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
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
Reaching out for support isn’t just for when things fall apart — it can be a powerful part of peak performance and everyday life. Many athletes and high performers use coaching to sharpen their mindset, build confidence, and regulate emotions under pressure. Therapy and coaching don’t just address problems; they can also be a proactive tool for growth, resilience, and balance both on and off the field.
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I’m Andrea, a counselling psychologist and former international educator. Early in my career, I realized my deepest fulfillment came not from the lessons I taught, but from connecting with people, encouraging growth, and witnessing courage in real time. That passion guided me to pursue psychology, where I’ve spent over 15 years supporting both clinical clients and high performers.
Working with athletes and teams has allowed me to combine my background in counselling with my passion for performance. Whether someone is navigating pressure, injury recovery, or everyday life stressors, I help them build the mental and emotional skills to thrive.
What is your approach to mental performance coaching?
My approach is collaborative and individualized. Every athlete has their own story, strengths, and challenges. I integrate my clinical expertise with performance psychology to address both the mental and emotional sides of performance.
I often work with trauma-informed awareness, understanding how unprocessed experiences can impact self-belief and performance. Alongside that, I use practical tools to help athletes regulate nerves, sharpen focus, and embody new, empowering mindsets that help them compete with clarity and confidence.
What areas do you focus on?
Performance anxiety and nerves
Confidence building
Emotional regulation under pressure
Resilience during setbacks or injury recovery
Leadership development for captains/coaches
Stress, burnout, and life transitions
Self-esteem and body image concerns
Relationship and interpersonal challenges
Overall mental wellness to support long-term performance
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with athletes across sports — including swimmers, gymnasts, hockey players, rowers, dancers, and basketball players — as well as coaches and other high performers. I also support individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, stress, and burnout, blending both performance coaching and clinical counselling where needed.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help athletes and performers tune into their nervous systems and use grounding techniques to find calm and focus. This allows for sharper thinking, emotional clarity, and greater presence in high-pressure moments.
I also use mindfulness and cognitive strategies to help clients step back from unhelpful thought patterns and build confidence in choosing more effective ones. The result is a more flexible, resilient mindset that supports both well-being and performance.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I draw from Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and performance psychology techniques. This blend allows me to address both deeper emotional needs and the mental skills required for peak performance.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
Our first session is about getting to know you — your sport, your journey, and your goals. I’ll ask about your current challenges, your history, and what you want to get out of coaching or counselling. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports both your performance and your well-being, in a supportive and non-judgmental space.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
I bring a balance of structure, evidence-based strategies, and warmth to every session. My clinical depth allows me to address underlying concerns like stress, anxiety, or trauma, while my performance coaching experience helps athletes and high performers strengthen confidence, focus, and resilience.
Whether we’re working on competition nerves, confidence, or clarity of direction, my goal is to help you achieve your performance goals while also developing greater self-compassion, balance, and strength beyond sport.
Performance Interests
I was a competitive dancer from age 8–18, performing and competing across the U.S. in contemporary, ballet, tap, and hip hop. I also became a certified lifeguard at 18, which challenged my physical and mental grit through timed swims and lifesaving drills.
Today, I enjoy yoga, home design, and gardening. I also love learning about the intricacies of each athlete’s sport and mindset, and supporting them in finding calm, focus, and confidence in their craft.
