Focus Therapy & Performance Coaching

10/23/2025

Perfectionism is one of the biggest mental hurdles athletes face, often leading to frustration, burnout, and loss of confidence--but it doesn't have to hold you back! This blog dives into how to shift your mindset from perfect performance to progress --and learn how to unlock your potential!

Every athlete wants to succeed—or at least feel that they have reached their highest potential. You train hard, set goals, and push yourself to reach your potential. But sometimes, that drive for success turns into something heavier — the pressure to be perfect. When every mistake feels like fai...

09/29/2025

Dreaming of playing your sport at the college level? The recruiting journey can feel overwhelming--but it doesn't have to. Whether you're just starting or already in the recruiting mix, this blog will give you the tools and mindset to move forward the right way!

For many athletes, the dream of playing at the next level is both exciting and overwhelming. Junior year is a huge year both academically and athletically if you have a child interested in playing at the next level. The college recruitment process is filled with opportunities, but it also brings its...

09/24/2025

Parent-teacher conferences aren't just about grades--they're about building a partnership that helps your child thrive! Stef McAlpin worked in education for 25 years as a school counselor and has been a Clinician at Focus for 4 years. Here are some tips to build collaboration with your child's teachers this year at conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences are more than a scheduled meeting; they are an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between home and school. Because, when parents and teachers come together with open communication and shared purpose, students benefit the most.

09/11/2025

In the latest blog we talk about how faith in God can help athletes release the weight of pressure and instead find peace, freedom and purpose in their performance. When you compete for Him pressure fades, joy increases and you can give your best without fear 💪🙏

09/05/2025

Being a student-athlete is an incredible journey but it can also feel like a juggling act. Between practices, games, homework and the pressures to perform, it's easy to feel stretched thin. This is a common question I get from my athletes especially as the school year starts up! Here are some tips to balance it all

09/03/2025

We took some time out of our busy schedules to celebrate our Focus Baby Strande coming this month!! We can't wait 🥰

09/02/2025

Raising kids in the age fo Snapchat, TikTok, and endless scrolling isn't easy. As parents, it's hard to know when to allow social media, how much is too much, and what's really going on behind those screens. Check out this blog on tips to help manage!

08/27/2025

Every athlete faces the question: "Am I good enough? or "Do I really belong here?" The truth is--self-doubt is normal. Even the best players in the world feel it. What separates great athletes is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to keep going anyway. Check out these tips to overcome!

07/31/2025

We're honored! 🥇We're thrilled to share that Focus has been awarded Best of 2025 in business ratings! This recognition means so much to us, and we couldn't have done it without YOU--our amazing clients, community, friends and family who continue to support, trust and cheer us on. Thank you for being part of our journey. We're excited for what's ahead and more committed than ever to serving you with excellence! Here's to more growth, connection and impact in 2025 and beyond! 💚

05/15/2025

Focus has been honored to be a provider for this amazing resource in the community —they have an awareness of the missing “links” available in community mental health and are tremendous advocates for change. To see this vision come to life has been such a rewarding journey—Happy One Year Anniversary to the amazing women behind this vision!

04/07/2025

Helping young athletes overcome mistakes in performance
Helping young athletes move on from mistakes and maintain their emotional composure can be crucial for their development and enjoyment of sports. Here are some tips to assist them:

1. **Normalize Mistakes**: Encourage young athletes to see mistakes as a natural part of learning and growing. Emphasize that even professional athletes make mistakes and that they are opportunities to learn and improve.

2. **Focus on the Present**: Teach athletes to concentrate on the current moment rather than dwelling on past errors. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, can help them stay focused and calm.

3. **Positive Self-talk**: Encourage positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts. Phrases like "I can learn from this" or "I will do better next time" can help shift their mindset.

4. **Set Realistic Goals**: Help them set achievable goals that focus on effort rather than outcome. This can reduce pressure and help them understand that improvement comes over time.

5. **Create a Supportive Environment**: Foster a supportive and encouraging environment where athletes feel safe to make mistakes without fear of harsh criticism. Praise their efforts and progress, not just the results.

6. **Encourage Reflection**: After a game or practice, have them reflect on what went well and what can be improved. This can turn mistakes into actionable learning experiences.

For parents looking to support their young athletes:

1. **Stay Positive**: Maintain a positive attitude about your child’s sports experiences. Focus on their enjoyment and development rather than winning or losing.

2. **Be Patient**: Understand that improvement takes time and patience. Offer encouragement and support rather than pressure to perform.

3. **Communicate Openly**: Keep open lines of communication to discuss feelings and experiences. Let them know it’s okay to talk about mistakes and how they feel about them.

4. **Model Composure**: Demonstrate how to handle mistakes and setbacks with composure yourself. Children often learn by watching how their parents react to challenges.

5. **Celebrate Effort**: Acknowledge and celebrate the effort and hard work they put into their sport, regardless of the outcome. This reinforces a growth mindset and resilience.

By implementing these strategies, young athletes can learn to manage their emotions effectively, build resilience, and enjoy sports more fully.

04/03/2025

Helping children manage stress and anxiety related to balancing school and sports is crucial for their overall well-being. Many children experience stress due to the demands of academic performance and the pressure to excel in sports. Understanding the reasons behind these feelings and learning effective management strategies can make a significant difference.

Children often feel stressed because of high expectations from parents, coaches, and even themselves. The fear of not meeting these expectations can lead to anxiety. Additionally, the lack of time for relaxation and social activities due to packed schedules can contribute to stress. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in with teammates can also be sources of anxiety.

To help children manage their stress, it's important to encourage open communication. Let them express their feelings without judgment and reassure them that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Teach them time management skills to balance schoolwork and sports effectively. Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals can reduce stress levels.

Encourage regular physical activity, not just through sports but also through fun and relaxing exercises like yoga or walking. Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help children stay calm and focused. Ensure they have enough time for rest and leisure activities, which are essential for mental recharge.

Lastly, remind children that it's important to enjoy the process rather than solely focusing on outcomes. Celebrate small achievements and efforts to build confidence and resilience. With these strategies, children can better manage their stress and enjoy both their academic and athletic pursuits.