Achieve Your Best with Expert Athlete Counseling

From performance anxiety to transitioning out of sports, our counseling services address the mental health challenges athletes face. Discover how our customized programs support high school, collegiate, and professional athletes and equestrians in achieving their goals while maintaining overall well-being. Scroll down for more details.

Counseling for Athletes and Equestrians

Athletes face a unique set of challenges, as they are often under a great deal of pressure to perform at a high level while maintaining their physical health. In addition, the demands of training and competition can take a toll on their mental health and well-being.

An equestrian riding a horse over a jump in a competition

Mental Health Support for College Athletes and Equestrians

Some of the specific mental health challenges commonly faced by athletes include:

  • Pressure to perform: Athletes may feel a great deal of pressure to succeed and achieve their goals, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout.

  • Injuries and setbacks: Injuries and setbacks are common in sports, and they can take a toll on an athlete’s mental health. Dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of an injury can be difficult, and athletes may struggle with feelings of frustration, sadness, and fear.

  • Body image issues: Many athletes may feel pressure to maintain a certain weight or body type, which can lead to disordered eating or body image issues.

  • Isolation: Athletes may feel isolated from their peers due to the demands of their sport, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

  • Transitioning out of sports: For athletes who are retiring or transitioning out of sports, the loss of their identity as an athlete can be difficult and lead to feelings of grief and loss.

Athletes face unique mental health and lifestyle challenges due to the demands and expectations of their sport. By prioritizing mental health and seeking support, athletes can better navigate these challenges and achieve success while maintaining overall well-being.

Tailored Counseling for Athletes including High School, Collegiate-level and Professional Athletes

I serve high school, collegiate-level and professional athletes by providing counseling and therapy to help work through specific concerns, including coping with anxiety or depression, managing substance use or behavioral addictions, processing trauma and loss, as well as navigating family or professional conflicts. I am acutely aware of the emotional toll that your profession can take, from performance anxiety and fear of failure to struggles with self-worth and maintaining work-life balance. I am proud to offer flexible services that can accommodate your busy and unique lifestyle and am adept at providing support while you’re on the road or at home. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice, my services are conducted with the utmost discretion to ensure your privacy, fostering a safe, secure space where you can tackle the challenges you are facing.

Argyle Virtual Counseling’s specialized “Athletes & Equestrians” program offers customized services for individual athletes, couples, and their families in a highly confidential way. Contact me today to start your journey towards mental well-being and peak performance.

Testimonials

“I am living a fulfilling and uncomplicated life and I am eternally grateful to you for that.”

“Your guidance and support have been critical to my self-awareness and personal growth. Your dedication and empathetic approach have helped me work through some of the most challenging times. You broke down my situation in a way that was both understandable and manageable. With your encouragement, I have been able to take the necessary steps towards healing. I am living a fulfilling and uncomplicated life and I am eternally grateful to you for that.”

~ Client

Paul Haggan, Ph.D., LPC

Hello! I’m Paul Haggan.

I’m a licensed professional counselor in North Texas with over 30 years clinical experience. I’m most passionate about helping people learn more about themselves, simplify life and live authentically up to their potential.

I provide a safe and confidential setting to explore how you have arranged and embarked on your best life. I enjoy fostering self discovery to help you lead a more efficient life to enhance overall well-being.

I support individuals, couples, parents, college students and athletes in learning and growing through adveristy. I enjoy breaking down suffering and emotions while effectively using conflict to help others learn from working through rather than around obstacles.