For athletes, performance isn’t just about physical strength — mental resilience plays a crucial role in achieving success. From managing performance anxiety to coping with injury or life transitions, sports psychology can provide powerful tools to help athletes excel both on and off the field.
At Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services, Tyler Ledwos offers specialized counselling for athletes and individuals dedicated to athletic performance. As a Registered Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health, trauma, and sports psychology, Tyler combines practical strategies with a compassionate approach to empower athletes at all levels. He is currently accepting clients at low-cost/sliding scale rates — please contact tyler@solastacounselling.ca for more information.
The Mental Health Challenges Athletes Face
Athletes face a unique set of mental health challenges that can affect both their performance and well-being. Common concerns include:
✅ Performance Anxiety: The pressure to meet expectations can trigger overwhelming nerves that inhibit performance.
✅ Injury and Recovery: Physical injury can leave athletes feeling frustrated, isolated, or even questioning their identity.
✅ Transitioning Out of Sport: Ending a sports career, whether due to age, injury, or life changes, can create feelings of loss and uncertainty.
✅ Perfectionism: The constant drive to achieve peak performance may lead to burnout, anxiety, and self-criticism.
✅ Emotional Regulation: Managing stress, anger, or disappointment in high-pressure moments is essential for maintaining focus and composure.
How Sports Psychology Can Support Athletes
Sports psychology combines mental strategies with therapeutic techniques to address these challenges. Through personalized counselling, Tyler helps athletes build emotional resilience, develop mental clarity, and create sustainable performance habits.
Techniques Used in Sports Psychology with Tyler Ledwos
Tyler integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches to support athletes, including:
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) – An effective approach for processing trauma, injury recovery, and performance anxiety.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps athletes identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may hinder performance.
- Mindfulness – Encourages athletes to stay present and grounded, improving focus and reducing stress during high-pressure moments.
- Client-Centered Therapy – Provides a safe space for athletes to explore emotions, fears, and mental roadblocks without judgment.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Athletic Performance
Studies have shown that mental health directly impacts athletic performance. Athletes who prioritize their mental well-being are better equipped to manage stress, improve focus, and develop resilience. In fact, research highlights that mindfulness and self-compassion practices can enhance performance outcomes by reducing anxiety and promoting positive self-talk.
For example:
- Research from Canadian Women & Sport highlights the mental health struggles female athletes face, particularly during adolescence.
- Studies like those conducted by Mosewich et al. (2013) emphasize the importance of self-compassion in reducing anxiety and improving resilience in competitive sports.
Supporting Athletes with Life Transitions
For athletes who are facing retirement, injury, or identity struggles post-sport, sports psychology can be an essential tool for navigating these changes. Tyler’s approach includes:
✅ Building a renewed sense of purpose outside of sports.
✅ Developing new coping mechanisms to manage stress and uncertainty.
✅ Exploring alternative outlets for passion and achievement.
Why Choose Tyler Ledwos at Solasta Counselling in Calgary?
Tyler’s unique background as a former high-level football player, combined with his extensive mental health expertise, allows him to connect with athletes on a deeper level. His experience enables him to tailor strategies that are practical, effective, and designed to support athletic performance.
He is passionate about promoting mental wellness in sports and encouraging open conversations around mental health in athletic communities. Whether you’re an elite competitor, weekend warrior, or a coach supporting athletes, Tyler’s specialized counselling can help you thrive.
Accessible Support for Calgary Athletes
Tyler currently has low-cost/sliding scale fee openings to make sports psychology services more accessible to athletes in Calgary and virtually throughout Alberta. If you are seeking personalized support to improve mental resilience, navigate performance anxiety, or manage transitions, Tyler is here to help.
Contact Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services
Take the next step in your mental wellness journey by contacting Tyler Ledwos at Solasta Counselling. To learn more or book an appointment, reach out to tyler@solastacounselling.ca.
Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical performance — and Tyler is here to help you excel in both.