Mental Performance Therapists in Burnaby

Browse 1 therapist specializing in Mental Performance in Burnaby. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Mental performance work draws on sport and performance psychology to help people develop the mental side of their craft. It is used by competitive athletes, musicians, performers, students, and professionals who want to perform more consistently, manage pressure, and develop a stronger relationship with their own mind. The focus is practical: building skills like focus, confidence, composure under stress, and the ability to recover from setbacks.

What to look for in a Mental Performance therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Training in sport or performance psychology (CSPA, AASP, or graduate degree)
  • Experience in your specific performance domain (sport, music, professional)
  • Goal-directed, structured approach with clear skill development
  • Ability to refer to clinical support if deeper concerns arise

1 therapist for Mental Performance in Burnaby

Browse 1 therapist specializing in Mental Performance in Burnaby. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Jess Tang

Jess Tang

You deserve to be seen and heard, not just for what you achieve, but for who you are. I specialize in supporting athletes, high achievers, and Asian and racialized individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, identity, cultural expectations, and performance-related stress. Much of my work focuses on helping clients untangle their relationship with achievement, productivity, and self-worth while building a more grounded and secure sense of identity. Many of my clients are capable, driven, and deeply responsible. On the outside, they appear high-functioning. Internally, they may be carrying pressure, self-doubt, anxiety, burnout, or a quiet sense that their worth is conditional on success. Despite their accomplishments, they often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of who they are outside of achievement and productivity. I also work closely with athletes and teams across club, varsity, and national team sport environments. My work in mental performance focuses on confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, pressure management, performance anxiety, fear of failure, burnout, motivation, focus, injury recovery, and identity outside of sport. I support athletes through both performance enhancement and the mental health challenges that can emerge within competitive environments. As an Asian-Canadian and second-generation immigrant myself, my lived experiences deeply shape how I approach therapy and mental health. I understand how difficult it can feel to navigate multiple cultural worlds while balancing expectations around success, responsibility, achievement, and emotional expression. Many of the clients I work with carry invisible pressure — pressure to succeed, pressure to make others proud, pressure to not disappoint others, or pressure to struggle silently while appearing “fine” on the outside. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we work to better understand the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck while helping you build a healthier and more sustainable relationship with yourself, your emotions, and your goals. In addition to my counselling work, I have over 11 years of experience coaching wrestling and have held leadership positions at both the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and National Sport Organization (NSO) levels. I have also worked with Canadian Women & Sport for the past three years. These experiences continue to shape my understanding of performance culture, athlete development, and the systemic pressures that many individuals face within high-performance environments. My approach to counselling is strengths-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-informed practices. I believe therapy should feel tailored to you and your unique experiences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the nuances of Asian mental health, the internal world of high achievers, or the mental demands of athletics, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. I offer a culturally attuned space to unpack these experiences, without shame or blame, so you can move toward a more integrated sense of self.

Hybrid
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Mental Performance therapists in Burnaby — at a glance

accepting new clients
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offer sliding scale fees
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Frequently asked questions

What is mental performance work in therapy?

Mental performance work applies sport and performance psychology techniques to help athletes, performers, and professionals build mental skills for high-pressure situations. It covers focus, confidence, composure, visualization, and recovery from setbacks. It is distinct from general therapy in that it is goal-directed and centered on performance-specific challenges.

Who can benefit from mental performance support?

Athletes at any level, musicians, performers, public speakers, executives, and students may benefit. It is particularly relevant for people who perform well in low-pressure settings but struggle when stakes are high, or for anyone dealing with performance anxiety, slumps, or return from injury.

How is mental performance different from sports psychology?

Sports psychology is the broader field. Mental performance is an applied subset focused specifically on developing mental skills that affect performance, often in a consultation or coaching format. Many practitioners use both terms. Some sport psychologists are also licensed therapists who can address clinical concerns.

What techniques are used in mental performance sessions?

Common techniques include visualization and mental rehearsal, attention control training, self-talk restructuring, pre-performance routines, arousal regulation strategies, and goal-setting. The specific tools depend on the challenge and the performance context.

How long does mental performance work take?

It depends on the goal and situation. Some people see meaningful improvement in six to twelve sessions. Others work with a practitioner across a full competitive season. Mental performance consultation is often shorter-term than clinical therapy, with a clear skill-building focus.

Can mental performance support help with performance anxiety?

Yes. Performance anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek mental performance support. Practitioners help identify what is driving the anxiety and teach practical tools for managing arousal, staying present, and maintaining composure before and during performance.

Is mental performance work available online?

Yes. Many practitioners offer sessions online, and mental performance work is well-suited to virtual formats because it focuses on conversation, skill practice, and reflection rather than physical techniques. Check each therapist profile for session format options.

How do I find a mental performance therapist or consultant in Burnaby?

Browse practitioners in Burnaby who list mental performance, sport psychology, or performance anxiety as areas of focus. Look for training from recognized organizations like the Canadian Sport Psychology Association or AASP, and ask about experience in your specific performance domain.

Is mental performance support covered by insurance in Burnaby?

Coverage depends on the practitioner's credentials and your extended health plan. Sessions with a registered psychologist or psychotherapist in Burnaby who specializes in performance may be eligible for reimbursement. Performance consultants without clinical credentials are typically not covered. Check your policy for eligible designations.

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