​I’ve been an athlete since I was 11 years old. For most of my life, sports were my mental health outlet—my way of processing emotions, finding structure, and feeling a sense of purpose. But over time, I reached a point where the very thing that once grounded me became my biggest stressor. The pressure, the expectations, the constant push to perform—it all started to take a toll on my mental health.

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That’s when I realized something important: I couldn’t rely on sports alone as my only coping mechanism. There was something deeper that needed my attention. When my athletic career came to an end, I was left asking myself, “Who am I without my sport?” That question shook me. But in that space of uncertainty, I started to explore something new—creativity.

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Creative acts—art, writing, movement—became my bridge to reconnect with myself outside of being an athlete. They helped me process my experiences, express emotions I didn’t have words for, and build a new sense of identity beyond the track. Creativity gave me the space to heal, reflect, and move forward with clarity.

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But here’s the thing—I didn’t have access to the kind of mental health support that’s talked about today. Back then, mental health in sports wasn’t a conversation. Resources were limited, and athletes were expected to just push through. I had to figure it out on my own.

That’s why I created Artletik Wellness. Now, as a therapist, I provide mental health services to athletes and coaches, because I know firsthand that both need support to thrive.

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Athletes often struggle with the dual reality of sport being both their greatest coping tool and their biggest stressor. The pressure to perform, the fear of failure, the emotional weight of transition—it’s a lot to carry. And coaches? They’re not just leaders; they’re mentors, motivators, and sometimes, the ones carrying the unspoken struggles of their athletes. But who’s supporting them?

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At Artletik Wellness, I provide a space where athletes can:

    •    Process the mental highs and lows of competition.

    •    Explore identity beyond their sport.

    •    Use creativity and integrative therapy to address stress.

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And where coaches can:

    •    Gain the tools to support their athletes without neglecting their own mental health.

    •    Develop strategies to create a healthy, balanced team culture.

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When athletes and coaches are mentally well, the synergy between them becomes stronger—and that’s where true performance and growth happen.

 

Whether you’re competing, transitioning, or coaching, you don’t have to choose between your sport and your well-being. Let’s work together to make sure both can thrive!