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Therapy and Counseling for Teenagers and Young Adults in Westlake, OH - Wild Lily Counseling
Performance Anxiety specialist in Westlake, OH
When Your Brain Turns Against You Right Before the Big Moment…
Performance Anxiety therapy | Therapist| Teenage and young adults | Westlake, OH
You rehearsed. You've prepared. You KNOW it all. But the moment you go out on stage, get asked a question in class, or get in line for the championship game, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating, and your mind is completely a blank. Ring a bell? Welcome to the stage of performance anxiety, where your mind chooses to crack under pressure at the exact moment you need it.
But here's the thing—performance anxiety isn't a matter of not being skilled or prepared. It's your body and mind responding to stress in overdrive. The good news? You can definitely learn how to control it, so you can perform at your best without the nerves getting in the way.
Signs You Might Have Performance Anxiety
Performance Anxiety therapy | Therapist| Teenage and young adults | Westlake, OH
Performance Anxiety
You feel great until it's go time—then your body freaks out.
Your hands shake, your voice cracks, or your tummy knots up.
Your mind freezes over completely, even when you had a clue just a second ago.
You avoid situations in which you must perform, speak, or compete.
You dwell on every small mistake-even when nobody else knew anything was wrong.
You talk yourself into believing you're "just bad at" public speaking, taking tests, performing, or competing.
If this sounds like you, do not worry because performance anxiety is extremely common, and you do not have to live with it forever.
How We Help You Master Your Nerves (Instead of Letting Them Master You)
Performance Anxiety therapy | Therapist| Teenage and young adults | Westlake, OH
Wild Lily Counseling specializes in helping teens and young adults bring performance anxiety under their control and transform it into confidence.
No Judgement, Just Support – We get it, and we are here to help. No pressure, no shame—and just strategies that work.
Practical Coping Tools – From breathing techniques to mindset shifts, we'll educate you on real strategies that actually help in the moment.
A Safe Place to Practice – Therapy is a no-pressure zone where you can work through fears, build confidence, and test new strategies.
Who Does Performance Anxiety Affect? (Hint: More People Than You Think!)
Performance anxiety is not just for actors or athletes. It can happen in any situation, such as:
Public Speaking & Presentations – Speaking in class, meetings at work, or even speaking out in a group.
Test-Taking & Academic Stress – Freezing during tests or being overwhelmed by the stress of performing well.
Sports & Competitions – Stage fright or choking under pressure.
Music, Theater & The Arts – Stage fright, audition anxiety, or worry about getting every little thing wrong.
Social Situations & Job Interviews – Constantly needing to be "on-stage" to appear good.
Therapy for Performance Anxiety: What to Expect
We use techniques based on scientific evidence to have you feeling calmer and much more in control while experiencing your pressure situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – How to reframe the thoughts that drive your anxiety.
Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques – Conditioning your brain to remain calm in stressful situations.
Exposure Therapy – Slowly confronting fears in a secure, supportive manner so they become powerless.
Visualization & Mental Rehearsal – Same techniques used by top-performing athletes and performers to improve confidence.
Confidence-Building Strategies – So you can believe in yourself and what you can do when it matters.
Why Choose Wild Lily Counseling?
We Make Therapy Comfortable & Fun – No stiff, clinical vibes here—just real conversations that help you grow.
Flexible Scheduling – In-person and virtual options to fit your lifestyle.
Personalized Strategies – Because no two people experience performance anxiety the same way.
A Judgment-Free Zone – You don't have to be "perfect" here—we're here to help you build confidence, not tear it down.
Click here to read more about other conditions we treat at Wild Lily Counseling: