Sports Performance Therapists in Palo Alto, CA
![Photo of Susan Zaro, LMFT, BCB, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44c814fc-c3b8-446d-a79e-5d2a2538b6f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Learn how worries influence your behavior and abilities to perform at the levels you are capable of performing, whether in sports, test taking, or day to day stress management at work.
Are you a performer who devotes a large percentage of time to physically, strategically, technically training for a competition/performance but come game day doesn't feel the performance equals your true skills and abilities? Are you a student who studies hard, knows the material yet doesn't do well on the test, or a business person who has difficulty showing up in the boardroom? Non-performance mental factors are often the culprit. People spend a lot of time on physical or material preparation but rarely is time spent on customizing a mental training routine. Want to try a fresh start in reaching your goals?
Learn how worries influence your behavior and abilities to perform at the levels you are capable of performing, whether in sports, test taking, or day to day stress management at work.
Are you a performer who devotes a large percentage of time to physically, strategically, technically training for a competition/performance but come game day doesn't feel the performance equals your true skills and abilities? Are you a student who studies hard, knows the material yet doesn't do well on the test, or a business person who has difficulty showing up in the boardroom? Non-performance mental factors are often the culprit. People spend a lot of time on physical or material preparation but rarely is time spent on customizing a mental training routine. Want to try a fresh start in reaching your goals?
![Photo of Megan Hankins-Maldonado, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d934e53-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Hankins-Maldonado
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94302 (Online Only)
You are a high preforming athlete that is in a constant state of stress. Assignments are piling up, parents are on your case about you name it and the one place you find peace (your sport) feels like a burden and not a refuge. You aren't "locked in" and feel a roller coaster of emotions: deep sadness, isolation, anxiety, unmotivated and lost. You present to everyone that you are “fine” but everything inside you says that you aren’t. My name is Megan and I help depressed, anxious and burned out athletes reclaim their life and their joy for the sports they play.
You are a high preforming athlete that is in a constant state of stress. Assignments are piling up, parents are on your case about you name it and the one place you find peace (your sport) feels like a burden and not a refuge. You aren't "locked in" and feel a roller coaster of emotions: deep sadness, isolation, anxiety, unmotivated and lost. You present to everyone that you are “fine” but everything inside you says that you aren’t. My name is Megan and I help depressed, anxious and burned out athletes reclaim their life and their joy for the sports they play.
![Photo of Ann DeWitt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fc84e97-b04a-4ee5-ab14-d5d522e6bf86/3/320x400.jpeg)
Experience passion in your marriage and fun in your family. You've spent years building an exceptional family, career, and life but recently have hit a snag. It might be a lack of intimacy in your marriage, a child who isn't thriving in school, sports, or emotional health, or a feeling that you're stuck--simultaneously overwhelmed and uninspired.
Experience passion in your marriage and fun in your family. You've spent years building an exceptional family, career, and life but recently have hit a snag. It might be a lack of intimacy in your marriage, a child who isn't thriving in school, sports, or emotional health, or a feeling that you're stuck--simultaneously overwhelmed and uninspired.
![Photo of Alexander Ochoa, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da8958da-62e9-4628-bff1-8b6f4f9b9652/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Dr. Alexander Ochoa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, CA. I provide individual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. I focus on sports mental health, athletes struggling with fears of re-injury, effective communication, identity loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, parenting, and conflict resolution. I specialize in working with individuals who would like to grow their performance by prioritizing their mental health.
My name is Dr. Alexander Ochoa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, CA. I provide individual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. I focus on sports mental health, athletes struggling with fears of re-injury, effective communication, identity loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, parenting, and conflict resolution. I specialize in working with individuals who would like to grow their performance by prioritizing their mental health.
![Photo of Anh D Weber, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50b26c3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My particular expertise and interest is in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and victimization. Having survived trauma, abuse and victimization can lead to a variety of outcomes. Some people survive trauma with no problems at all, while other people develop anxiety, depression, substance use, personality or relationship issues. Various traumatic events, such as parental divorce or substance abuse, are very common even in middle class populations and have often both physical and psychological effects many years after the experienced trauma.
My particular expertise and interest is in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and victimization. Having survived trauma, abuse and victimization can lead to a variety of outcomes. Some people survive trauma with no problems at all, while other people develop anxiety, depression, substance use, personality or relationship issues. Various traumatic events, such as parental divorce or substance abuse, are very common even in middle class populations and have often both physical and psychological effects many years after the experienced trauma.
