Andrea Montello
Registered Psychologist
Client Focus: Adults, Teens (13+), Athletes, Business Leaders and Executives, Coaches, First Responders
Modalities: EMDR, ACT, Client-Centred
Common Concerns: Anxiety, Depression, Stress/burn-out, Self-esteem, Self-compassion, Self-development
Areas of Practice: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Performance
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I’m Andrea, a counselling psychologist and a former international educator. While teaching overseas, I discovered that my greatest joy came in the moments in-between lessons—connecting with students, offering encouragement, and witnessing their courage and growth. Academic content became less intriguing to me than supporting the holistic development of others. That’s when my true calling became evident, and I pursued my dream of becoming a counselling psychologist. It has been such a pleasure to work in such an aligned and meaningful way.
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
My approach is collaborative and individualized. I focus on understanding each client’s unique needs, values, and experiences. I’m trauma-focused, recognizing that many present-day struggles stem from unprocessed past experiences that get internalized as negative self-beliefs. These often surface when we feel “triggered.”
I help clients uncover where these triggers come from through insight-oriented exploration while also teaching strategies for nervous system regulation and self-awareness. Sessions are designed to be experientially healing and educational, helping clients embody new, positive self-beliefs that allow them to thrive personally and professionally.
What areas do you focus on?
• Leadership development
• Performance anxiety
• Confidence building
• Mental and emotional wellness for high-achievers
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I typically work with executives, professionals, athletes, and high performers. My clients are often individuals who excel under pressure but want to strengthen their resilience, clarity, and confidence in order to perform consistently at their best.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients learn to listen and respond to their nervous systems, grounding themselves so they can engage from a place of calm and presence. This creates greater mental clarity and the ability to access the wisdom of emotions. I also use mindfulness and thought techniques to help clients become less fused with unhelpful narratives, creating space to choose thoughts and strategies that are empowering.
For professionals and high performers, this work often translates into sharper decision-making, stronger leadership presence, and the ability to perform under pressure without sacrificing balance.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I primarily use Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), integrating these with psychoeducation and mindfulness-based practices to meet each client’s goals.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
Our first session involves an intake—a conversation to gain a deeper understanding of your life, from childhood to the present, and the challenges you’re currently facing. We’ll collaborate to identify your goals for therapy and begin shaping a plan that helps you move toward them.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of my clients use therapy proactively—as a tool for self-care, resilience, and reaching key milestones in their professional and personal lives.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
My work balances structure and strategies with warmth and deep acceptance. I integrate psychoeducation and evidence-based techniques while fostering self-compassion and self-understanding. This combination allows clients to achieve their goals while also building resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of alignment in their lives.
Performance Interests
I was a competitive dancer from age 8 to 18, performing across the U.S. in contemporary, ballet, tap, and hip hop. At 18, I also became a certified lifeguard, which required rigorous physical training and lifesaving skills. Today, I enjoy yoga, home design, and gardening.
I’ve had the privilege of working with high-performing executives, coaches, firefighters, swimmers, gymnasts, basketball players, hockey players, and rowers. I enjoy getting to know the intricacies of their work and guiding them toward greater calm, focus, and confidence—whether in the boardroom, on the field, or in high-stakes environments.
