Teddy Chu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Certified Mental Performance Consultant
Client Focus: Teens (14+), Athletes, Teams, Adults
Modalities: Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Person-Centred, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sport Psychology/Mental Skills Training, Self-Compassion
Common Concerns: Anger, Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Grief, Identity and Self-Development, LGBTQ, Life Transitions, Men’s Concerns, Parenting, Performance Enhancement, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Trauma
Areas of Practice: Sport Psychology, Mental Performance, GBQ (gay, bisexual, queer) Men, Relationship Issues
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
I wish more people knew that the mind and body work together to shape how we think, feel, and perform. Therapy and mental performance coaching are opportunities to understand this connection and use it to your advantage. When you build awareness of your emotions, thoughts, and nervous system, you can perform with greater presence, confidence, and self-compassion.
Who are you and what led you to this work?
My path into this work began as both a competitive athlete and someone fascinated by the human mind. I competed in soccer from ages 10 to 22, including at the provincial, national, and varsity levels, and I was part of the National Training Centre program that developed prospects for Team Canada. Those years showed me how much mental resilience impacts performance and well-being.
I hold two graduate degrees: a Master of Kinesiology specializing in Sport Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. My training includes working at Douglas College and the University of British Columbia with athletes addressing both clinical concerns and performance goals. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I am also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
My approach integrates sport psychology and mental health principles. I combine evidence-based therapies such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with body-based and somatic work. I also incorporate neuroscience to help clients understand how the brain and nervous system influence emotions and performance.
I see therapy as a co-created process. My role is to help you build insight, challenge patterns that hold you back, and recognize your strengths while providing a compassionate space for reflection and growth.
What areas do you focus on?
• Performance enhancement and confidence
• Anxiety, anger, and emotional regulation
• Identity, self-development, and men’s concerns
• LGBTQ+ and GBQ mental health
• Relationship and family dynamics
• Trauma and grief
• Life transitions and leadership development
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with teens (14+), adults, athletes, and teams. My clients include both high performers and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I especially enjoy working with athletes and professionals who want to strengthen their mental game, improve relationships, and align their values with their performance goals.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients recognize the connection between the mind and body and how internal patterns shape behavior. Through awareness, somatic regulation, and mental skills training, clients learn to stay grounded under pressure, recover from setbacks, and approach challenges with clarity. In both sport and life, I emphasize emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I use a range of approaches, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Somatic Therapy, and Sport Psychology techniques such as mental imagery, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
In our first session, we will explore what brings you to therapy or coaching, your goals, and your current challenges. I will ask questions to understand your experiences and what matters most to you. Together, we’ll begin developing a plan to strengthen your mental and emotional resilience and build the mindset needed for sustained growth.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
At The Mental Game Clinic, I bridge performance psychology and psychotherapy to help clients perform at their best while maintaining emotional health. My approach focuses on understanding both the psychological and physiological aspects of performance. I enjoy working collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, exchanging ideas, and finding new ways to support high-level performance and personal growth.
Performance Interests
I was a competitive soccer player for over a decade, competing at the provincial, national, and varsity levels, including three national championships with the University of Alberta. Today, I continue to train regularly to strengthen my mind-body connection and embody the same principles I teach my clients. Staying active keeps me grounded and helps me bring focus, discipline, and creativity into my work.