![Photo of Tyler Webster, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45e0388f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck in the same type of relationships, arguments, or habits? When you feel stuck, it can be helpful to talk with someone to consider a fresh perspective. Previous ways of facing obstacles in your life may not be working and you might want to learn new ways to cope, or you may need extra support while going through a challenging experience. Typically, I help clients with stress, depression, worries/anxiety, life transitions, professional/sport/academic performance, and substance abuse. I enjoy working with people who are interested in self-growth and are curious about themselves and others.
Are you feeling stuck in the same type of relationships, arguments, or habits? When you feel stuck, it can be helpful to talk with someone to consider a fresh perspective. Previous ways of facing obstacles in your life may not be working and you might want to learn new ways to cope, or you may need extra support while going through a challenging experience. Typically, I help clients with stress, depression, worries/anxiety, life transitions, professional/sport/academic performance, and substance abuse. I enjoy working with people who are interested in self-growth and are curious about themselves and others.
![Photo of Michael E. Buckle, PhD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a2d4e2f-6d3a-4213-a29b-97a10b95a30b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping people feel and perform better. My clients include adults and adolescents seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, and general mental health concerns. I also specialize in working with athletes, performers, professionals, and teams wanting to enhance mental skills for peak performance. I adopt a strength-based, collaborative, and goal-directed approach to quickly identify and overcome barriers to wellbeing and performance. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other scientifically supported therapies to effect change and enhance performance.
I am passionate about helping people feel and perform better. My clients include adults and adolescents seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, and general mental health concerns. I also specialize in working with athletes, performers, professionals, and teams wanting to enhance mental skills for peak performance. I adopt a strength-based, collaborative, and goal-directed approach to quickly identify and overcome barriers to wellbeing and performance. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other scientifically supported therapies to effect change and enhance performance.
![Photo of Jake R. Kelman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c04753-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and experience helping people confronting challenges including anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. As an integrative therapist, I draw on techniques from cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies to help people lead more fulfilling, meaningful lives, sharpening coping skills and facilitating improved self-understanding. My style is relational, and I find that working collaboratively with my patients to identify treatment priorities and course helps make the experience most beneficial and rewarding. I believe that a strong therapeutic fit is paramount.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and experience helping people confronting challenges including anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. As an integrative therapist, I draw on techniques from cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies to help people lead more fulfilling, meaningful lives, sharpening coping skills and facilitating improved self-understanding. My style is relational, and I find that working collaboratively with my patients to identify treatment priorities and course helps make the experience most beneficial and rewarding. I believe that a strong therapeutic fit is paramount.
![Photo of Albert Nguyen - Optimind Counseling, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7e06c0b-16a5-43e2-8ec4-b0c607e3c2b1/4/320x400.jpeg)
Albert Nguyen - Optimind Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94304 (Online Only)
Stress levels are skyrocketing, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Despite efforts to maintain composure, the inner critic amplifies feelings of insufficiency, making true balance seem out of reach. For too many, chronic stress has become debilitating, transforming exhaustion into a constant state. The pursuit of happiness feels futile as settling for discontent becomes the norm. If you're weary of neglecting your own needs for the sake of others, know this: you deserve better. It’s time to prioritize your well-being. Don’t let another day pass in the shadow of stress. It’s time for a change.
Stress levels are skyrocketing, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Despite efforts to maintain composure, the inner critic amplifies feelings of insufficiency, making true balance seem out of reach. For too many, chronic stress has become debilitating, transforming exhaustion into a constant state. The pursuit of happiness feels futile as settling for discontent becomes the norm. If you're weary of neglecting your own needs for the sake of others, know this: you deserve better. It’s time to prioritize your well-being. Don’t let another day pass in the shadow of stress. It’s time for a change.
![Photo of Ross Nelson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b04059c-c383-4ad2-8e74-19e3783f0bbb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I treat men and women dealing with anxiety, career stress, relationship and communication difficulties, workaholism, imposter syndrome, OCD, panic attacks, coping with large changes, and other significant life events. Clients I work with may also be grappling with perfectionism, indecision or overthinking, anger, irritability, or "men's issues" and are looking for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from a seasoned professional. Treatment goals are often to improve quality of life, achieve personal/professional growth, live a more fulfilling human experience, get unstuck, and strengthen their skills to enhance personal growth.
