Services
Mental Health Counseling
Within my practice I help clients pursue growth and improve their mental and emotional health relating to challenges both on and off the field. My work as a counselor involves helping my clients regulate their emotions, improve self-awareness and distress tolerance, develop coping skills, as well as changing behaviors and navigating your unique story. I focus on offering a kind, steady, and caring presence that is both encouraging, mindful, and attentive in session, while also providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment.
Counseling has been shown to significantly improve mental health issues and develop a variety of factors that attribute to elite performance. As we engage the counseling process together, we will identify concerns, strengths, and goals while seeking an understanding of self. We can then begin to work towards healing and growth as the heart of the problems are uncovered and challenges addressed. I believe that addressing one’s mental health is the priority before there can be true results at the performance level.
Mental Performance Consultation
A primary goal of mental performance consultation and mental skills training is to facilitate optimal involvement, performance, and enjoyment in sport and exercise. Components of this include addressing self-regulation, motivation, self-talk, imagery and visualization, concentration, arousal control, self-confidence, mindfulness, presence and grounding, interpersonal effectiveness, as well as the development of mental resiliency, grit, and attitudes of perseverance.
Group Work
Group counseling for athletes is a valuable experience where they can learn and grow together. Group participants gather around a unique theme, learn to express themselves and to support each other in a safe environment. Many group clients report the value of being in a group is to have moments where they realize that they are not the only one to experience a particular struggle. It is the value of being able to both share and listen. Different groups are offered seasonally and depend on demand, space, and availability. If interested in joining one of the following seasonal groups, email ryan@athletementalhealthco.com.
Injury Recovery Support Groups
Mental Wellness Groups
Safe-Sport Groups
Covid-19 Support
During Covid-19, many athletes experienced the sudden loss of their sport as a traumatic and jarring experience. Some had seasons cut short, and those who did not are now facing the uncertainty of whether return to sport will occur sooner or later, or even later than that.
The loss of healthy outlets for dealing with stress, missing sources of self-esteem building, and an uncertain athletic identity has resulted in the isolation of millions of athletes as they grieve without team support. Struggling with this reality and needing help right now is the norm.
Team Workshops
I have worked with university and high-school athletic departments, athletic trainers, athletic directors, teams/clubs, and professional organizations to address mental health concerns for athletes, develop mental performance skills, and create opportunities to provide support for injured athletes. Athlete mental health, mental performance, and injury psychology specific consultations also available. For group consultations, speaking arrangements, and team crisis packages email ryan@ryancolbysportscounseling.com.
Walk and Talk Sessions
Walk and talk sessions are available for those who are interested in meeting outdoors in the South Denver, Englewood, and Lonetree, Colorado areas. These types of sessions are a quality option for individuals who are working through anxiety or depression, as well as for adolescents. Parks, wide trails, and track/field options are appropriate for this type of session, however confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in these settings. After meeting in person or via telehealth, we can determine if walk and talk sessions would be appropriate for your unique case.
Telehealth Sessions
Sometimes meeting in person isn’t an option. The research suggests that telehealth therapy options are just as effective for improved mental health outcomes compared to in-person therapy options. Online video sessions or phone sessions available upon request.
Let’s talk
Your initial consultation is free