early career devoted to teaching professionally.  I was deeply familiar with the potential stresses of outside influences, such as school, work, family, and relationships.

When I became a therapist, I realized that my life as a former athlete gives me unique insight into the world of serious sports.  I understand the pressures and demands of practice regimens and tournament schedules.  I recognize the impact that outside stress can have on mental toughness.  In particular, I know from personal experience how a few conversations with a therapist can help release tension, re-focus energies, and get a serious athlete back in the zone.

Are you a serious athlete?  Think you could use some extra help getting back on top of your game?

If you find yourself stuck in a slump, or simply having trouble staying focused, give me a call.  I'll help you develop some coping strategies so that you can stay consistent and keep distractions at bay.  We'll identify what's standing in the way of you and victory, and come up with ways to overcome mental obstacles.  You'll feel safe to vent, I'll be there to listen, and together we'll get you to where you need to be.