Heather Levy
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
Client Focus: Adults, Teens (16+), Athletes
Modalities: CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, PCT, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Self-compassion, Trauma-informed, EMDR
Common Concerns: Addiction and Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress/burn-out, Attachment Trauma, Decision Making, Identity and Self-Exploration, Meaning and Purpose, Negative Thinking and Ruminating, Overwhelm, Understanding and regulating emotions
Areas of Practice: Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Trauma, Mental Performance
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I have an endless passion for the therapeutic process and helping individuals create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain—how it can both support and challenge us—and I approach my work from a holistic perspective, considering the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence how we think, feel, and perform. My journey into sports performance coaching grew out of my lifelong engagement with athletics and movement. After years playing soccer and staying active in dance and running, I became deeply curious about the mental skills that allow athletes to perform at their best under pressure.
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
I practice from a person-centered perspective, valuing your expertise in your own experience. In sports performance coaching, I integrate this approach with techniques from sport psychology to help athletes regulate emotions, focus under pressure, and translate mental skills into consistent performance. Whether working on confidence, resilience, or managing performance anxiety, I emphasize curiosity, self-awareness, and practical strategies to help you reach your goals.
What areas do you specialize in?
Emotional regulation under pressure
Performance anxiety and confidence-building
Goal-setting and motivation for athletes
Mental recovery after setbacks or mistakes
Stress, burnout, and resilience in high-performance environments
Clinical support for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and interpersonal challenges
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with athletes of all levels—from youth sports to elite competitors—as well as individuals seeking a combination of mental performance coaching and clinical support. I also continue to work with clients managing broader life challenges, so my approach blends high-performance coaching with evidence-based therapeutic support.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients recognize and respond to their mental and emotional states, teaching skills to stay present, regulate nerves, and recover quickly from mistakes or setbacks. Through mindfulness, thought-reframing, and experiential exercises, clients develop resilience, self-confidence, and clarity under pressure. I also integrate therapeutic strategies when challenges are rooted in anxiety, past experiences, or self-limiting beliefs, creating a holistic plan for both personal and performance growth.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
Mindfulness and grounding techniques
Cognitive-behavioral strategies
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Sport psychology tools for focus, visualization, and mental recovery
Person-centered psychotherapy
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
Our first session will be a collaborative conversation to understand your goals, challenges, and personal experiences. I’ll ask questions about your athletic background, current performance concerns, and any relevant mental health considerations. Together, we’ll identify priorities and start building a roadmap to enhance performance, resilience, and well-being.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
You don’t have to be struggling to benefit from therapy or performance coaching. Working proactively on your mental skills can help you perform better, reduce stress, and enjoy the process—whether in sport or life.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
I combine clinical depth with a practical, performance-focused approach. My sessions blend skill-building, mindfulness, and therapeutic insight to help athletes manage pressure, build confidence, and navigate both performance and personal challenges. I aim to help clients reach peak performance while fostering self-compassion, resilience, and long-term mental well-being.
Performance Interests:
I have been active in the performing arts for most of my life, including singing, flute, dance, and acting. I played soccer for 17 years and continue to enjoy running and movement today. My own experiences with performance and high-pressure situations inform my coaching and help me connect with athletes in a meaningful, relatable way.
