Sarah Wilkes-Lizmore
Registered Psychotherapist
Client Focus: Teens (13+), Athletes, Teams, Adults
Modalities: Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Self-Compassion, Somatic awareness, and Person Centred, EMDR
Common Concerns: Anger, Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Identity and Self-Development, Performance Enhancement, and Self-Esteem
Areas of Practice: Anxiety, Depression, Coping Skills, Mental Performance, Self-Compassion, and Mindfulness
Who are you and what led you to this work?
My path into psychotherapy was shaped by two worlds I know well: teaching and sport. As both an educator and an athlete, I saw how mindset, resilience, and mental well-being directly impact performance. That inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University after completing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. Now, as a Registered Psychotherapist, I bring together my athletic and professional experience to help clients strengthen their mental game and overall well-being.
What is your approach to mental performance coaching?
I believe therapy and performance coaching are about strengthening the mind the way training strengthens the body. My approach is person-centered and collaborative—I help you identify your goals, uncover limiting patterns, and build tools that keep you performing with clarity and confidence. I integrate evidence-based sport psychology skills like visualization, performance scripts, and mindfulness with therapeutic strategies that support long-term growth.
What areas do you specialize in?
Performance anxiety & confidence building
Identity and self-development
Leadership and mental toughness
Burnout prevention & recovery
Injury recovery and resilience
Mindset training for competitive environments
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I specialize in working with athletes, high performers, and students navigating the pressures of competitive environments. Whether it’s stepping onto the ice, into the classroom, or onto a professional stage, my clients are driven individuals who want to overcome setbacks, sharpen their mental skills, and perform at their best.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks?
I help clients reframe challenges, tap into their strengths, and develop strategies to stay composed under pressure. Whether you’re bouncing back from injury, managing nerves before competition, or trying to balance high performance with life outside of sport, I use tools that are both practical in the moment and transformative in the long run.
What evidence-based methods do you use?
Solution-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
Somatic awareness
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What can a client expect in their first session?
In our first session, we’ll explore your story, strengths, and challenges to get a sense of what’s most important for you. Together, we’ll begin shaping a game plan—one that builds on your existing abilities while offering new tools and perspectives to help you succeed both in sport and in life.
One thing I wish more athletes knew about mental performance coaching:
You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to work on your mental game. Just like physical training, mental training builds resilience, focus, and confidence over time—and the earlier you start, the stronger and more consistent your performance becomes.
What makes your work unique?
As both a psychotherapist and an athlete competing internationally in curling, I bring lived experience of high-performance demands into the therapy room. My work blends empathy, strategy, and evidence-based methods, giving athletes and performers the tools to succeed in their sport while also feeling grounded and supported outside of it.
Performance Interests
I currently compete at an international level in curling. Off the ice, I stay active through training, enjoy time with my family, and recharge with my two dogs.
