Our Approach To Executive Coaching

Client Story

The Hidden Impact — Helping a High-Achieving Executive Heal from Trauma: Success on the Outside, Struggle on the Inside

A smiling man in a business suit standing with arms crossed in an office, with three women working in the background.

Daniel, a 41-year-old senior leader in the finance industry, came to us after his second burnout in less than three years. On the surface, he had it all: a prestigious title, a high-performing team, and a track record of success.

But under the surface, he was chronically anxious, emotionally distant, and constantly over-functioning.

“It’s like I’m always bracing for something to go wrong. I can’t relax. Even when I’m off the clock, I’m still in survival mode.”

He had trouble sleeping, avoided conflict, and couldn’t delegate. Deep down, Daniel didn’t trust people easily—he felt that if he wasn’t in control, everything would fall apart.

Trauma in the Boardroom

In our initial consultation, it became clear that Daniel wasn’t just dealing with burnout. He was carrying the imprint of early developmental trauma—a chaotic and emotionally unpredictable childhood that had taught him success equals safety.

We paired him with one of our psychologists experienced in trauma-informed leadership support, and the work began.

The Process

Focus Area One - Trauma Processing with EMDR
Daniel engaged in EMDR sessions to target key memories of neglect and unpredictability that shaped his hypervigilance and control-seeking behaviours.

Focus Area Two - Relational Safety Building
Through a blend of psychodynamic therapy and somatic awareness, Daniel began to experience what it felt like to be emotionally safe in a relationship—first in therapy, then with his support network and finally with his team.

Focus Area Three - Leadership Coaching with a Nervous System Lens
We helped Daniel apply polyvagal-informed leadership practices—learning to regulate his nervous system in moments of stress and show up more grounded, empathetic, and connected.

The Shift

Six months later, Daniel wasn’t just avoiding burnout—he was transforming his leadership style. He reported better sleep, stronger boundaries, and a newfound ability to connect vulnerably with his team.

“This work didn’t just help me perform better—it helped me feel better. I’m not leading from fear anymore.”

Why We’re Sharing This

High-functioning doesn’t always mean well. Many leaders carry invisible wounds that drive them to succeed at the expense of their own well-being. Daniel’s story reminds us that trauma can live quietly behind the mask of achievement—and that healing is possible without losing your edge. If you’re a high performer who feels like they’re “always bracing,” or struggling to connect with others (or yourself), we’re here to help.

Book a confidential discovery call and explore how we can support your leadership journey—inside and out.

* Amalgamation of common concerns. Name and identifying details changed to protect privacy.

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Call us at 437-826-9365 or schedule an ask us anything chat. We can talk about how working with one of our therapists can help you.

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Our Treatment Modalities

We offer a variety of treatment modalities to suit individual needs. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to foster healthier thoughts and behaviours, and EMDR for trauma treatment. We also use Mindfulness-based Strategies and Self-compassion for wellness and self-care. For athletes and professionals, we offer Sport & Performance Psychology. We use Positive Psychology to build resilience, Emotion Focused Therapy for couples, and Short-term Psychodynamic Therapy to address emotional distress.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Mindful Self-Compassion
EMDR
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Positive Psychology
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples
Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that isn’t listed to the side, please reach out to us and we will gladly get back to you as soon as we can.

  • A typical therapy session with our team at The Mental Game is designed to be a safe, supportive, and collaborative experience. Whether you're connecting with us virtually or in person, the session usually begins with a brief check-in to understand your current thoughts, feelings, and any immediate concerns you may have.

    Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Depending on your unique needs, your therapist will guide the session using techniques that best suit your goals.

    The session is typically structured around open conversation, where you have the space to express yourself freely. Your therapist may ask questions to help clarify your thoughts, offer insights, or suggest exercises that can help you explore and manage your emotions and behaviors more effectively.

    Above all, our goal is to create a therapeutic environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.

  • Sessions usually last about 50 minutes, giving us ample time to delve into the issues at hand while ensuring that you leave with actionable takeaways. The pace and content of each session are always tailored to your comfort level and progress.

  • The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual goals, challenges, and progress. Some clients may find that a few sessions are enough to address specific concerns, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

    In our experience, therapy is most effective when approached as a collaborative process. At the outset, your therapist will work with you to set clear goals and discuss a potential timeline. Throughout your sessions, you and your therapist will regularly review your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

    Short-term therapy might last anywhere from 6 to 12 sessions, often focusing on specific issues or skills. Longer-term therapy could extend over several months or even years, especially if you’re working through complex or deep-seated issues. Ultimately, the length of therapy is a personal decision and will be guided by your evolving needs and goals.

    Our primary focus is to support you in achieving meaningful and lasting change, whether that takes a few weeks or a longer commitment.

  • The frequency of your therapy sessions can vary based on your individual needs, goals, and the specific challenges you're facing. In general, most clients start with weekly sessions. This regularity helps build momentum in the therapeutic process, allowing you to explore issues in depth and develop effective strategies for change.

    As you progress, your therapist might suggest adjusting the frequency of sessions. Some clients move to bi-weekly or monthly sessions as they start to feel more confident in applying the skills they've learned. For others, maintaining weekly sessions may be beneficial for ongoing support.

    The key is flexibility—your therapist will work with you to determine the best schedule based on your needs and progress. Regular reviews will ensure that the frequency of sessions continues to align with your goals.

    Ultimately, the decision about how often to attend therapy is a collaborative one, guided by your comfort level and the pace at which you wish to work.

  • At The Mental Game, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions to accommodate your preferences and lifestyle. You can choose the format that best suits your needs.

