Our Approach to Sport Psychology

Client Story

The Pressure to Be Perfect — Helping a Teen Athlete Reclaim Joy in Sport When Sport Becomes Stressful

A female gymnast in a red leotard performing a handstand on a balance beam against a black background.

Maya, a 16-year-old national-level gymnast, came to us after a sudden dip in performance. Despite years of training, countless hours in the gym, and an impressive record of podium finishes, Maya started hesitating on skills she used to land easily.

Her coach noticed it. Her parents noticed it. And Maya felt it every day—an invisible weight of pressure that turned her love for gymnastics into something she began to dread.

“I felt like if I wasn’t perfect, I was failing. And if I failed, I’d disappoint everyone—my coach, parents, teammates.”

She was experiencing performance anxiety, compounded by a perfectionistic mindset and fear of failure. Practices became mentally exhausting. Competitions felt like minefields. She started talking about quitting.

The Turning Point: Asking for Support

Maya’s parents reached out after a particularly difficult meeting, during which she froze mid-routine. We began with a collaborative intake session with Maya and her parents, followed by a one-on-one plan with one of our clinicians trained in youth mental health and sport psychology.

Our work together focused on three key areas:

  1. Performance Anxiety Regulation
    We taught Maya mental skills for handling pressure—like pre-performance routines, visualization, and breathwork—to calm her nervous system and sharpen focus.

  2. Perfectionism and Identity Work
    Through a mix of CBT and values-based therapy, we helped Maya challenge the belief that her worth was tied to results. We explored what she loved about her sport beyond medals and rankings.

  3. Self-Compassion in Sport
    We introduced Maya to self-compassion techniques—a game-changer in reducing the harsh inner voice that fueled her anxiety. She started treating herself more like a teammate and less like a critic.

The Shift: Confidence Over Perfection

After 10 sessions, Maya reported enjoying training again. She reconnected with the joy that first brought her to the sport. Her confidence returned—not just because she was “back to normal,” but because she now had tools to manage the ups and downs of competition.

She stayed in the sport, re-entered competition with a healthier mindset, and even began mentoring younger athletes at her club.

“I still get nervous, but it doesn’t control me anymore. I’m not just an athlete—I’m a person. And I actually believe that now.”

Why We’re Sharing This

Behind many successful young athletes are high expectations and hidden pressures. At The Mental Game Clinic, we work with teen athletes and their families to navigate these challenges with compassion, evidence-based strategies, and a deep understanding of performance environments.

If your teen struggles with confidence, motivation, or performance anxiety, we’re here to support them—and you.

Book a discovery call to learn more about how we help adolescent athletes thrive on and off the field.

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

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 behaviors, 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)
EMDR
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Mindful Self-Compassion
Sport and Performance Psychology
Positive Psychology
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
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.

Contact us today!

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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Common Concerns

  • Athlete in starting position on a red running track with starting blocks ready

    Athlete Burnout

    We help athletes prevent and recover from burnout by restoring motivation, supporting autonomy, and integrating rest as an essential part of peak performance.

  • Aerial view of a multi-field soccer complex with three full-sized fields, occupied by players and spectators.

    Athlete Identity

    Strengthen self-worth beyond achievements, creating balance and resilience so performance setbacks don’t define your identity.

  • Person holding their knee in pain during exercise or running, wearing a blue jacket and sports watch.

    Sport Injury Recovery

    Recover from injuries by addressing fear of re-injury, strengthening confidence, and maintaining mental focus throughout rehabilitation.

  • Two ice hockey players, one in yellow and the other in navy blue, compete on the ice rink.

    Transition Out of Sport

    We support athletes through retirement by redefining identity, transferring mental skills, and building purpose beyond the competitive arena.

  • A female gymnast performing a handstand on a balance beam in a dimly lit setting.

    Body Image Concerns

    Move from appearance-focused concerns to valuing function and strength, rebuild confidence and align body image with performance goals.

  • A golf ball on the green with a blurred golfer in the background preparing to make a shot.

    Mental Performance

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

  • Male athlete in blue sportswear and a white towel sitting on a park bench, appearing exhausted.

    Anxiety

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

  • A young man in a blue athletic tank top and black shorts sitting alone on empty stadium bleachers, looking thoughtfully into the distance.

    Depression

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

  • A young football player in a blue and white jersey appears distressed, with his head bowed and resting on his hand in a locker room.

    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.

  • A baseball player in a red shirt and gray pants celebrating on a baseball field with two teammates, both in red jerseys, giving high-fives.

    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 young man in athletic attire, wearing a gray hoodie and black shorts, sitting on concrete steps with his head down and hands clasped.

    Chronic Stress

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

  • A coach giving instructions to a soccer team sitting on the grass field.

    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.

  • Sunset over a beach with waves and a silhouette of trees on a hill.

    Substance Use

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

  • A woman sitting on the ground in a dark room, illuminated by a spotlight, with her head bowed and arms crossed over her knees, appearing distressed or contemplative.

    Chronic Worry

    Break free from overthinking by building attentional control, mindset flexibility, and present-moment focus to turn worry into effective action.

  • Hockey coach giving instructions to players during practice on an ice rink.

    ADHD in High Performers

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

  • Group of diverse women seated and engaged in conversation in a casual setting.

    Social Anxiety

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

  • Close-up of two hands reaching towards each other in a dimly lit setting, with warm light illuminating their fingers.

    Sexual Intimacy

    Navigate intimacy concerns by fostering self-awareness, reducing performance pressure, and strengthening emotional connection in relationships.