On this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, Dana is joined by Alexandra Winn-Marvin, LCSW, a Lexington-based therapist specializing in trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and athlete mental health. Drawing on her experience as a competitive dancer, longtime dance teacher, and therapist, Alexandra explains how a “push through the pain” culture can cause children to lose their love of sports—and carry unhealthy beliefs about performance into adulthood.

They discuss the early signs of burnout, why rest must be taught and modeled, and how over-scheduling can leave young athletes without the time to develop friendships or an identity away from competition. Alexandra also offers practical guidance for athletes learning to advocate for themselves, parents who recognize they may be adding to the pressure, and coaches who want to develop successful athletes without harming their well-being.

About Alexandra Winn-Marvin

Alexandra Winn-Marvin, LCSW, is a therapist based in Lexington, Kentucky. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and athlete mental health. A former competitive dancer and longtime dance teacher, Alexandra brings personal and professional insight to the pressures young athletes experience.

Connect With Alexandra

• Website: https://www.awmlcsw.com/
• Instagram: @its.giving.therapy

The Pain Free Athlete Podcast explores the physical and emotional realities of sports, helping athletes, parents, and coaches build healthier relationships with training, performance, recovery, and pain.

If this conversation resonated with you, consider contacting a licensed mental-health professional. If you are experiencing a mental-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988.

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.