J Shirkey Counseling
Bozeman, Montana
651.491.7168
Testimonials
What people say about working with John.....
"Working with LIVE EYES UP and John has been amazing for our team and program. He has helped so many of our young men on the mental side of football but more importantly life. Adding him to our program has been huge!"
Chris Stutzriem
Head Football Coach
Rocky Mountain College
"I never really had a mental coach before John, but let me tell you when I say it was such a great experience. John listens and give great feedback. He is very understanding and helpful when it comes to the mental side of your sport. His personality makes one on one meetings feel comfortable and also professional. I highly recommend seeing John to grow you mind and game."
Hannah Boraas
Montana State Golfer- NCAA D1
"Nothing can wear on the parent of a college athlete like their child going through a tough time and not being able to be there. Knowing that John would be by our son’s side to pick him up or help him was such a relief. He helped our son through some really tough times, and we are forever thankful for his impact on our lives."
Chris Sullivan
Student Athlete Parent
"John was a great resource for our players and coaches. He was able to help several players with performance anxiety perform at a high level. He was a great resource for me as well. I enjoyed bouncing ideas off of him and getting feedback to help motivate our team. Highly recommend!"
Bobby Daly
Defensive Coordinator- UTEP
(MSU Bobcat Legend)
"Working with John during my time as an assistant coach has me develop a more positive and creative mindset in managing my position group. I’m truly fortunate to have experienced John’s approach—his guidance empowered me to become the best version of myself and instilled in me a mindset focused on continual self-improvement.
I firmly believe that the student-athletes we mentor everyday deserve our very best. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt is essential. Working alongside John gave me a fresh perspective on how to approach challenges and has played a key role in my ongoing personal and professional growth"
Justin Udy
Boise State University
"My time with John has been game changing, not only on the field but off of it as well. Having belief in yourself doesn't just help you catch a touchdown or make a great block, it helps you talk to the boss of a company during an interview. The work John has put in for me and countless others just goes to show who he truly is and how much he cares about his clients."
Carson Anderson
Montana Tech Football, WR- NAIA
"John not only supported us as athletes but also as people navigating college life. He took the time to understand the root of our struggles whether it was poor decision making on the course or negative thoughts that carried into our next shots. He gave us space to process the tough moments and to celebrate the good ones. John was a joy to work with and as a fellow Christian, he connected with us on a deeper level often reminding us of the importance of playing for something greater than ourselves."
Becca Tschetter
Montana State Golf- NCAA D1
"My son started seeing John to improve his athletic performance during high school. Although they connected right away, I didn’t realize the power of their relationship until my son was injured prior to his senior football season. He was never really healthy that season and went from feeling like an essential part of the team to feeling…in his words…invisible. After a Hail Mary doctor’s appointment, where we were told that there was no way to speed up his recovery, we went to an almost silent lunch. All of a sudden, John walked into the restaurant. Not as a therapist, but as someone who wanted my son to know he cared. In my son’s worst season, John proved to be his biggest cheerleader, celebrating victories that I’m not sure anyone else noticed; because they all involved him becoming a better, more positive teammate instead of improving his stats.
My son is now playing football in college and is back to feeling like a productive member of a team. He still sees John when he needs to fine tune his mental game or needs a nonjudgmental sounding board. I believe that investing in their relationship was one of the best gifts I’ve ever given my son."
Mary Anderson
Parent
"John was an incredible resource for me as I worked to sharpen my mental game. He supported me through both the highs and the heartbreaks, always believing in me. The work we did together helped build my confidence and directly improved my performance on the field. I would encourage every athlete to invest in their mental game--especially if they have the chance to work with John."
Casey Kautzman
Montana St./Montana Tech Football