Hi, and Welcome!
Sara McMann, MA, APCC
Helping Teens Build Mental Strength, Confidence, and Clarity
Hi, I’m Sara — an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping teenagers navigate pressure, performance, and pain with greater resilience and confidence.
If you’re here because you’re worried about your teen, you’re not alone. Whether it’s anxiety, pressure to achieve, emotional shut-downs, or lingering pain from past experiences — it’s painful to watch your child struggle and not know how to help.
The good news? You’ve already taken a powerful step by seeking support. I’m here to help your teen move forward — and to support you in the process.
My Experience — On and Off the Mat
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 30 years in the world of elite athletics.
As an Olympic Silver Medalist in wrestling, former UFC Title contender, and coach to Olympic champions, I know firsthand the mental, emotional, and physical toll high expectations can take — especially on young people trying to measure up.
That experience gives me a unique lens into the lives of teens who feel like they’re constantly “on” — even when they’re breaking down inside.
I specialize in working with teens who are driven, overwhelmed, burned out, or struggling silently beneath the surface. Many are high-achievers, student-athletes, or perfectionists.
Others are facing trauma, identity challenges, self-esteem issues, or anxiety that’s holding them back in school, sports, or relationships.
Why Teens Connect With Me
Most teens aren’t exactly excited about starting therapy — and I get that. My first priority is helping them feel safe enough to be real — no pressure, no judgment, no lectures.
I bring a calm, grounded presence and a straightforward style. Some sessions are about exploring tough emotions or untangling internal pressure. Others are focused on learning tools to manage stress, performance anxiety, or intense emotions.
Whether we’re talking about school, sports, relationships, or identity — I create space where your teen can show up exactly as they are.
What Parents Can Expect
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to feel disconnected from your child — especially when you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to reach them.
My goal isn’t to replace your voice or tell you how to parent. It’s to offer your teen a space where they can explore what they’re going through, find new ways to cope, and build the kind of emotional strength that will serve them for life.
I’ll keep you informed without violating your teen’s trust — helping you understand what’s going on beneath the surface and how to support them at home. This isn’t just about helping your teen feel better — it’s about helping your family reconnect and heal together.
Why I Do This Work
My path to becoming a therapist was deeply personal. I’ve experienced the intense highs of achievement — and the quiet struggles that often come with it. I know how lonely it can feel to hold it all together on the outside while feeling lost or overwhelmed inside. That lived experience fuels my commitment to helping teens find clarity, resilience, and relief.
I truly admire the parents who reach out for support — because it takes courage to trust someone with your child’s well-being. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
My Approach
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all — especially when it comes to teens. I customize my approach based on what works best for your child. I integrate evidence-based practices with insights from elite performance psychology and trauma-informed care.
Some of the tools I use include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to challenge anxious thoughts and develop healthier coping patterns
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Mindfulness & Somatic Techniques – to help teens feel more in control of their emotions and bodies
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Performance Psychology Strategies – to build mental toughness and emotional balance under pressure
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Trauma-Informed Practices – to help teens heal from painful experiences with sensitivity and care
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Real, Honest Conversations – to foster self-awareness, trust, and confidence without shame or judgment
What I Want You to Know
Your teen is capable of healing, growing, and thriving — even if things feel heavy right now. With the right support, they can move through the challenges they’re facing and come out stronger on the other side.
You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to walk alongside your teen — and you — every step of the way.
Take your first step today.
I’d be honored to be part of your family’s journey.