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.

Counselling in Calgary for Those Departing and Returning from Field Work

Humanitarian aid workers dedicate their lives to helping others in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Whether preparing to leave for a field assignment or returning home after time abroad, these individuals often face unique mental health challenges that require specialized support. At Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services, we offer tailored counselling services for humanitarian aid workers, both in person and virtually throughout Alberta. Our therapist, Sarah Choudhry, specializes in supporting those in this field, drawing from her extensive experience both as a psychologist and a former aid worker.

The Unique Mental Health Challenges Faced by Humanitarian Aid Workers

Humanitarian aid work can be immensely rewarding, but it often comes with high levels of stress, trauma exposure, and intense emotional experiences. Those preparing for a field assignment may feel overwhelmed by the unknown, worried about family relationships during their absence, or anxious about adapting to challenging environments. Meanwhile, returning aid workers often struggle with reintegration, grief, or even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Common concerns that humanitarian aid workers may face include:

• Pre-departure anxiety: Concerns about leaving loved ones, adapting to new cultures, or facing unexpected dangers in the field.
• Trauma exposure: Witnessing violence, displacement, or suffering can lead to emotional distress, even for those accustomed to high-pressure environments.
• Moral injury: Aid workers may struggle with feelings of guilt or helplessness when confronted with overwhelming needs they can’t fully address.
• Isolation and reintegration challenges: Returning home may bring feelings of disconnection, a sense of “reverse culture shock,” or difficulty relating to friends and family who may not understand their experiences.

These complex emotional experiences require compassionate and specialized therapeutic support to help aid workers build resilience and maintain their mental well-being.

How Counselling in Calgary Can Support Humanitarian Aid Workers

At Solasta, Sarah offers dedicated counselling for humanitarian aid workers in Calgary and across Alberta. Sarah’s unique background as both a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a former pharmacist with Médecins Sans Frontières allows her to deeply understand the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that this work can bring.

Sarah’s expertise includes working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and cultural concerns—issues that often overlap with the experiences of humanitarian aid workers. Her therapeutic approach integrates multiple modalities to provide personalized support, including:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A powerful trauma-focused therapy that helps clients process distressing memories and build emotional resilience.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): An effective method for helping aid workers manage difficult emotions, such as anxiety or guilt, by fostering mindfulness and self-compassion.
• Client-Centered Therapy: Sarah provides a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel safe exploring their emotions and concerns.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach equips aid workers with practical coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.

Counselling for Aid Workers Preparing for Departure

For those about to embark on a field assignment, pre-departure counselling can provide vital mental preparation. Sarah offers guidance on:

• Developing healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
• Strengthening communication skills for working in high-pressure, multicultural environments.
• Managing feelings of guilt or worry about leaving family and loved ones.

By addressing these concerns in advance, humanitarian aid workers can enter their assignments feeling more grounded and prepared for the emotional demands of their work.

Counselling for Returning Aid Workers

Returning home after a field assignment often presents unexpected challenges. Feelings of disconnection, grief, or culture shock are common. Sarah supports returning aid workers by:

• Helping them process traumatic experiences through EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies.
• Providing strategies for rebuilding relationships with loved ones after a period of separation.
• Supporting individuals as they reintegrate into everyday life, work, and social routines.

Sarah’s personal experience with humanitarian work gives her a unique ability to empathize with these challenges and provide practical tools for healing and growth.

Virtual Counselling for Humanitarian Aid Workers Across Alberta

At Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services, we recognize that humanitarian aid workers may not always be able to attend in-person sessions. For this reason, we offers secure and confidential virtual counselling for clients across Alberta. Whether you’re located in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, or a more remote community, Sarah’s services are accessible to support your mental well-being.

Why Choose Solasta Counselling for Humanitarian Aid Worker Support?

