J Shirkey Counseling

I’ve always had a personal mission: to help others achieve what they never thought possible. That drive comes from the many people who have poured into my life—mentors, coaches, teammates—and for them, I’m endlessly grateful.

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As a lifelong athlete, I’ve loved anything with a scoreboard and a chance to compete. I played just about every sport growing up, eventually focusing on golf, basketball, and football. I continued my football career at Bethel University (St. Paul, MN), where I was fortunate to be part of several NCAA DIII playoff teams. It was there that I began building the coaching foundation I still use today. I’m still a golf fanatic and spend as much time as I can outdoors with my wife, Hannah, and our yellow lab, Zazu.

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Professionally, I bring a wide range of experience across nonprofit, education, government, private practice, and athletics. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW/LCSW) in Minnesota and Montana, and I’ve worked with NCAA Division I student-athletes at Montana State University, supporting their mental performance and well-being. I also work with elite high school athletes across multiple sports—many of whom are committed to competing at the collegiate, professional, or Olympic levels. My client base has included athletes, coaches, and parents in football, basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, snowboarding, skiing, and more.

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I believe deeply that performance is performance—whether you're chasing goals in sport, school, business, or life. Mental skills and mindset matter, no matter your arena. I’d be honored to partner with you, support your growth, and help you LIVE EYES UP—focused, intentional, and ready for what’s next