My name is Ziad, I've worked with Charlie Law over the past 2 years. As an international student-athlete, I encountered many challenges dealing with stress and anxiety in school and in the swimming pool, especially being so far away from home. Working with Charlie helped me address, communicate and face these challenges in a positive way and move forward. I loved working with him because I felt I could ask for advice or guidance at any time, It is incredible how much effort he puts into connecting with his clients and staying connected! I highly recommend working with Charlie because just by talking to him, I made a good friend!

Charlie Law helped me push through, and triumph in, some of the most successful yet mentally tough swim seasons of my life. Even though the primary focus of our chats were on athletic performance, there was always time to talk about everything else going on in my life. He helped me deal with and overcome everything from disappointing swims to bad coaching, from Covid concerns to roommate squabbles. I couldn't have asked for a better person to have in my corner during my first two years of NCAA D2 swimming.

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Elyse Carnegie

Ziad K.

Charlie saw me through some of the highest and lowest moments of my student-athlete life. He helped me control what I could (i.e., my mindset), make peace with what I couldn't control, and make the most of my limited time in college athletics.

Also, I am going to medical school at Queen's! Thank you so much to Charlie for supporting me through the brutal application process. It was worth it!

Charlie has been pivotal in my last year of university. Dealing with injuries, navigating what to do post university, as well as other relationship situations, I was needing guidance for the next steps to take as well as how to take them. With the help of Charlie's undivided attention and listening, as well as his thought-provoking questions, I was able to finally realize the right path to take. He was always there for me and without him I don't know what I would have done!!

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Camryn

emily c.

Two years ago, almost to the day, I met with Charlie for the first time. I was entering my third year of university and varsity athletics, and yet navigating an entirely new relationship with my physical and mental health due to COVID-19. Even with an extensive support network, I felt alone, overwhelmed, and scared, and unable to fully open up to those I normally turned to.

Immediately upon talking with Charlie, I felt a connection; he was warm, patient, and much kinder to me than I was to myself. Unlike my personal supports, he held an objective and professional perspective, and provided strategies to help me work through my challenges. For around nine months I met with Charlie weekly, as he guided me to greater understanding and self-compassion while I shaped a healthier path forward. He was never overbearing, yet did not hesitate to undertake a firmer role if things seemed to escalate rather than progress. Charlie's counsel was pivotal in bringing me where I am today, to a heightened awareness of my mental health and the tools I use to maintain it. However, it is the depth of his genuine care that I will always remember most. Thank you, Charlie.

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Marina Cummiskey

I met Charlie when I was a Student-Athlete at Simon Fraser University, struggling with self image and issues around Sport Performance. I have worked with Charlie over the past three years, and in that timespan I went from student-athlete to student, and through many other evolutions of self in between. The growth and change I experienced would look very different if I had not been able to work with Charlie. As a counsellor, Charlie was a sounding board for my thoughts and ideas, as well as a safe place for my emotions to be expressed. I was given strategies to help target smaller daily obstacles such as anxiety and insomnia, but also was able to bring big picture concepts to the table and work through them layer by layer. All of which were met with patience , understanding, and without judgment. 

I consistently felt heard. With Charlie I was able to understand my own self, and learn to observe my emotions and experiences from a lens of growth and compassion. 

The time I have spent working with Charlie has been invaluable, and I will look back at this chapter with gratitude for the guidance in what at the time felt like overwhelming obstacles in my life

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Hope S.

I have been working with Charlie for over a year, and he has helped me in all aspects of my life; from navigating friendships and family, to improved sports performance and overall mental health issues. Charlie always makes me feel that I am not alone in my struggles. I appreciate all Charlie has done for me and continues to do to help me succeed! If I am ever struggling he is the one I want to talk to. 

His calmness, kindness, friendliness and knowledge speak to his character. If I ever need a pick me up, Charlie is there for me.

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Erika Binder

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Charlie is very passionate about the mental wellness of athletes. He has helped me work on my performance through a variety of strategies to become a confident player. His own personal experience in sports adds to his knowledge and support. He has helped me tremendously on and off the field.

Caity Z.

Charlie supported me during a very challenging time during my University swimming career.

He provided a safe space where I was able to navigate the difficult decision of transferring to a different University; a decision which ended up being the best decision, not only for my swimming career, but for my academics as well. I had been struggling mightily with my mental health, and Charlie helped me as I handled that situation, supporting me in my decision to leave, resulting in me becoming the thriving UBC student athlete I am today!

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Isabelle Roth

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shirin a.

Charlie played an integral role during my time as a student athlete. Whether it was my personal life, my education or athletics Charlie always offered unwavering support and made me feel like I was heard.

I began talking to Charlie during the first Covid year. This was a very confusing time for many of us but Charlie helped me navigate my emotions in a clear and concise way. Not only did Charlie help me understand my relationships with my family, friends, teammates and coaches, he also supported me as I came to terms with the fact that my relationship with golf was changing. I really appreciate the work Charlie and I did together. I believe it’s helped shape me into a better student, athlete and person. Thank you Charlie!

Charlie is someone I felt was my friend from the first moment I met him. I always feel comfortable talking with Charlie and leave our conversations thinking what a caring & passionate person he is; not only does he listen to every word, but I also feel he genuinely hears all I say because his feedback is valuable & sincere… Equally, Charlie has been a mentor for my daughter & her NCAA teammates. He helped them navigate some awful & anxiety filled circumstances at university. In addition to focusing on the players well-being and maintaining some hope, he also fought to contribute to the improved environment that exists at that university today.
 

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Scott M. - NCAA Parent & Provincial Sports Director

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As someone who has pursued their academic goals while also being an athlete, Charlie was able to understand and help me work through the unique challenges of being a student-athlete. From helping me get a hold on the anxiety and stress that comes with the student-athlete lifestyle, to helping me reflect on my identity and future beyond my sport as I transitioned out of university athletics, Charlie helped support me through a pivotal time in my life. By working with Charlie, I was able to slow down to reflect and appreciate the present moment despite being in the thick of the chaos and business of being a student-athlete.

Renate Bluschke
former ncaa student athlete