Our practice is dedicated to providing empathetic, client-focused care that prioritizes your unique experiences and mental health needs. Sarah brings a combination of psychological expertise and firsthand humanitarian experience, making her especially equipped to support those navigating the emotional complexities of this field.

If you are a humanitarian aid worker preparing for deployment, currently on a field assignment, or adjusting to life after returning home, we invite you to connect with Sarah. Together, we can build the skills and emotional resilience needed to support your well-being as you continue your vital work.

Contact Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services in Calgary

For compassionate support tailored to humanitarian aid workers, contact Solasta in Calgary. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy options to meet your unique needs.

Book an appointment today with Sarah Choudhry to start your journey toward greater emotional well-being and resilience.

ADHD Coaching – What Is It?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults, making everyday tasks, focus, and organization more difficult. Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s ADHD or an adult struggling with time management, coaching can help you build the skills needed to thrive.

At Solasta, we offer ADHD coaching to support individuals in developing strategies for success in school, work, and daily life.

How ADHD Coaching Helps

ADHD coaching is action-oriented and skills-based, focusing on practical solutions rather than deep emotional exploration. Coaching helps individuals understand their unique ADHD challenges while providing strategies to improve:

Time Management & Organization – Learn how to create routines, use planners effectively, and manage tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Executive Functioning –Strengthen skills like planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Emotional Regulation – Develop coping strategies for frustration, impulsivity, and emotional outbursts.

Productivity & Focus – Implement techniques to reduce distractions and improve work or school performance.

Self-Esteem & Motivation – Shift from negative self-talk to self-confidence and resilience.

ADHD Coaching for Parents & Adults

For Parents

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel exhausting, especially when dealing with homework struggles, emotional meltdowns, and inconsistent routines. ADHD coaching provides parenting strategies that work with your child’s brain, helping you create structure, predictability, and positive reinforcement.

For Adults

Many adults with ADHD experience chronic procrastination, forgetfulness, and overwhelm. ADHD coaching helps adults create personalized systems for staying on track with work, managing relationships, and improving overall life balance.

ADHD Coaching in Calgary

If you or your child struggles with ADHD, structured support can make a lasting difference. At Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services, we offer ADHD coaching in Calgary to help individuals develop effective strategies for success.

Our therapist, Alyssa Scalzo, specializes in ADHD coaching, working with both children and adults to improve executive functioning, focus, and daily routines. Alyssa brings a strengths-based approach, helping individuals harness their unique abilities while addressing ADHD challenges.

Contact us to schedule an appointment.

If you’ve ever felt like quitting a sport you once loved, you’re not alone. As a counsellor in Calgary, I’ve experienced firsthand how societal expectations, gender roles, external pressures and mental health struggles shape the athletic experience.

For many adolescent girls, sports provide a sense of community, confidence, teamwork, life skills, and an outlet for stress. However, they also come with unique challenges that impact mental well-being. Despite these benefits, about 1 in 3 girls drop out of their sport by late adolescence, often driven by judgment, confidence struggles, body image concerns, academic pressure, and social expectations.

This blog explores the common struggles girls face in sports and how therapeutic approaches can help them thrive.

Challenges Girls Experience in Sport

Body Shaming and Body Image Pressure

For many girls when they reach adolescence self-esteem decreases and negative body image increases. Sport can often heighten these concerns. Girls in sport often receive harmful and conflicting messages about their bodies.

• “You must achieve a certain ideal body.”
• “You need to be fit and strong but also lean and feminine.”
• “You are too muscular” or “You don’t look like an athlete.”

These body image pressures can leave girls feeling self-conscious, distressed, anxious, and depressed. They also contribute to negative self-talk, disordered eating, and restrictive eating, and question their place in sports. Research notes approximately 60% of women in sports have had a coach, parent, or peer comment on their body.

