Elite athletes train for countless hours to sharpen their physical skills — but mental readiness can be just as critical to performance. The pressure to excel, recover from setbacks, and maintain focus in high-stakes moments can lead to sports performance anxiety, burnout, or even a loss of passion for the sport.

At VOX Mental Health, Jill Richmond, Registered Clinical Social Worker, combines 27 years of mental health expertise with firsthand experience in the elite sports world to help athletes and their families strengthen both mental resilience and emotional well-being.

Understanding Sports Performance Anxiety

Sports performance anxiety goes beyond typical pre-game nerves. It can look like:

• Overthinking during competition and losing focus
• Fear of failure that prevents risk-taking or peak performance
• Physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or rapid heartbeat before or during events
• Self-doubt following mistakes or criticism
• Avoidance of competition or training sessions

Without proper support, performance anxiety can affect not only results but also an athlete’s enjoyment of their sport.

Jill’s Personal Connection to Elite Sports

As a mother of two elite-level athletes, Jill has witnessed firsthand the physical, emotional, and mental demands competitive sport can place on young people. She understands the delicate balance between sport, school, family, and rest — and the toll that imbalance can take.

Her personal experience allows her to build immediate trust with athletes and their parents. She knows the pressures are real — and that developing mental resilience can be the difference between an athlete who thrives and one who burns out.

Psychotherapy for Elite Athletes

Jill provides athletes with tools to manage stress, sharpen focus, and stay emotionally grounded in high-pressure environments. Her approach includes:

• Evidence-based strategies for anxiety management and mental focus
• Cognitive-behavioural techniques to reframe unhelpful thinking
• Resilience-building exercises to bounce back from mistakes or injuries
• Support during transitions such as moving to higher levels of competition or retiring from sport
• Family guidance to help parents support rather than unintentionally add to pressure

She often incorporates humour and a relaxed tone, helping even the most hesitant teens or young adults feel comfortable opening up.

Beyond the Game

Jill understands that an athlete is more than their sport. Mental health concerns like depression, ADHD, grief, and family stress can influence performance and overall well-being. By addressing the whole person, not just the athlete, Jill helps clients develop skills they can use long after the season ends.

Why Choose VOX Mental Health for Sports Mental Health Support

With Jill Richmond’s blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and compassion, VOX Mental Health offers a uniquely informed approach to sports-related psychotherapy in Ontario. Whether in person in Barrie or virtually across the province, Jill is committed to helping athletes achieve peak mental performance — both on and off the field.

If you or your child are an elite athlete experiencing sports performance anxiety, or if you simply want to strengthen mental resilience for competition, Jill Richmond can help.

📍 In-person sessions in Barrie, Ontario, and virtual appointments across Ontario
📞 Book at www.voxmentalhealth.com