Dealing with a Sports Injury
The Injury That Changed Everything: From the Field to the Studio
When your child suffers a sports injury, it can feel like their entire world is crashing down. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help them through this tough time, but it’s hard to know where to start. I understand this because I’ve been there myself. Sports were a huge part of my life when I was younger. I tried every sport I could, but tennis and soccer were my favorites. Being part of a team, working towards the common goal of winning, and finding joy on the field were things I cherished deeply. But when I was a sophomore in high school, my safe haven was taken away from me. During a soccer game, I was injured when another player collided with me, landing on the back of my knee. I pulled my hamstring and tore my meniscus.
The injury required surgery due to the oversized meniscus and the risk of further tearing. Knowing I needed surgery was one thing, but actually facing it was another. My phobias of shots, IVs, and surgery were overwhelming, and it took me about a year to come to terms with the necessity of the procedure. I eventually found the strength within to overcome my fears, at least long enough to go through with the surgery. But along with dealing with the physical aspects of the injury, I was also mourning the loss of sports. The place where I felt the most joy and found release from the stress of high school and being a teenager was gone. I was heartbroken and knew I needed another outlet.
A New Path to Healing: Finding a New Happy Place
That’s when I turned to art. I had always liked drawing and taking photos, but it had always been something I did alongside sports. After my injury, I made art my focus. I lost myself behind the lens of a camera, letting the rest of the world melt away except for what I saw through the viewfinder. Art became a new way for me to express myself, a way to let out my emotions without having to say anything. When one door closes, another one opens, and although it was hard to believe at 17, ultimately, my injury led me to discover art therapy. Art allowed me to express myself without words, just as I did with sports. It became a new “happy place” for me, where I could process my feelings and find solace.
Now, as a therapist, I bring this personal experience into my work with young athletes facing similar challenges. I understand the heartbreak of losing the thing that brings you the most joy, and I know how hard it is to find a new outlet. I’m here to support your child in their journey, helping them to heal, find resilience, and discover new sources of joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s through creative outlets like art or developing new passions and coping strategies, I work with kids and teens to navigate the emotional ups and downs that come with sports injuries. I know firsthand what they’re going through, and I’m here to help them find their way to a new happy place, just as I found mine.
