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, it became apparent that my greatest joy came from the moments in-between lessons: connecting with students, providing an encouraging word, witnessing courage and growth. Academic content became less intriguing to me than the holistic development of my students and colleagues. This is when my true calling became evident, and I pursued my dream of becoming a counselling psychologist. It’s 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 to therapy is collaborative and individualized. Every person is unique, and I focus on understanding the specific needs, lived experiences, values and beliefs, and concerns of each client.
I’m trauma-focused, understanding that many present-day issues may stem from unprocessed past experiences which have been internalized as negative self-beliefs, which are not true but feel true. When these are activated, we can be described as feeling “triggered”. I help people to understand where these triggers come from through insight-oriented exploration. We may explore current-day strategies that are used to consciously or unconsciously manage nervous system activation and work to develop greater self-awareness and effective self-regulation skills.
I aim for sessions to be experientially healing, educational, and to essentially help clients develop new positive internalized beliefs that are embodied and realized as true.
What areas do you specialize in?
My areas of expertise include leadership development, performance anxiety, confidence-building, and overall mental and emotional wellness to support high-achievers.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I typically work with executives, professionals, athletes, and high performers.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best by teaching them to listen and respond to their nervous systems. I educate clients on how to use various techniques to ground themselves so that they may engage in their lives from a place of increased calm and presence. This increases our ability to think with clarity and access the wisdom of our emotions.
I also use mindfulness and thought techniques to help clients become less fused with unhelpful thoughts, allowing for space to choose thoughts that are helpful.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
The approaches I use are Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
Our first session involves an intake which is a conversation allowing me to get a deeper understanding of your concerns and goals for therapy. I’ll be curious to understand your life from childhood until now, and we’ll collaborate on a plan to move towards your goals.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
One thing I wish more people knew about therapy is that you don’t have to be in a crisis to seek support. It can be helpful to use therapy as a component of proactive self-care or to support reaching certain professional and personal milestones.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
My approach is very balanced. There’s structure, psychoeducation, and the use of strategies, and warm conversation and a sense of deep acceptance. I will help you achieve your goals while simultaneously guide you towards increased self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Performance Interests:
I was a competitive dancer from age 8-18, competing and performing across the U.S. I did contemporary, ballet, tap, and hip hop. I also became a certified lifeguard at age 18 which involved timed swims and lifesaving maneuvers. I enjoy yoga, home design and gardening when I have time.
I have worked with high performing executives, coaches, firefighters, swimmers, gymnasts, basketball players, hockey players, and rowers. I enjoy getting to know the intricacies of their crafts and their individual psychological experiences to guide them in achieving calm, focus, and confidence in what they do.