I treat men and women dealing with anxiety, career stress, relationship and communication difficulties, workaholism, imposter syndrome, OCD, panic attacks, coping with large changes, and other significant life events. Clients I work with may also be grappling with perfectionism, indecision or overthinking, anger, irritability, or "men's issues" and are looking for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from a seasoned professional. Treatment goals are often to improve quality of life, achieve personal/professional growth, live a more fulfilling human experience, get unstuck, and strengthen their skills to enhance personal growth.
![Photo of Shelby Lazarow, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2e95bb9-2813-4742-9f81-00a42e0a8642/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
15 Second Videos
Susan Zaro
Megan Hankins-Maldonado
Albert Nguyen - Optimind Counseling
Ross Nelson
'Mind Your Stories & Live Well'
Erin Leigh Carl
Madison Ledda- Simmons
Megan Cutaran
Angela Li: Brainspotting Anxiety Trauma Therapist
Jaclyn Kelly Long
![Photo of Lorretta J. Abbott, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fee021df-7fb3-475d-9789-98db48b6da9a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice! Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Unhappy with your relationships? Challenges at work or school? Feeling like something needs to change? You've come to the right place. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through therapy. It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
Welcome to my practice! Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Unhappy with your relationships? Challenges at work or school? Feeling like something needs to change? You've come to the right place. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through therapy. It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
![Photo of Suzzette Garcia, MA, LPCC+, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf2d4c21-1852-4c37-af1c-873fb838121f/1/320x400.png)
Life is complicated, each person has a unique journey with various obstacles and challenges. Think of therapy as your road map to support you in getting to your desired destination. Whether you need support in overcoming past traumas, having difficulty adjusting, need career counseling, support in strengthening your relationships or more, Suzzette would be honored to be your therapist. Suzzette’s goal is to empower individuals to meet their full potential through the integration of wellness and mentorship programs in schools, communities and corporate settings.
Life is complicated, each person has a unique journey with various obstacles and challenges. Think of therapy as your road map to support you in getting to your desired destination. Whether you need support in overcoming past traumas, having difficulty adjusting, need career counseling, support in strengthening your relationships or more, Suzzette would be honored to be your therapist. Suzzette’s goal is to empower individuals to meet their full potential through the integration of wellness and mentorship programs in schools, communities and corporate settings.
![Photo of Christine Moberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/495d4d64-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Moberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Individuals often come to therapy because they are having difficulties in relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing intense emotions related to past experiences. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or substance use which they feel has become unmanageable. My aim as a therapist is to help you reconnect with your own strengths and empower you to overcome your challenges, to see things in a new way, or perhaps, to identify your goals and values. I view therapy as a very collaborative process in which we will work together to help you build the life you want to live.
Individuals often come to therapy because they are having difficulties in relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing intense emotions related to past experiences. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or substance use which they feel has become unmanageable. My aim as a therapist is to help you reconnect with your own strengths and empower you to overcome your challenges, to see things in a new way, or perhaps, to identify your goals and values. I view therapy as a very collaborative process in which we will work together to help you build the life you want to live.
![Photo of Matt Cusick, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5dd4bcf3-3dd4-483d-83f0-daa060950828/2/320x400.png)
As a therapist and coach, I am passionate about supporting clients on their way towards greater awareness, growth, and healing.
As a therapist and coach, I am passionate about supporting clients on their way towards greater awareness, growth, and healing.
![Photo of Mario Walther Victor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbdddbed-f1e4-40a3-a6b4-c43db81d2446/1/320x400.png)
A therapist can be a very useful guide to help you deal with the stress or situation you are facing. I take pride in treating everyone with respect and kindness and putting energy and presence into my interactions with others. I specialize in helping you cope with anxiety, depression, work and relationship stress, parenting concerns, and general childhood behavioral health concerns. (and much more!) I offer clients many options in treatment approach, and am skilled in reducing symptoms in ways which fit the specific needs of the individual and/or family.
A therapist can be a very useful guide to help you deal with the stress or situation you are facing. I take pride in treating everyone with respect and kindness and putting energy and presence into my interactions with others. I specialize in helping you cope with anxiety, depression, work and relationship stress, parenting concerns, and general childhood behavioral health concerns. (and much more!) I offer clients many options in treatment approach, and am skilled in reducing symptoms in ways which fit the specific needs of the individual and/or family.
![Photo of Anna N Lewis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de06c961-cc2c-4fc4-9cb0-618ae6e093ae/2/320x400.png)
Therapy often helps when both the client and therapist put their time and effort into the process. Whether you are bringing a specific issue or you just need an open, non-judgmental space in which to be heard, I’d like to help. To start I’ll find out what you want out of therapy, what’s worked in the past, and what hasn’t. I’ll talk honestly about a timeline and encourage you to ask questions, voice any concerns, clarify your expectations and offer me feedback.
