Sports Psychology therapists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA
We are proud to feature top rated Sports Psychology therapists in Philadelphia. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Sports Psychology
Heinig Health and Wellness Counseling
Psychologist, Ph.D., 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 Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Sports Psychology
Shannon Mick
Counselor/Therapist, NCC, LPC
Sports psychology isn’t just for elite professionals—it’s for any athlete who wants to perform better, enjoy the process more, and handle the mental side of training and racing. As an endurance runner myself, I understand how the mind can become the biggest limiter: race-day nerves, motivation dips, fear of failure, DNF/DNS recovery, perfectionism, or the mental fog after injury.
In our work together, we blend clinical counseling tools with practical performance strategies. Using CBT to reframe unhelpful thoughts, ACT to stay focused on what you can control, and DBT skills for emotion regulation under pressure, we address the mental barriers that affect your training consistency, race execution, and overall love of the sport.
Many clients experience meaningful gains such as:
Stronger mental toughness and resilience during tough efforts or setbacks.
Better race-day mindset tools (visualization, mantras, pacing psychology).
Improved motivation and consistency even when life gets busy.
Faster recovery from disappointing races or injuries.
Greater enjoyment and presence while running instead of constant self-pressure.
Because I’m also an assistant running coach and semi-professional ultramarathoner, I bring real-world experience to our sessions. For deeper race-specific mental strategies and non-clinical mindset coaching, I offer services through my companion site, Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching.
You don’t have to let your mind hold back your body. Whether you’re chasing PRs, building consistency, or simply wanting to love running again, we can develop the mental tools that help you show up stronger—on the starting line, in training, and across every finish line.
11 Years Experience
Online in Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Sports Psychology
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 Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania
Sports Psychology
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 Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania
Sports Psychology
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 Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Philadelphia's identity as a historically working-class city with deep neighborhood roots shapes its therapy culture, with demand for therapists who understand economic stress, community violence, and the psychological weight of living in a city marked by stark racial and economic disparities. The city is home to world-class institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Jefferson Health, and Temple University Hospital, with a strong academic psychiatry and psychology community feeding into its private practice ecosystem. Philadelphia's large Black and Latino populations drive demand for culturally affirming therapists, and the city has a growing network of therapists of color across its diverse neighborhoods. Many practices are accessible via SEPTA, making therapy more reachable for clients across the city without cars.
Sports Psychology therapists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Statistics
Sports Psychology therapists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania average 19 years of experience and charge around $230 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (72%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (48%), and Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) (38%).
Average years in practice
19 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$230
Accept insurance
21%
Offer sliding scale
52%
Gender ID
| 49% |
Male |
|
| 48% |
Female |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 55% |
Online Only |
|
| 45% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 72% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 48% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 38% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 34% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 34% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 31% | Internal Family Systems (IFS) |
| 31% | Behavioral Therapy |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 83% | Young Adult |
| 55% | Teen |
| 55% | Senior |
| 24% | Children |
Client Focus
| 55% | Women |
| 48% | Men |
| 41% | Military / Veterans |
| 34% | Christian |
| 31% | Jewish |