Athletes With Anxiety
Therapy for competitive and professional athletes managing performance anxiety, racing thoughts, negative self-talk, and the intense pressure of competing at an elite level. Specialized, evidence-based care using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices helps athletes build mental resilience, sharpen focus, and perform with greater calm and consistency.
Quick Facts
Who it's for: Competitive and professional athletes in PA and NJ experiencing performance anxiety, negative self-talk, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and the mental and emotional pressure of competing at an elite level
Conditions treated: Performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, negative self-talk, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating before or during competition, and anxiety-related impacts on athletic performance and daily functioning
Modalities: CBT, mindfulness-based practices, and other performance-focused therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique demands of competitive sport
Sessions: Individual, telehealth only, flexible scheduling designed around training and competition demands; Performance Anxiety Therapy Intensives available for focused, accelerated progress
Extras: Free 15-minute consultation, secure between-session messaging
Why do athletes experience anxiety more than the general population?
Research shows that athletes experience anxiety at higher rates than the general population due to the intense and unrelenting pressure to perform at an elite level. With so much riding on each competition, it can be difficult to stay calm and focused before, during, and after games. This pressure often leads to negative self-talk, racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can compound anxiety symptoms and interfere with performance over time.
How Therapy Works
1. Free Consultation (15 minutes):
A brief call to understand your situation, discuss the specific anxiety challenges you are facing as an athlete, and confirm fit before any commitment.
2. Intake and Assessment:
Early sessions focus on understanding your athletic background, competitive history, and the specific thought patterns, triggers, and anxiety responses that are affecting your performance and mental wellbeing.
3. Structured Treatment:
Using CBT alongside mindfulness-based practices and other performance-focused approaches, sessions identify and challenge the irrational beliefs and negative self-talk fueling your anxiety, replacing them with healthier, more accurate and adaptive responses.
4. Skill Building and Integration:
As patterns shift, sessions build practical mental resilience tools including focus techniques, mindfulness practices, and pre-competition routines, consolidating them into your training and competitive life so progress carries directly into performance.
5. Progress Review:
Treatment is regularly evaluated against your performance and mental health goals so adjustments can be made and momentum maintained across seasons and competitions.
6. Intensives (Optional):
For athletes preparing for major competitions, navigating high-pressure seasons, or working through deeply entrenched anxiety patterns, Performance Anxiety Therapy Intensives offer focused, extended work outside the weekly session format.
A Closer Look at Anxiety in Professional Athletes
Professional athletes are often seen as the epitome of physical and mental strength. But what we don’t often see is the unseen battle that many athletes face – anxiety. Studies have found that athletes suffer from anxiety more than the general population, due to the pressure they face to perform. Let’s take a closer look at why this is and how it can be managed.
The Pressure to Perform
It’s no wonder professional athletes experience higher levels of anxiety. The pressure to perform at an elite level is intense and unrelenting. With so much riding on each performance, it can be difficult for athletes to stay calm and focused before, during, and after games or competitions. This pressure can lead to negative self-talk, which can further contribute to anxiety symptoms like racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating.
Managing Performance Anxiety
Thankfully there are strategies athletes with anxiety can use to manage their performance anxiety. One of the most effective methods is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves examining one’s thought patterns in order to identify any distortions or irrational beliefs that may be contributing to their anxious feelings. Once these core issues are identified, changes in thinking and behavior can be made which in turn can reduce overall anxiety levels. Mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation have also been found to be effective for managing performance anxiety. These practices help athletes become more present in the moment and build mental resilience by increasing focus and concentration skills.
At Cognitive Pursuits LLC, we recognize the unique challenges professional athletes face and strive to provide specialized care to help them better manage their performance anxiety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can athletes experience anxiety even if they perform well?
Yes. Success in sports does not protect someone from anxiety. Many athletes perform at a high level while managing intense pressure, self-doubt, fear of failure, or persistent worry. Anxiety can affect athletes at every level, from youth and high school sports to collegiate and professional competition. Research suggests that anxiety rates among athletes can be similar to those seen in the general population.
2. What are common signs of anxiety in athletes?
Athletic anxiety can look different from person to person. Common signs include excessive worry before practices or competitions, overthinking performance, trouble concentrating, racing thoughts, irritability, difficulty sleeping, physical symptoms such as muscle tension or nausea, avoidance behaviors, and feeling mentally exhausted despite continued training.
3. Can anxiety affect athletic performance?
Yes. Anxiety can affect focus, decision-making, confidence, reaction time, and the ability to stay present during competition. Excessive anxiety may increase mental fatigue and contribute to performance difficulties, although some athletes learn to use moderate levels of stress as motivation.