Game On. Family Strong.

Helping athletes, parents, coaches, and clubs build resilience, well-being, and positive team cultures — on and off the field.

Counseling and Consulting for
Individuals, Athletes and Families

You’ve made the brave decision to seek help—whether for yourself, your child, or your family. That step alone is something to be proud of.

I am a seasoned psychotherapist with over 17 years of clinical experience, specializing in supporting athletes and their families alongside individuals navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, postpartum depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that true well-being goes beyond mental health—it includes the mind, body, relationships, and the environment around us. I practice a holistic, collaborative approach where you and your family are active partners in the process.

For athletes, the pressures of performance, identity, and balance can feel overwhelming—not just for the individual, but for parents and loved ones as well. Our sessions create a safe, judgment-free space to work through emotions, fears, and challenges while building resilience both on and off the field.

My mission is to help you and your family find strength, balance, and confidence in every season of life. As Glennon Doyle reminds us, “We have this one wild and precious life.” Let’s work together to make it the best version possible—for you and for those you love.

Programs & Services

I deliver engaging, evidence-based sessions tailored for athletes, parents, coaches, and entire clubs. Programs can be offered as 60–90 minute workshops, half-day trainings, or season-long partnerships. Athletes

Athletes

  • Resilient Athlete Lab: stress & recovery basics
  • Growth mindset: from outcomes to process
  • Confidence, self-talk, and routines
  • Team culture builders

Parents

  • Supportive sideline & post-game conversations
  • Emotion regulation and modeling resilience
  • Navigating expectations, tryouts, and playing time
  • Long-Term Athlete Development: what parents should know

Coaches & Staff

  • Building a process-focused team culture
  • Communication, boundaries, and hard conversations
  • Trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate coaching
  • Mental skills integration in practices

Formats Offered

Talks & Keynotes

Dynamic, motivational presentations

Interactive Workshops

Hands-on learning and take-home tools

Ongoing collaboration for deeper culture change

Season Partnerships

  • "I came to Dr. Carly Ellman when life felt unmanageable. Her background as a social worker made all the difference—she understood my challenges in the context of my relationships, my work, and my community. I feel supported in every area of my life."

    ★★★★★
    – Korim H.

  • "As an athlete, I was used to pushing through pain and pressure. Dr. Carly helped me reframe resilience—not as ignoring stress, but as building balance and identity beyond sports. Her social work approach gave me tools I can use for the rest of my life."

    ★★★★★
    – Rohim A. (Athlete)

  • "I always wanted to support my child without adding pressure. Dr. Carly Ellman’s perspective gave me clarity on how to model resilience, set boundaries, and celebrate growth as a family. We’ve seen such positive changes at home and in sports."

    ★★★★★
    – Maya S. (Parent)

  • "Dr. Carly Ellman doesn’t just work with individuals—she strengthens families and communities. Her holistic, social work approach helped us rebuild communication and connection, which has made a lasting difference in our family life."

    ★★★★★
    – Farhana K. (Family Client)

Mental Health & Mental Wellbeing for Athletes FC Europa

Best Practices in Coaching—Lower Merion Soccer Club

Mental Health & Mental Wellbeing for Athletes—Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College- Professional Development Presentation- Cross the Line

NASW-PA Conference Presenter- “Let Them” theory as Educators

NASW-PA Conference Presenter- Service Learning in Social Work Post COVID

NASW-PA Conference Presenter- SoulPaws

TEDxGCSOM Speaker- Resiliency March 2021

Endless Mountain Empowerment Summit—Speaker—Mental Health Panel & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Health Care Ethics, Humanities and Social Justice Webinar Series- Presenter-

Social Justice & Advocacy in Medical Practice-

Health Care Ethics, Humanities, and Social Justice Webinar Series Coordinator-

Association for Prevention Teaching and Research- Presenter (LCHIPs)

NASW Nation Conference-Presenter (Simulation)-

Council on Social Work Education Presenter (ACE-IT)

Presenter- Boden- Mindfulness and Self Care

Summer Immersion Research Program Presentation- Family-Centered Experience

Join the list for resources, workshops, and resilience tips for athletes and families.”

Get In Touch

Take the first step and reach out to for a consultation call.