Parents of Elite Youth

You have watched your child grow into a teen with independence and skill. You are their biggest fan and support. You drive them, buy the gear, pay the fees, keep them fed. Maybe you coach, maybe there are extra sessions. You do all this because you want them to succeed, you want to raise a kind, well rounded human, and most of all you just want them to be happy. 

Teen competition is a whole new ball game. 

With each new level and age group, you have seen them adjust, learn and find success. Yet as they begin to enter the teen years, things have changed. There seems to be more pressure, things matter more and the competition seems harder. Your athlete or performer has always put in the effort, but now they are really struggling. They find success during practice, but could be seen crying, upset, feeling sick or “choking” related to competition. Maybe they struggle to find consistency or they just can’t execute come game time. Looking back its always been there but never this bad. And what’s worse you now see it in other areas of life too like school presentations, band performances, socially or other pressure situations. You wonder if they need professional help. 

Worst of all, you can see the toll it’s taking on them. 

They love their sport. They are dedicated. They want to put in the work. But, they have lost the fun. You hurt for your kids struggles. It’s all just too much, and things are out of balance. You feel frustrated and aren’t sure how to help. 

For kids and teens who already do some pretty amazing stuff. 

Hi, I’m Erin and as a therapist I help youth athletes and performers, 13 and up to rekindle the fun of their sport, find consistency, and get back on track in sport and life. I provide support and help them find meaning when recovering from an injury. I specialize in treating anxiety and stress and the things that come along with it like self doubt, low confidence, worry, self judgement, big feelings and not performing like they practice. I meet with your teen weekly and bring non judgement, respect and compassion to each session. 

I teach skills like awareness, acceptance and detachment so that my teen clients can regulate their emotions, build better relationships, and increase joy. I also use biofeedback training which helps explain the more abstracts mindfulness concepts and is basically a breathing video game which makes it more concrete. Yes these are big concepts but I specialize in breaking down the complex issues from pressure and worry into tiny experiences that build off each other. With support, education and practice they can learn to feel more clear, focused and present, manage worry, decrease body symptoms like stiffness and stomachaches, and get back to being a kid who has fun playing sports and does well too! 

Support for now, skills for life. 

If your teen needs help with stress, worries and anxiety so they can better enjoy life both in and outside of sport call or message me today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation and get back to just enjoying watching them play.