Therapy often helps when both the client and therapist put their time and effort into the process. Whether you are bringing a specific issue or you just need an open, non-judgmental space in which to be heard, I’d like to help. To start I’ll find out what you want out of therapy, what’s worked in the past, and what hasn’t. I’ll talk honestly about a timeline and encourage you to ask questions, voice any concerns, clarify your expectations and offer me feedback.
![Photo of Alexandra A. Bley, MS, CHT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44dc4ba6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a new and different approach to healing? Do you feel like your mind "already knows" but you are still not FEELING better? The answer lies in your body. As much as your mind can't digest your food it can't resolve your emotions. The body plays an important role in the healing process. It serves as a visceral map to the subconscious mind. As you learn to access the wisdom of your body, emotions can begin to resolve on a deeper level, restoring health, harmony, and balance. Please allow me to teach you how...
Are you looking for a new and different approach to healing? Do you feel like your mind "already knows" but you are still not FEELING better? The answer lies in your body. As much as your mind can't digest your food it can't resolve your emotions. The body plays an important role in the healing process. It serves as a visceral map to the subconscious mind. As you learn to access the wisdom of your body, emotions can begin to resolve on a deeper level, restoring health, harmony, and balance. Please allow me to teach you how...
![Photo of Debra D Rojas, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d27e863-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Debra D Rojas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Are you Overwhelmed, Frustrated or Sad? Do you ask yourself 'Is this all there is?'
Has a medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery got you unnerved? If you're depressed, anxious, angry, grieving, facing divorce, or experiencing family discord, I can help make your life more manageable.
Are you Overwhelmed, Frustrated or Sad? Do you ask yourself 'Is this all there is?'
Has a medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery got you unnerved? If you're depressed, anxious, angry, grieving, facing divorce, or experiencing family discord, I can help make your life more manageable.
![Photo of Sarah Adler - Sarah Adler @ Wave Life, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b13d2cd-bcc4-495b-b1f4-2675544e9585/1/320x400.png)
If you are looking to feel better and live a life filled with meaning, we would love to help. I'm a Stanford Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and my career has been devoted to make emotional wellbeing an achievable part of everyday life. I developed Wave Life to ensure people can get expert, personalized, culturally humble care that empowers them to live every day fully. Check out our website to see if Wave is right for you. We are also thrilled to be in-Network with Aetna in CA, and you can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
If you are looking to feel better and live a life filled with meaning, we would love to help. I'm a Stanford Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and my career has been devoted to make emotional wellbeing an achievable part of everyday life. I developed Wave Life to ensure people can get expert, personalized, culturally humble care that empowers them to live every day fully. Check out our website to see if Wave is right for you. We are also thrilled to be in-Network with Aetna in CA, and you can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
Nearby Sports Performance Therapists Searches for Palo Alto
- Atherton
- Cupertino
- Fremont
- Los Altos
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
- Sunnyvale
- Union City
Sports Performance Therapists
How does sports psychology work?
Sports psychology helps athletes identify and overcome challenges, such as perfectionism or a fear of failure, and improve key mental skills, such as confidence or concentration. By applying principles and techniques from psychology, such as goal-setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and emotion regulation, sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance on the field and their well-being overall.
How long does treatment for a sports-related problem take?
The duration of sports psychology treatment depends on the athlete’s individual challenges, goals, the complexity of the interventions used, and even on the length of the season. A performance anxiety issue may be treated with a short-term treatment, like Cognitive behavioural therapy, while issues such as depression, substance abuse, or severe anxiety may require longer-term treatments.
How effective is treatment for sports performance problems?
Sports psychology has been shown to improve performance and help athletes manage their emotions. Sports psychology can be effective in boosting performance, team dynamics, and injury rehabilitation. Over the past decade, nearly every professional sports team in every major sport has added a sports psychologist to its staff. Many colleges have done the same, and even some high school programs have done the same. Olympic hopefuls may consult with sports psychologists starting in elementary school.
What are the limitations of sports psychology?
Sports psychology may have several limitations. Every athlete is unique and may respond differently to sports psychology treatments. Therapy can help an athlete reach their potential; it can help athletes cope with injury and pain, but it cannot change the physical limitations that may be affecting an athlete’s performance.