MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
Therapy for Student-Athletes
Gateway to Victory: Championing Mental Health & Resilience in Athletes
In-office sessions in Encino CA, and online across California.
Championing Mental Health at MILIKA: Your Winning Strategy On and Off the Field.
At MILIKA, we understand the unique demands and pressures that student athletes face both on and off the field. Balancing rigorous training schedules, pressure to perform, academic responsibilities, and social obligations can take a toll on mental well-being.
That's why we're here to provide specialized therapy services tailored to the needs of student athletes. Through individualized therapy sessions, we help student athletes reduce burdening mental health symptoms, manage stress, and build overall resilience. If you're struggling and need support , our clinicians are here to support you every step of the way.
Benefits of Therapy for Student Athletes
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Receive personalized therapy to address mental health distress such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, providing you with coping tools and techniques to target symptoms and maintain wellbeing on and off the field.
STIGMA REDUCTION
Challenge stigma surrounding mental health and seek support without fear of judgment, promoting a culture of openness and acceptance within the athletic community.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Addressing mental health distress can positively impact athletic performance, as you'll be better equipped to manage stress, maintain focus, and perform at your peak potential.
A SAFE SPACE
Benefit from a confidential and non-judgmental environment to explore your thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness and emotional growth.
SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
Work collaboratively with a clinician to identify triggers and patterns contributing to anxiety, depression, and trauma, developing personalized interventions to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
LONG TERM WELL-BEING
Invest in your long-term mental health and well-being, laying the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life both on and off the field.
Common Factors Impacting the Mental Health of Student Athletes
Academic Pressure: Balancing rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.
Performance Expectations: There may be pressure from coaches, teammates, parents, and oneself to perform well consistently, which can lead to performance anxiety and self-doubt.
Injury and Rehabilitation: Dealing with injuries, especially those that prevent participation in sports, can cause emotional distress, frustration, and a loss of identity for student athletes who often strongly identify with their sport.
Social Isolation: The intense focus on training and competition may limit opportunities for socialization, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact mental health.
Body Image and Eating Disorders: Athletes, especially those in sports with weight or body size requirements, may face pressure to maintain a certain physique, leading to body image issues and the development of eating disorders.
Transitioning Out of Sports: For student athletes approaching the end of their athletic careers, whether due to graduation, injury, or retirement, the prospect of transitioning to a life without competitive sports can trigger anxiety, depression, and a loss of identity.
Pressure to Succeed Professionally: For athletes aspiring to compete at the professional level, the pressure to excel can be immense, leading to anxiety about future career prospects and financial stability.
Lack of Mental Health Support: Despite growing awareness, mental health support for student athletes may still be lacking in some educational institutions and sports organizations, leaving athletes feeling unsupported and unsure of where to turn for help.
At MILIKA, we believe that seeking help is a sign of STRENGTH, not weakness.
"It's okay if you're not okay."
Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, opens up about his struggle with depression and anxiety.
"I say put mental health first" - Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
An important segment on mental health of athletes from Wall Street Journal.
Mental Skills & Resilience Training for Student Athletes
MILIKA Center is proud to offer mental skilsl & resilience skills training for student athletes. Our customized programs are tailored to empower student athletes to excel in both sports and academics, cultivating essential skills including:
- Mental toughness to stay focused, disciplined, and confident when facing adversity
- Emotional intelligence to recognize, understand, and manage stress and challenging emotions effectively
- Strategic goal-setting to define clear objectives and pursue them with direction and purpose
- Adaptability to adjust, problem-solve, and thrive in the face of change and uncertainty
- Effective communication to strengthen relationships and collaborate successfully with teammates and coaches
- Resilient mindset to recover from setbacks quickly and maintain confidence under pressure
Click below to learn more about the program.
ABOUT US
Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience
Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.
Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive change.
As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi
Meet The Team
Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.
Associate Therapist
Jasmine Chow, AMFT.
Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.
Doctoral Clinical Trainee
Kurtis Vu, M.A.
Clinical Therapist
Lindsay Merrill, LMFT.
Yoga Instructor
Laily Gallo
Get in touch with us!
Ready to get started?
Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.