Ironman Maryland

Mary Bazylewicz, LICSW


Mary Bazylewicz is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts with 14 years of experience working with adults across a variety of clinical settings. Specializing as a sports therapist, Mary helps athletes manage the mental and emotional pressures that arise before important events, such as big races. She focuses on the psychological aspects of sports performance, utilizing various techniques to build mental resilience, enhance focus, and boost confidence.

Mary Bazylewicz

Personal Athletic Experience


Mary entered the endurance world in 2010 by completing her first marathon, which also happened to be her first road race. Since then, she has been hooked on endurance sports. Her accomplishments include:

  • Completing 8 marathons (including 2 Boston Qualifiers and 2 Boston Marathons)
  • Finishing an ultramarathon
  • Participating in over 20 half marathons
  • Completing an Ironman and several half Ironman and Olympic distance triathlons

As a therapist and endurance athlete, Mary understands the challenges of balancing career, family responsibilities, and personal development in training. She recognizes that the stress from juggling these aspects can lead to burnout over time.

Sports Therapy Services


Mary's sports therapy services are designed to address the unique mental challenges athletes face. Her approach includes:

  • Anxiety Management: Helping athletes recognize and cope with pre-race nerves, fear of failure, and self-doubt through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness.
  • Mental Conditioning: Using visualization exercises and mental rehearsal to help athletes imagine successful performances, thereby enhancing confidence, focus, and calmness under pressure.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Applying CBT to challenge and reframe negative or irrational thoughts, replacing them with positive affirmations and constructive mental strategies.
  • Stress Management: Teaching time management and stress-reduction techniques to handle competition pressures and expectations, preventing mental burnout.
  • Goal Setting and Focus: Assisting athletes in setting realistic, achievable goals and breaking down performance expectations into manageable steps to reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Mary's counseling style is kind, collaborative, curious, and honest. She believes in a person-centered approach to treatment, recognizing that clients know themselves best. By combining cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapies, she tailors her dialogue and treatment plans to meet each individual where they are, ensuring their unique needs are met.

Commitment to Clients


Mary believes it takes courage to seek help and strive for a more fulfilling and happier life. She is committed to providing an unbiased, supportive perspective to empower clients and help uncover obstacles preventing them from leading the life they envision. Mary is humbled and grateful to work alongside individuals in pursuit of their personal and athletic endeavors.

Get Started


Mary is dedicated to helping athletes manage all the pieces of the puzzle so they can perform at their best, no matter their goals. If you're looking to enhance your mental game and achieve a healthier balance in your athletic pursuits, Mary is ready to support you every step of the way.

New Arrival ~ New Arrival ~
Sports Therapy Session - Breno Melo Endurance Coaching

$225.00

Sports Therapy Services Enhance Your Mental Game with Personalized Sports Therapy Mary’s Sports Therapy Services are designed specifically for athletes who face the unique menta...