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Welcome 

 

Being an elite athlete comes with immense pressure—expectations, juggling home and work, injuries, public scrutiny, business negotiations and the weight of performance. But what happens when the game/fight ends, the lights go out, or the pressure becomes too much? At Mindful Athlete Pro, we provide a safe space for professional athletes to navigate trauma and anxiety that serve as roadblocks to your fullest potential, and the unique mental health challenges that come with the profession.

 

Our focus is on you as a person first, athlete second. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, current anxiety, the stress of competition, the transition out of sports or finding your identity outside of your profession, we’re here to help you regain control and heal. 

 

Through specialized therapy tailored to high-performing individuals, we offer strategies to break through mental barriers, manage stress, and cultivate resilience. Confidentiality and trust are at the core of our approach, ensuring you feel supported without judgment, and valued who you are outside of your profession. 

 

Let’s take the first step together. Schedule a consultation today.

Meet Melissa

My name is Melissa Garcia, and boxing has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember.

I grew up around fighters through my father, a respected professional trainer who dedicated his life to the sport until his passing in October 2024. Boxing wasn't just something he did—it was part of our family's everyday life. He even built a gym onto our home, where fighters would stay and train during camp. Our house was always full of athletes preparing for their next fight, sharing meals, stories, victories, setbacks, and life experiences. Over time, they became much more than fighters. They became family.

Because of this, I spent countless hours around training camps, fight weeks, and fight nights. I had a front-row seat to the dedication, sacrifice, and pressure that comes with life in boxing. As the years passed, many fighters naturally came to me for support. They trusted me with their fears, doubts, hopes, and struggles—often allowing me into some of their most vulnerable moments. These relationships have been some of the most meaningful of my life, and many of these fighters remain my forever family today.

I've also had the privilege of supporting the people behind the fighters—the spouses, partners, parents, children, and loved ones who experience the emotional ups and downs of the sport alongside them. I understand firsthand that boxing impacts entire families, not just the athlete stepping into the ring.

My professional journey in mental health began in 2004, and I have been practicing as a therapist since 2015. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and the impact of trauma. My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded in authentic human connection. I believe people heal when they feel seen, understood, and supported without judgment.

Supporting both fighters and their families is especially meaningful to me. I've witnessed how a strong foundation at home can help a fighter succeed, and how supporting the wellbeing of the family strengthens everyone involved. Whether you're facing challenges related to boxing or simply navigating life's difficulties, my goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel supported every step of the way.

Boxing gave me a unique understanding of resilience, community, and the importance of connection. It taught me that no one succeeds alone—and no one should have to struggle alone either.



 

EMDR Intensive

What is an EMDR Intensive?

A targeted, high-impact therapy experience, an EMDR Intensive compresses nearly two months of therapy into just 3 days (first session is one week prior to second and third). Instead of weekly sessions that take months to see results, this format accelerates healing and rewires unhelpful thought patterns quickly, giving you the mental clarity, confidence, and focus needed to perform at your highest level.

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Why it works?

✔️ Rapid Results – Process and resolve performance-limiting fears, anxiety, and trauma in days instead of months.

✔️ Intense Focus – No distractions or drawn-out therapy—just dedicated, deep work on the mental blocks holding you back.

✔️ Neuroscience-Backed Approach – EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) rewires the brain, helping you break free from negative thought loops, fear, and past setbacks.

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Who Can Benefit?

✅ Athletes struggling with fear of failure and anxiety

✅ Those recovering from injuries, setbacks, or trauma affecting confidence

✅ Competitors who overthink, freeze, or hesitate under pressure

✅ Athletes stuck in self-doubt, perfectionism, or negative thought cycles

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What Happens in the EMDR Intensive?

🔹 Pre-Intensive Assessment – We identify specific triggers, patterns, and mental blocks affecting your performance.

🔹 Multi-Hour EMDR Sessions Over 3 Days – Focused, structured EMDR therapy targeting anxiety, fear, self-doubt, or trauma affecting your game. 

​​🔹 Nervous System Reset – EMDR helps desensitize and reprocess distressing memories, so they no longer trigger anxiety, hesitation, or self-sabotage.

🔹 Mental Performance Strategies – Learn practical tools to reinforce your breakthrough and maintain a strong, focused mindset long-term.

🔹 Post-Intensive Follow-Up  (30 min virtual appointment) 

 

We offer on-location services in CA. 

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