Identity Struggles

Young athletes may feel their entire identity is tied to and defined by being an athlete which can create emotional strain and overwhelming pressure. As well as other challenges such as:

• Fear of Failure: If a girl believes her value is only in her athletic success, setbacks (like injuries or poor performance) can feel devastating, leading her to quit rather than risk not being good.
• Burnout: Over-committed to an athlete identity may lead to neglect in other interests, friendships, and passions. Over time, this lack of balance can lead to mental defeat.
• Struggles with Transition: As girls enter adolescence, they may question their future in sport. Without a strong sense of self outside of athletics, this uncertainty can sometimes make it difficult to navigate their place outside of sports.

Pressure from Coaches, Parents & Peers

Young female athletes may place a large emphasis on external validation. Feeling like their self-worth, confidence, and identity are linked to external validation from coaches, parents, and teammates. Relying on this validation and feeling like it is a determining factor of self-worth and identity may lead to self-doubt, making sports feel emotionally distressing.

Negative experiences with coaches such as verbal put-downs, punishment for mistakes, ignoring athletes when struggling, and displaying favoritism can contribute to anxiety, depression, self-doubt, low self-esteem, self-criticism, and lack of enjoyment.

Lack of Enjoyment

When the focus shifts from fun to performance, winning, and competition, sports can start to feel like a burden rather than an enjoyable activity.

• Constant pressure to perform and a fear of failure can take the joy out of playing.
• Negative experiences with coaches can contribute to anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and a lack of motivation.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

Through personal experience and research, these challenges and barriers faced by adolescent girls and women in sport can lead to various mental health concerns some including:

• Depression, anxiety, PTSD, poor body image, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, perfectionism, identity crisis, decreased motivation, performance anxiety, and resentment towards sports.

How Therapy Can Support and Empower Girls in Sport

Therapeutic interventions can help girls navigate these challenges, foster resilience, and build confidence.

Self-compassion and Mindfulness

Therapy can help integrate mindfulness and self-compassion which are important tools in helping young female athletes build resilience and improve mental well-being.

Research has shown that among female athletes 13-18 years old, self-compassion was helpful in reducing shame, fear of failure, worry, self-doubt, fear of making mistakes, and negative self-talk. Self-compassion was linked with an increase in self-esteem, confidence, self-acceptance, and positive body image.

• Self-compassion has been linked to reducing the impact of coaching pressure, perfectionism, and distressing emotions related to performance.
• Mindfulness can help young female athletes gain a balanced perspective on training, performance, recovery, and relationships. Helping to reduce the pressure from coaches, parents, and peers.
• Through creating a healthier relationship with thoughts, feelings, and emotions, mindfulness supports athletes in coping with stress and pressure. This can reduce anxiety about making mistakes and promote a more accurate perception of their skills and abilities.
• Mindfulness can help encourage athletes to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities, recognizing them as a natural part of growth and human experience. This perspective fosters a sense of connection with others facing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation and building a strong support network.
• Mindfulness and self-compassion can help young female athletes develop a sense of self both within and outside of their sport.

How YOU Can Help Empower Young Girls in Sport

As parents, coaches, and counsellors, we all have a role in creating a supportive environment for female athletes. Here are some ways to help:

1. Encourage girls to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment. Celebrate their strength, skill, and individuality.
2. Shift the focus from outcomes to effort, learning, and personal development.
3. Highlight stories of female athletes who embody resilience and perseverance, showing girls what’s possible.
4. Foster environments where athletes feel comfortable, empowered, and accepted when sharing their struggles.

 

Empower her game and break down barriers!

If you’re a young athlete, parent of a young athlete, or anyone navigating the world of sports, understanding these challenges can help you create a healthier and more positive athletic experience.

Let’s work together to ensure that sports remain a place where girls feel strong, confident, and empowered. Learn more about adolescent counselling in Calgary and how our team at Solasta Counselling can support you.

Welcome to Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services Ltd., where we believe in guiding individuals towards their inner radiance and resilience to help our clients shine their brightest.

You might be wondering why we chose the name Solasta for our psychology practice in Calgary.Let us illuminate the significance behind our name.

