Teddy Chu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Registered Clinical Counsellor
Client Focus: Teens (14+), Athletes, Teams, Adults
Modalities: Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Person-Centred, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sport Psychology/Mental Skills Training, Self-Compassion
Common Concerns: Anger, Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Grief, Identity and Self-Development, LGBTQ, Life Transitions, Men’s Concerns, Parenting, Performance Enhancement, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Trauma
Areas of Practice: Sport Psychology, Mental Performance, GBQ (gay, bisexual, queer) Men, Relationship Issues
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I grew up competing in soccer at the provincial, national, and varsity levels, and I know the mental highs and lows that come with sport. That experience sparked my passion for understanding the mental side of performance. I went on to earn a Master of Kinesiology in sport psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. Today, I combine both fields—helping athletes strengthen their mindset, manage pressure, and thrive both in and out of competition.
What is your approach to mental performance coaching?
I take a balanced approach: building practical tools to sharpen your mental game while also exploring the deeper patterns that might be holding you back. I see our work as a partnership—you bring your sport and goals, I bring strategies rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and sport performance. Together, we build confidence, focus, and resilience so you can perform at your best.
What areas do you specialize in?
Performance anxiety and confidence under pressure
Staying mentally tough through injury and setbacks
Managing stress, burnout, and transitions in sport
Focus, motivation, and leadership skills
Bridging performance coaching with overall mental health
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with athletes and performers who want to compete with confidence and consistency. Many are driven high-achievers—varsity athletes, emerging pros, or dedicated competitors—who feel the pressure to perform and want the tools to stay mentally strong through challenges.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks?
I help athletes understand how their brain and nervous system respond under stress, then teach them how to regulate and reframe those moments. Whether it’s shaking off mistakes, staying locked in during high-stakes games, or rebuilding after injury, I provide strategies that turn pressure into performance fuel.
What evidence-based methods do you use?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Visualization and mental rehearsal
Focus and confidence-building strategies
Somatic and body-based tools for recovery and regulation
Goal-setting and performance planning
What can a client expect in their first session?
We’ll dive into your sport story, what drives you, and what holds you back. I’ll help you connect how your mindset and nervous system impact performance, then outline a clear plan to help you build the skills to compete with more confidence, focus, and resilience.
One thing I wish more athletes knew about mental performance coaching:
Your mental game is trainable—just like speed, strength, or endurance. The earlier you start working on it, the more prepared and confident you’ll feel when it matters most.
What makes your work unique?
I bridge high-performance sport psychology with clinical counselling, so athletes get more than quick-fix strategies. You’ll learn practical tools to perform under pressure, while also gaining deeper self-awareness that helps you grow long-term as both an athlete and a person.
Performance Interests
I competed in soccer for over a decade, including at the varsity level with the University of Alberta, making three national championship appearances. I was also part of the National Training Centre program, training as a prospect for Team Canada. Now, I train 4–5 times a week to keep my mind sharp, embody the mind-body connection, and live out the same lessons I encourage athletes to use in their own careers.
