Sports Psychology therapists in West Milford, NJ
Browse Sports Psychology therapists in West Milford, New Jersey. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Sports
Dr. Sheryl Ferguson
Psychologist, (Psy.D.)
I can help with sports psychology. During our collaborative experience together, I will provide an empathic and caring space to help you move through your struggles, so you can live your best life. Together we will find ways towards a path of feeling better, leaning new coping skills to reconnect with your internal self.
23 Years Experience
Online in West Milford, NJ (Online Only)
Sports
Stuart Hellebrand, M.S., C.Ht.
Hypnotherapist
Hypnosis is a valuable tool for those seeking a competitive edge in sports performance. I have been involved with sports performance improvement since the 1970’s through my work with sports competitors to include recreational golfers, collegiate middle-distance runners and swimmers, marathon runners, and others. Noteworthy, among my clients, has been a CIF track and field champion, a swimmer on Cal Berkeley’s 2X national championship team, a collegiate middle-distance champion, and a marathoner who successfully completed the Mount Everest Marathon.
Addressing the performance aspects of sports through hypnosis complements physical training and can lead to breakthrough performances. My use of hypnosis works by reprogramming negative self-talk, empowering performance through affirmations and guided imagery, boosting confidence, and reducing anxiety. In that pre-competition jitters or fear of failure can derail an athlete’s mindset, hypnosis employs subconscious relaxation techniques and guided imagery to reduce cortisol levels and promote a calm composed state of mind, while fostering a winning attitude.
Studies have shown the efficacy of hypnosis in sports. For example, a 2016 review in the International Journal of Sports Science highlighted significant performance improvements in athletes who used hypnosis compared to those who did not. Those who used hypnosis reported better focus, reduced pre-competition anxiety, and enhanced execution of skills after hypnosis sessions.
In sports performance counseling, my use of hypnosis facilitates vivid mental imagery, allowing athletes to visualize successful performance. Research has shown that mental rehearsal can strengthen neural pathways, helping the body to perform as if it has already achieved the desired outcome. Using hypnotic relaxation to tap into an athlete’s subconscious allows the competitor to tap into their commitment to training, discipline, and goal achievement in a stress-free manner.
59 Years Experience
Online in West Milford, NJ
Sports
Dr. Thomas Ballas
Psychologist, PhD; PSYPACT
I am a clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in performance enhancement, drawing from my experiences as an operational psychologist in the U.S. Army. During my military career, I worked extensively with individuals operating in high-stress environments, helping them build mental resilience, maintain focus, and perform at their peak during critical missions. These experiences have given me a unique understanding of the psychological demands of high-pressure situations, which translates seamlessly into the world of sports and performance at all levels of competition.
With advanced training in evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based techniques, I help athletes and performers optimize their mental game. Whether you're striving to overcome mental blocks, enhance focus, or build confidence, my goal is to help you unlock your full potential. Together, we will develop a tailored approach to strengthen your mindset, improve performance, and achieve success in your sport or field.
10 Years Experience
Online in West Milford, NJ
Sports
Heinig Health and Wellness Counseling
Psychologist, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, M.S. Health Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology, PSYPACT Providers
Here at HHAWC, we offer psychotherapy services to help athletes and active individuals enhance performance, build mental resilience, and navigate the psychological demands of sport and competition. Our approach focuses on developing skills such as focus, confidence, motivation, emotional regulation, and effective response to pressure and setbacks. We also address challenges including performance anxiety, injury recovery, burnout, and transitions within or beyond athletic involvement. Treatment is individualized and collaborative, supporting both mental well-being and optimal performance in training, competition, and daily life.
7 Years Experience
Online in West Milford, NJ (Online Only)
Sports
Guy J Iacono
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Performance under pressure is a mental skill, not just a physical one. Every athlete knows what it feels like to train well and compete poorly, to let a mistake spiral, to tighten up at the wrong moment, or to carry the weight of expectation in a way that works against you. The physical side of athletic performance gets enormous attention. The mental side is often undertrained, misunderstood, or ignored entirely until it becomes a problem.
I bring both clinical training and firsthand experience to this work. I have competed at a high level, captained teams, and coached a championship baseball program. I understand what it takes to perform when it matters, how quickly confidence can erode under pressure, and what separates athletes who get the most out of their ability from those who do not. That experience shapes how I work with athletes in a way that no textbook alone can replicate.
In our work together, we address the mental side of performance directly. That includes managing anxiety and performance pressure, developing focus and consistency, building resilience after setbacks or injury, working through slumps, and strengthening the mental habits that allow athletes to compete at their ceiling rather than below it. We also address the identity and transition challenges that come with sport, including what happens when a career or playing days come to an end.
I work with athletes at every level, from high school competitors navigating recruitment pressure to college athletes managing expectations to adult athletes and executives who bring a performance mindset to everything they do.
If you are ready to take the mental side of your performance as seriously as the physical, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
10 Years Experience
Online in West Milford, NJ
Sports Psychology therapists in West Milford, NJ Statistics
Sports Psychology therapists in West Milford, NJ average 18 years of experience and charge around $244 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (77%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (43%), and Behavioral Therapy (40%).
Average years in practice
18 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$244
Accept insurance
23%
Offer sliding scale
50%
Gender ID
| 51% |
Female |
|
| 43% |
Male |
|
| 3% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 50% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 50% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 77% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 43% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 40% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 40% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 40% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 33% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 30% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 83% | Young Adult |
| 63% | Senior |
| 60% | Teen |
| 30% | Children |
Client Focus
| 60% | Women |
| 57% | Men |
| 43% | Military / Veterans |
| 40% | Jewish |
| 37% | Christian |