    In-Person Sessions: If you prefer face-to-face interaction, our clinic provides a comfortable and confidential environment where you can meet with your therapist directly. This option might be ideal if you appreciate the personal connection of being physically present during your sessions.

    Virtual Sessions: For those who prefer the convenience of meeting from home, work, or any other location, we offer secure virtual sessions. These sessions are conducted via a video conferencing platform, ensuring that you receive the same level of care and confidentiality as in-person therapy. Virtual sessions can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule, live at a distance, or simply find it more comfortable to engage in therapy from your own space.

    Whichever option you choose, you can expect the same high standard of care and a personalized approach tailored to your goals.

  • Whether or not a diagnosis is made will depend on the nature of your concerns and the goals of your therapy. At The Mental Game, our primary focus is on understanding your unique experiences and helping you achieve your personal goals, whether or not that involves a formal diagnosis.

    If you’re seeking therapy to address specific symptoms or challenges, a diagnosis might be part of the process. We provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments and ADHD assessments for adults as part of our services.

    Diagnoses can be useful in understanding your experience, guiding treatment, and providing access to certain resources or accommodations. However, a diagnosis is not always necessary for effective therapy.

    In many cases, therapy is about exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a collaborative, non-judgmental space. We’ll work together to develop strategies and insights that help you navigate your life more effectively, regardless of whether a diagnosis is part of that journey.

    If you have concerns or questions about diagnosis, your therapist will discuss this with you and make sure you’re comfortable with the approach we take.

  • Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. All sessions are private, and information shared during therapy is kept confidential, with a few exceptions (such as when required by law to prevent harm to yourself or others). We strictly adhere to legal and ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy is protected. If you have specific concerns about confidentiality, we are happy to discuss them in more detail.

  • Absolutely! Performance psychology is one of our specific areas of focus. We work with athletes, executives, and professionals who want to take their performance to the next level. Whether you're looking to improve your mental focus, build confidence, overcome performance anxiety, or develop strategies for staying calm under pressure, our mental performance consultants and psychologists can provide the tools and techniques to help you succeed both on and off the field or in your professional life.

  • If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to handle personal challenges or achieve your goals, therapy can be an excellent step. It provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—it’s also effective for personal growth, improving self-awareness, and developing mental strategies to enhance performance in various areas of life. Our team can guide you through this process and help you determine if therapy is the right fit for you.

Common Concerns

  • A woman speaking into a microphone during a meeting or conference with an audience seated in front of her.

    Mental Performance

    Strengthen focus, resilience, and mindset so you can consistently meet the demands of high-stakes performance and achieve peak outcomes.

  • A woman sits at a desk with a laptop, papers, and a calculator, looking stressed with her hands on her cheeks.

    Life Stress

    Equip yourself with the tools to manage stress, recover effectively, and maintain clarity so you can consistently perform at your best in leadership, sport, or any high-pressure environment.

  • Top-down view of a person with a beige notebook open in front, messy crumpled papers scattered on a white desk, black glasses to the left, and a white marker to the right.

    Workplace Burnout

    High-achievers can overcome burnout by restoring energy, strengthening boundaries, and fostering sustainable performance while protecting long-term well-being.

  • Personal Development

    Deepen self-awareness, clarify identity, and pursue purposeful growth so you can achieve excellence with resilience and focus.

  • A young woman with brown hair in a bun wearing a light blue blazer, pointing her finger at the camera with a confident expression, against a light blue background.

    Confidence

    Strengthen confidence by training your mindset, refining self-talk, and aligning your actions with your core values so you can consistently perform under pressure.

  • A woman in a black polka-dot shirt is talking and making gestures, while a person in a jacket points and gestures during a conversation.

    Interpersonal Difficulties

    Strengthen communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution skills so you can build stronger relationships, enhance team cohesion, and perform with confidence under pressure.

  • Silhouette of a person sitting at a desk with a laptop, papers, and glasses, holding their head in hands in front of a large window.

    Chronic Stress

    Recalibrate stress systems, strengthen recovery habits, and sustain peak performance without compromising your health or relationships.

  • Person with dark hair and light skin standing behind an opaque ribbed glass door, partially visible.

    Depression

    Restore motivation, rebuild energy, and develop mental skills that support both well-being and high performance, even during periods of low mood.

  • A woman with curly hair holding her hands over her chest, indicating she may be experiencing chest discomfort or heartburn.

    Anxiety

    Evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, reframe self-doubt, and build resilience so you can stay focused and effective under pressure.

  • A person walking on a trail in a mountainous landscape at sunset, with trees and snow-capped peaks in the background.

    Substance Use

    Replace reliance on substances with healthier coping strategies that protect focus, support well-being, and sustain long-term performance.

  • A person with dreadlocks covering their face, hand over mouth, against a plain light-colored wall, with a motion-blurred effect.

    Trauma

    Trauma-informed approach supports healing, restores confidence, and helps you perform with greater focus and presence.

  • Woman working at a desk, talking on the phone and looking at papers, with a laptop and potted plant nearby.

    ADHD in High Performers

    Individuals with ADHD can build structure, strengthen self-regulation, and harness creativity and hyperfocus into consistent, effective performance.

  • Group of women sitting together, engaged in conversation and smiling, in a bright room.

    Social Anxiety

    Confront social fears, reframe self-doubt, and strengthen confidence so you can lead and perform authentically under pressure.

  • Four colleagues in a modern office looking at a laptop and a tablet, smiling and engaging in a discussion.

    Career Development

    Manage transitions with clarity and confidence by addressing imposter feelings, sharpening mental skills, and supporting sustainable leadership growth.