COUNSELING FOR ATHLETES
Athletic culture often praises the ability to do it all, however, we all experience issues that cannot be masked or pushed aside. I provide athletes a place of understanding support to work through issues such as eating concerns, body image, anxiety, depression, injury, post-sports career, relationships, substance use, or traumatic events. Athletes devote tremendous time and energy to physical training, and I believe intentionality with mental health is just as important for improving quality of life, and for improved sports performance. I’m a licensed Psychotherapist in the central Austin area, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. I provide a space that is understanding to the athlete's specific concerns, yet, know my clients are people who often need to talk about many non-sport related stressors in their life. Reach out and let's see what we can do together!
—Oliver Bone, Canada, Sailing, on depression
"Psychological and physical injuries are at the same level of intensity. They can do the same level of damage to somebody’s self-confidence and their ability to perform.”
—Simone Biles, USA, Gymnast, on mental health
“I hope everyone feels comfortable and confident going to therapy and speaking out.”
“I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case. And that’s not something you should feel guilty or ashamed of.”
“In the beginning, I thought maybe I had a problem, but now I kind of look forward to therapy because it’s a safe outlet for me.”
—Kevin Love, NBA, on panic attacks
"In the NBA, you have trained professionals to fine-tune your life in so many areas. Coaches, trainers and nutritionists have had a presence in my life for years. But none of those people could help me in the way I needed when I was lying on the floor struggling to breathe [from a panic attack]. I’ve been meeting with the therapist, I’ve seen the power of saying things out loud in a setting like that. And it’s not some magical process. It’s terrifying and awkward and hard, at least in my experience so far. I know you don’t just get rid of problems by talking about them, but I’ve learned that over time maybe you can better understand them and make them more manageable."
—Michael Phelps, U.S. Olympic swimmer, on depression
“For the longest time, I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness because that’s kind of what society teaches us. That’s especially true from an athlete’s perspective. If we ask for help, then we’re not this big macho athlete that people can look up to. Well, you know what? If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help, that’s their problem. Because I’m saving my own life."
CONTACT ME
I love helping my clients develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges. Contact me today to learn more and book a session.
If you are experiencing a psychological crisis or emergency, please contact 911 for help.
You can also Text “START” to 741-741 to connect with the National Text Crisis Line.
Counseling for Athletes PLLC
Located in Central Austin
512-617-0706
