Sonely Bulchandani
Registered Psychotherapist
Client Focus: Adults, Couples, Athletes
Modalities: CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Self-compassion, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Humanistic approaches
Common Concerns: Anxiety and Stress/burn-out, Confidence, Depression, Mental Block, Identity and Self-development, Self-Esteem
Areas of Practice: Anxiety, Depression, Coping Skills, Mental Performance
Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
That it’s not just for moments of crisis—it’s also about building skills that make you a stronger athlete and a more resilient person. Just like strength training develops the body, mental performance coaching strengthens your mindset. It helps athletes manage pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and step into competition with confidence. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to train your mind to match the effort you put into your body.
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I come from a background that blends both athletics and mental performance. For over 10 years, I’ve coached strength and mindset, and as an athlete myself, I’ve seen how powerful the mind can be in shaping performance and outcomes. Competing in natural bodybuilding at the national level taught me firsthand how discipline, focus, and resilience come from more than just physical training—they’re mental skills.
My multicultural upbringing—being born in Nigeria to a South-Asian Indian family and attending a Lebanese school—also shaped my perspective. It taught me the value of inclusivity, diversity, and the different ways people approach challenges. That’s why I bring a culturally sensitive and individualized approach to every client.
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
I see therapy and performance coaching as a partnership. You’re the expert on your experience, and I bring tools and strategies to help unlock your potential. My approach combines performance psychology techniques—like visualization, mental routines, and self-regulation—with a compassionate and curious mindset. The goal is always to help athletes and high performers build confidence, clarity, and resilience both inside and outside of competition.
What areas do you focus on?
Performance anxiety and competition stress
Confidence and mindset development
Leadership growth and team dynamics
Motivation, discipline, and consistency
Overcoming setbacks, injuries, or mental roadblocks
Building a strong connection between body and mind
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I specialize in working with athletes, high performers, and individuals who want to push their limits—whether in sports, fitness, or life. Many of my clients are already strong and capable, but they’re looking for that mental edge to take them from good to great.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help athletes by training the same way we approach physical conditioning: with structure, strategy, and consistency. We build self-awareness, learn to regulate emotions under pressure, and create personalized routines that keep you focused when it matters most. Whether it’s reframing setbacks, strengthening confidence, or navigating transitions, I work alongside you to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I use performance psychology strategies like visualization, performance scripts, and mental rehearsal, combined with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. These include mindfulness practices, CBT principles, and self-regulation tools designed to help athletes perform at their peak.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
Our first session is about getting to know you as both a person and a performer. We’ll talk about your goals, your current challenges, and where you want to go. I’ll also ask about your training background and how mindset has played a role so far. My aim is to create a supportive space where you feel both understood and challenged—so we can start building strategies that immediately support your growth.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
What makes my work unique is the way I integrate strength coaching with mindset coaching. Having lived the athlete experience myself, I know the mental blocks that can hold someone back and the mental strategies that can push them forward. I bring a culturally diverse perspective, a background in competitive sport, and a passion for bridging the gap between physical training and psychological performance. This allows me to help athletes strengthen both body and mind in ways that are practical, evidence-based, and empowering.
Performance Interests
I compete in natural bodybuilding and placed in the top 6 at nationals, which taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and mindset in high-performance sport. I’m passionate about strength training and see it as a tool for both physical and mental growth. Outside of competition, I enjoy hiking and I’m currently challenging myself to embrace long-distance biking—always looking for new ways to test my limits.
