Endurance athlete & COUNSELOR

Here to help you train your mind like you train your body.

Christy Aish Colorado based athlete counseling services

Introduction

You’ve got grit, discipline, and big goals, but something is holding you back. As Yogi Berra famously said, “Baseball is 90% mental”. This isn’t just true of baseball. It’s true for everything we do.

I’m Christy: Licensed Professional Counselor, endurance athlete, wife, mom of two teenagers, and founder of Unlocked Counseling. With over 20 years of experience in mental health counseling and a personal running history that includes high-level marathon and ultra-marathon competition, I know what it takes to push through setbacks, discomfort, and self-doubt. I also know that sustainable performance and personal growth only happen when we cultivate a mindset that supports these goals-one that balances self-drive with self-awareness, resilience, and mental wellness.


At Unlocked Counseling, I believe showing up fully in sport, work, and life requires a balanced approach—caring for both mind and body. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, managing stress or anxiety, or striving to perform at your best, I support you in building confidence, strengthening resilience, and living in alignment with your values and priorities.


Christy Aish by lake in New Zealand
Christy Aish Climbing mountain in colorado
Christy Aish paddle boarding in Colorado

Christy enjoying the great outdoors in Colorado and New Zealand.

Why I Do This Work

I do this work because I’ve lived it myself. I’ve learned that we can pursue ambitious goals while still attending to the rest of our lives and the challenges that come with them. While running — or any sport or activity — can be therapeutic, there are times when training alone isn’t enough.

Life is unpredictable. One moment you’re thriving; the next, you might be recovering from an injury, battling burnout, or facing a wave of self-doubt. I’ve been there — navigating surgery, setbacks, and major transitions while still showing up for the people and passions that matter most.

Breaking the 3-hour marathon barrier after turning 40, or placing third at the Leadville Trail 100, didn’t come from structured training alone. Those accomplishments came from a resilient mindset cultivated during my toughest seasons.

I created Unlocked Counseling to help athletes of all levels, high performers, and anyone navigating life’s pressures strengthen mental fitness, move through challenges with self-compassion, and approach their goals with clarity and confidence — both in sport and in everyday life.

“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.”
— Serena Williams

Resilience and flexibility are what carry us through setbacks — in sport, work, and life. At Unlocked Counseling, I help you build that same mindset, so you can respond with presence, confidence, and self-compassion every day.

My Approach

My approach is warm, relational, and strengths-based. I focus on you as a whole person, not just your performance or the challenges you face. I combine mental skills training—like mindfulness, emotional regulation, mental rehearsal, and goal setting—with a deeper understanding of what’s beneath the surface: identity, purpose, fear, values, pressure, and the stories we tell ourselves.

Whether you’re navigating pressure, a dip in confidence, relationship challenges, or mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, I meet you where you are—with empathy, expertise, and a belief in your ability to respond with resilience and flexibility.

While I rely on evidence-based practices, I prioritize a respectful, trusting relationship. By avoiding impersonal, clinical jargon, I create a relatable, supportive environment where you can develop confidence, strengthen resilience, and approach challenges with steadiness and flexibility—both in sport and in everyday life.

Christy Aish skiing with family in Colorado

life beyond counseling

I’m lucky to do this work while raising two incredible teenage kids in the Colorado mountains with my best friend and adventure partner - my husband, who also happens to be my running coach. We spend as much time outside as possible with our two blue heelers and love packing up our van to unplug and chase wide open skies.

These days, I’m still chasing finish lines and running strong as a Masters athlete but one of my greatest joys is watching my kids discover what excites them in sport and in life.

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING


“Since working with CHRISTY, I’ve noticeD a significant improvement in my confidence and overall performance.”


Working with Christy has been a game-changer for both my high school athletics and everyday life. She has helped me navigate the mental chanllenges of competition and the stress that comes with balancing sports, academics, and personal life. Her unique perspectives and practical strategies have given me the tools to manage my overthinking, stay focused, and perform my best. Since working with her, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my confidence and overall performance. I highly recommend Christy Aish to any athlete looking to strengthen their mental game and approach challenges with a clear mindset! 

Client | Age 18

Colorado Mountain Peaks with Sunset

Let’s Unlock your potential, together.

Whether you’re working through setbacks, pursuing big goals, or navigating life’s transitions, I bring 20 years of professional expertise, lived experience, and endurance sport insight to help you grow, regain focus, and show up fully - wherever and whenever it matters most.