A Therapist for Athletes
Why would a high-performing athlete consider counseling/therapy?
Are you a current or former athlete dealing with emotional challenges from transitioning out of sports, such as loss of identity or purpose.
Has an injury impacted your mental or physical health?
Do you struggle with performance Anxiety and Stress?
Are you facing challenges with the pressures of performance, training, and balancing work or academics?
Beyond the life of sports - do you need tools for coping with life stress, relationships, and career pressures?
If you resonate with any of these areas, let’s talk!
Meet Your Therapist
De’Aires Cotton, MA, License LPC-A
As a former athlete, I know first-hand how demanding competitive sports can be. I am here as a resource for my fellow athletes and former athletes. We never stop being athletes, and that mindset stays with us. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting men, especially those navigating the unique challenges that come with sports, life transitions, anxiety, and PTSD.
Based here in Austin, Texas, I’ve opened my own private practice to offer specialized mental health services. If you’re looking for a therapist who gets where you’re coming from, I’m accepting new clients and would be honored to work with you.
I offer 100% virtual therapy sessions throughout the state of Texas, as well as virtual and-in person options in the Greater Austin, Texas Area.
Book a free 15-minute Consultation with me!
Whether you are transitioning out of sports, coping with injuries, or managing performance anxiety and stress, we focus on addressing key emotional and mental health needs. We work on tools to handle the pressures of performance, training, and life beyond sports, including relationships, career demands, and personal growth.
How can therapy help me?
As a black male mental health therapist with an athletic background, I can provide unique support to current and former athletes by leveraging my experience and understanding of athletic culture to help you in a variety of areas:
“The most important thing I’ve learned in life is that I am more than what I do. My mental health matters beyond the field.
”
— Address Performance Anxiety and Stress
We’ll work on techniques like mindfulness, visualization, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage pre-game anxiety and stress & implement tools to reframe failure and setbacks to build resilience.
— Support Identity and Transition
Transitioning out of sports is HARD. We’ll work on navigating emotional challenges, redefining your identity/purpose and discovering new passions and career paths.
— Address Work-Life-Sports Balance
Burnout in sports is REAL. We’ll work on time management and self-care strategies to manage the demands of sports, academics, work & personal life. Have problems in team/coach relationships OR personal relationships? We’ll address those too.
— Mental Wellness and Injury Recovery
Injuries sometimes happen - trust me, I know. Let’s work together to manage emotions during injury recovery, including coping with frustration, isolation, and fear of reinjury by implementing strategies to maintain mental health while sidelined from sports.
Mental health is so important, especially for athletes who are under constant pressure. It’s okay to not be okay.
-Michael Phelps, Olympian
“Deaires challenges the status quo with his grounded presence. A former athlete turned therapist, he empowers men to embrace their emotions and vulnerability as strengths. His calm yet powerful energy fosters deep healing, and I’m honored to know him!”