Sarah Hughson, LLPC

I am a licensed therapist and former professional athlete who helps teens and adults navigate anxiety, stress, self-doubt, life transitions, and the pressure to meet expectations. I specialize in helping individuals, including athletes and high performers, build confidence, overcome mental barriers, develop healthier coping skills, and feel more in control both in life and performance.

Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you’re used to handling things on your own. You may look like you have everything together on the outside while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from the pressure you put on yourself. My goal is to provide a space where you can slow things down, feel understood, and work through what’s actually getting in the way.

I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, self-doubt, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the pressure to meet high expectations. I also have a particular passion for working with athletes and high performers who may be struggling with confidence, perfectionism, performance anxiety, identity, burnout, injury, playing time, or the feeling that their worth is tied to how well they perform.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and practical. I want our sessions to be a place where you can talk openly and honestly, but also leave with greater insight and tangible strategies you can use outside of the therapy room. Depending on your needs, our work may include developing healthier coping skills, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, building confidence, strengthening relationships, and learning how to respond differently to anxiety and pressure.

As a former professional athlete with a background in both clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology, I bring a unique understanding of the intersection between mental health, identity, expectations, and performance. You do not need to be an athlete to work with me. At the core of my practice is helping people better understand themselves, navigate difficult seasons, and build the skills and confidence to move forward in a way that feels healthier and more fulfilling.

Therapy does not have to mean something is “wrong.” Sometimes it simply means you are ready for things to feel different. Wherever you are starting from, we can work together to figure out what that difference looks like for you.