Former Athletes in High-Pressure Careers

Competing as an athlete at any stage of life can shape how you see yourself, how you see the world, and how you approach challenges. Dr. Sarnell blends sport psychology strategies with her clinical expertise to help professionals in high-pressure careers perform at their best while managing stress and maintaining well-being.

Many former athletes come to therapy asking questions like:

• Who am I without my sport?

• How does exercise fit into my life now that I don’t have team training sessions?

• Why do I feel anxious or restless even when I’m successful?

• I just started my career, why do I already feel burned out?

• Why is it so hard to slow down or enjoy downtime?

• How do I navigate relationships outside of the context of my team? Who are the people I want to be making time for in this phase of my life?

Dr. Sarnell helps clients:

• Understand how habits from sport show up in everyday life

• Manage pressure while staying ambitious and working toward big goals

• Strengthen confidence and self-understanding beyond athletics

• Navigate changes in relationships with family, partners, colleagues, and former teammates

• Build a balanced approach to achievement and personal life

• Work through perfectionism and set incremental goals

• Connect with your purpose