Clinical Sport Psychology & Therapy for Athletes
When performance struggles stem from deeper mental health challenges, specialized therapeutic intervention makes the difference.
Expert Clinical Sport Psychology and Therapy For Athletes
About Clinical Sport Psychology
As a licensed psychologist with 15 years of clinical experience, I provide comprehensive therapy services for athletes facing mental health challenges that impact both life and performance. Unlike performance coaching, clinical sport psychology addresses underlying psychological conditions—anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, eating concerns, and other mental health issues—through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
My practice combines traditional psychotherapy with specialized approaches developed specifically for athletic populations. I understand the unique pressures athletes face and how mental health challenges manifest differently in competitive environments.
Who Benefits from Clinical Services
Clinical sport psychology is appropriate when performance struggles are rooted in underlying mental health challenges that require therapeutic intervention rather than skill-building alone. You may benefit from clinical services when you're experiencing:
- Performance anxiety that significantly impairs competition or training
- Perfectionism affecting risk-taking and over-controlled behaviors
- Depression or mood disorders affecting motivation and daily functioning
- Trauma responses from sport-related injuries, abuse, or adverse experiences
- Eating disorders or disordered eating patterns common in aesthetic or weight-dependent sports
- Identity struggles beyond sport, particularly during transitions or retirement
- Chronic stress or burnout that impacts overall wellbeing
- Relationship difficulties stemming from sport demands or competitive stress
- Substance use concerns as coping mechanisms for performance pressure
If you're primarily seeking skill development and mental training without underlying mental health concerns, explore our Mental Performance Coaching services.
Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Athletes
ACT therapy helps athletes develop psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present with difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to pursue meaningful goals. Particularly effective for performance anxiety, perfectionism, and identity issues.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR rapidly processes traumatic memories and experiences that create performance blocks or anxiety responses. Highly effective for sport-related trauma, coaching abuse, or injury-related psychological symptoms.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Ego State Therapy
IFS therapy and ego state work address the different "parts" of an athlete's psyche—the perfectionist, the competitor, the scared child—helping integrate these aspects for healthier functioning.
Biofeedback & Neurofeedback
Biofeedback and neurofeedback provide real-time physiological awareness and nervous system regulation training, particularly valuable for anxiety management and optimal performance states.
Getting Started with Clinical Sport Psychology and Therapy
Ready to address the mental health challenges impacting your life and sport?
Clinical sport psychology begins with understanding your unique situation and mental health needs. Our comprehensive assessment determines the most appropriate treatment approach and helps you understand how therapy can support both your psychological wellbeing and athletic goals.
The difference between struggling alone and getting the support you deserve often comes down to taking that first step. Clinical sport psychology provides the specialized care athletes need to thrive both in sport and in life.
In crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm? Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or visit your nearest emergency room.