Resources
Ascend Therapy is committed to supporting individuals, athletes, and families by providing helpful tools and educational resources related to mental health, resilience, and performance mindset. The resources below are intended to offer general guidance and support personal growth.
Mental Health
Resources
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Provides education, resources, and support for individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges.
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Offers national resources and treatment referrals.
Athlete Mental Skills
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These resources can help athletes strengthen confidence, focus, and emotional resilience.
Visualization Practice
Visualization is a mental rehearsal technique that allows athletes to imagine successful performance before competition. Practicing visualization can improve confidence and mental preparation.
Pre-Performance Routine
Creating a consistent pre-game or pre-competition routine helps athletes focus their attention, regulate nerves, and prepare mentally for performance.
Confidence Building
Confidence grows through preparation, self-awareness, and positive self-talk. Developing a healthy mindset helps athletes recover from mistakes and stay focused during competition.
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Resources for Parents
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Supporting a young athlete involves more than physical training. Parents play an important role in helping athletes develop confidence, resilience, and a healthy relationship with sport.
Helpful strategies include:
• Encouraging effort rather than focusing only on outcomes
• Supporting emotional wellbeing outside of sport
• Helping athletes learn from mistakes and setbacks
• Promoting balance between athletics, academics, and personal life
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Educational Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional mental health treatment or medical advice.
PDF Downloads
The resources below are designed to help athletes, individuals, and families strengthen confidence, build resilience, and develop a healthy performance mindset.
Athlete Confidence
Click the link below to obtain a PDF to help with your athlete's confidence!
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Pre-Game Routine
Click the link below to download a worksheet to help build a pre-game routine to encourage confidence
Visualization Exercise
Click the link to use the worksheet to be guided through visualization exercises. Can be helpful before practice, games and more!
Parent Side Line Check List
Click the link below to look at ways you can be supportive to your athlete!
Mental Health Check List
Click the link below for a general worksheet o mental health check in
Signs Your Athlete May Be Struggling Mentally
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Athletes often face significant pressure related to competition, performance expectations, academics, and personal development. While many athletes develop resilience through sport, there are times when additional emotional support may be beneficial.
Parents, coaches, and caregivers may notice changes that suggest an athlete is experiencing mental or emotional challenges.
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Possible Signs to Watch For
• Increased anxiety before practices or competitions
• Loss of enjoyment in a sport they previously loved
• Avoiding practices, games, or competitions
• Significant drops in confidence or self-esteem
• Strong emotional reactions to mistakes or losses
• Difficulty focusing during performance
• Increased frustration, irritability, or mood changes
• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches before competition
• Burnout, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed
• Excessive pressure placed on themselves to perform perfectly
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When Support May Help
If an athlete is consistently struggling with confidence, stress, or performance pressure, professional support can help them develop healthier coping strategies and mental skills.
Mental health support can help athletes:
• Build confidence and self-belief
• Manage performance anxiety
• Develop emotional regulation skills
• Strengthen resilience after setbacks
• Maintain a healthy relationship with sport
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Supporting Your Athlete
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting young athletes. Encouraging open communication, emphasizing effort over results, and maintaining balance between sport and other areas of life can help athletes develop a healthier mindset.
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When to Seek Additional Support
If concerns persist or begin to affect an athlete’s wellbeing, speaking with a qualified mental health professional may help provide guidance and support.
If you would like to learn more about athlete mental performance support, please contact Peak Performance Therapy for additional information or to schedule a consultation.
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