Parent FAQ
My child doesn’t have a “problem”. Why should they work with you?
Mental performance consulting isn’t just about fixing problems. Just as athletes train the physical and technical aspects of their sport, mental skills can be intentionally trained too. Skills such as confidence, focus, emotional regulation, resilience, goal setting, and performing under pressure can all be developed with practice. Building these skills before challenges arise can help athletes feel better prepared to navigate competition, setbacks, transitions, and the everyday demands of high-performance sport.
Why can’t my athlete get this type of training from their sport coach?
Great coaches already play an important role in developing an athlete’s mental skills. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant® brings specialized education and supervised training specifically in the psychological aspects of performance. Rather than replacing the work of a sport coach, mental performance consulting complements it. The coach can focus on the technical, tactical, and physical demands of the sport, while I provide dedicated time and expertise to help the athlete understand and develop the mental side of their performance.
My athlete has some mental illness diagnosis, can they still work with you?
Absolutely. Having a mental health diagnosis does not prevent an athlete from benefiting from mental performance consulting. It is important, however, to distinguish mental performance consulting from mental health treatment. As a CMPC®, my role is to help athletes develop mental skills related to performance, such as confidence, focus, managing pressure, resilience, and self-awareness. I do not diagnose or treat mental illness. When appropriate, I can work alongside an athlete’s psychologist, physician, counsellor, or other healthcare professionals so that the athlete receives support within each professional’s area of expertise.
Will your sessions be covered by my insurance?
Coverage varies between insurance providers and individual plans. Because mental performance consulting is different from psychological or counselling services, sessions may not be covered under extended health benefits. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to determine whether mental performance consulting services are eligible under your plan. Funding and grant opportunities may also be available through some sport organizations, teams, or athlete-assistance programs.
My child has anxiety, can they still be successful in sport?
Absolutely. Experiencing anxiety does not mean an athlete cannot perform at a high level or have a positive experience in sport. Mental performance consulting can help athletes develop skills for responding to nerves, pressure, uncertainty, and difficult thoughts or emotions in performance environments. Sport can also provide meaningful opportunities to practise skills such as emotional regulation, self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. If an athlete’s anxiety extends beyond performance or requires clinical treatment, mental performance consulting can complement—but does not replace—care from an appropriate mental health professional.
Will you tell me what my child talks about in their sessions?
Trust and psychological safety are important parts of my relationship with an athlete. I want young athletes to feel that they have a space where they can speak openly and honestly. At the beginning of our work together, I will discuss confidentiality and its limits with both the athlete and parent or guardian so everyone understands what information will and will not be shared. I encourage parents to be involved in supporting their athlete's development while also respecting the athlete's need for an appropriate level of privacy and independence.
How do I know if mental performance consulting is right for my athlete?
An athlete doesn't need to be struggling to benefit from mental performance consulting. Some athletes come because they want help with competition nerves or confidence, while others want to improve focus, prepare more effectively for competition, respond better to mistakes, or simply understand themselves as performers. If you're unsure whether mental performance consulting is the right fit, you're welcome to get in touch. We can discuss what your athlete is experiencing and determine whether my services—or another type of support—would be most appropriate.