Solasta, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “solus” meaning light, luminous, shining, or bright, perfectly encapsulates our core philosophy. In a world often clouded by darkness and uncertainty, we strive to be a beacon of light for those seeking clarity and healing. Our name reflects our commitment to helping individuals navigate through their challenges and emerge stronger and more empowered.

When Scott and Gillian were married in 2001, the sun became an important theme. Gillian’s mother mentioned in her speech that Gillian had responded to the immense and uncontrollable challenges in her life by being positive, and sunshiny! This is still true today. Throughout Gillian and Scott’s ups and downs, they have chosen to be honest about the challenges that they have faced while trying to be optimistic about the future. The word “Solasta” represented their Scottish heritage and their desire to focus on helping others create positive change in their lives, even in the face of significant challenges.

We believe in creating a safe and nurturing space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Our therapists and psychologists in Calgary are here to walk alongside our clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Solasta conveys a sense of positivity and hope, which we hope resonates with individuals seeking support during difficult times. It reflects our belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit and our commitment to empowering individuals to overcome their challenges and thrive.

Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services is more than just a name—it’s a reflection of our values, mission, and commitment to helping others. With our unique blend of compassion, expertise, and dedication, we are here to guide you on your journey towards healing and transformation.

Welcome to Solasta Counselling and Psychological Services, where we can help you shine your brightest!

In the whirlwind of modern parenthood, it’s all too easy to find yourself teetering on the edge of burnout. Juggling the demands of work, household responsibilities, and the never-ending needs of your children can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched to your limits. Parental burnout is a very real phenomenon that affects countless parents around the world. But recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to address it can make all the difference in reclaiming your balance and well-being.

What is Parental Burnout?

Parental burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed—it’s a state of chronic exhaustion, emotional depletion, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood. It can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, irritability, resentment, and a loss of enjoyment in parenting.

Several factors can contribute to parental burnout, including:

• High Expectations: Unrealistic expectations of yourself as a parent, fueled by societal pressures or comparison with others, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.
• Lack of Support: Limited support from a partner, family members, or friends can make the challenges of parenting feel even more daunting.
• Work-Life Balance: Balancing the demands of work and family life can leave little time for self-care and relaxation, increasing the risk of burnout.
• Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in parenting or maintaining a perfectly organized household can create unnecessary stress and pressure.
• Lack of Boundaries: Difficulty setting boundaries with children, family members, or work commitments can lead to feeling constantly overwhelmed and depleted.

Parenting Children with Exceptional Needs: Parenting children with additional support needs, and children who have experienced trauma (such as trauma related to events or developmental trauma, including adopted children and children living away from their biological parents) can be very stressful. Not only do parents need to navigate complex systems of support and advocate for their child’s needs to be met, they may also need to manage challenging behaviours.

Overcoming Parental Burnout

While parental burnout can feel all-consuming, there are steps you can take to regain your equilibrium and prevent burnout from taking over your life:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s carving out time for exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply relaxing with a good book, prioritize activities that recharge your batteries and nourish your soul.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to your partner, family members, or friends for support with childcare, household chores, or simply a listening ear.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Let go of the pressure to be the perfect parent and embrace the messy reality of family life. Recognize that it’s okay to ask for help, make mistakes, and prioritize your own well-being.
• Establish Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities and values. Set boundaries with your children, partner, and others to protect your time and energy.
• Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness in your daily life by staying present in the moment and practicing acceptance of yourself and your circumstances. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
• Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to cope with parental burnout on your own, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. Our Calgary psychologists and counsellors can provide a safe space to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through underlying issues contributing to burnout.

 

Remember, prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential for being the best parent you can be. By taking proactive steps to address parental burnout, you can reclaim your balance, find joy in parenting, and create a more fulfilling family life for yourself and your children.

Let our Calgary Psychologists support you in being a good enough parent.