Sports Performance Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Gabriele Goodman, PhD, Psychologist
Gabriele Goodman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
(510) 662-0036 View (510) 662-0036
Photo of Jeannine Colwell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeannine Colwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for teens, and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life, transitions, social pressures, sports, moving from place to place, looking to find the right career path, and needing motivation.
Hi there, I'm Jeannine! My name is Jeannine Colwell and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ( LMFT) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with teens, adults, law enforcement, military, and veterans and specialize in anxiety, depression, anger management, substance use addiction, sports, coaching, etc. using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy, coping skills, coaching, to help my clients make progress and start feeling awesome again. My focus is all about you and meeting you where you are at! Looking forward to meeting you!
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for teens, and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life, transitions, social pressures, sports, moving from place to place, looking to find the right career path, and needing motivation.
Hi there, I'm Jeannine! My name is Jeannine Colwell and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ( LMFT) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with teens, adults, law enforcement, military, and veterans and specialize in anxiety, depression, anger management, substance use addiction, sports, coaching, etc. using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy, coping skills, coaching, to help my clients make progress and start feeling awesome again. My focus is all about you and meeting you where you are at! Looking forward to meeting you!
(415) 818-0402 View (415) 818-0402
Photo of Sam C Tourek, PhD, Psychologist
Sam C Tourek
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Hello, and thanks for viewing my profile. Asking for help can be difficult, and finding a good fit in searching for a therapist is essential. Therapy can help us deepen both our understanding of the problems we face and our agency in addressing them. My job is to push you to think critically about your concerns, to live with deeper meaning and purpose, and to find complexity and richness in your lived experiences. In addition to private practice work, I hold a clinical position at UC-Berkeley, and work as the liaison to the Cal Athletics Department and the Golden State Warriors.
Hello, and thanks for viewing my profile. Asking for help can be difficult, and finding a good fit in searching for a therapist is essential. Therapy can help us deepen both our understanding of the problems we face and our agency in addressing them. My job is to push you to think critically about your concerns, to live with deeper meaning and purpose, and to find complexity and richness in your lived experiences. In addition to private practice work, I hold a clinical position at UC-Berkeley, and work as the liaison to the Cal Athletics Department and the Golden State Warriors.
(510) 757-1511 View (510) 757-1511
Photo of Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Bonta Sumii
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMPC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I work with elite athletes (at the youth, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels) and high performers (C-Suite, actors, sport coaches, first responders). I support the promotion of optimal mental health (awareness of one's emotional experience, tools/skills/strategies, strong support system), and peak mental performance (mental skills training- imagery, goal setting, routines). I assist the elite athlete in designing a high performance mindset that can benefit them in their sport and in life. I am the first-ever Mental Performance Coach at the Oakland Roots SC. I am listed in the USPOC, NFLPA's Clinician Directory.
I work with elite athletes (at the youth, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels) and high performers (C-Suite, actors, sport coaches, first responders). I support the promotion of optimal mental health (awareness of one's emotional experience, tools/skills/strategies, strong support system), and peak mental performance (mental skills training- imagery, goal setting, routines). I assist the elite athlete in designing a high performance mindset that can benefit them in their sport and in life. I am the first-ever Mental Performance Coach at the Oakland Roots SC. I am listed in the USPOC, NFLPA's Clinician Directory.
(415) 322-8979 View (415) 322-8979
Photo of Kate Ghidinelli, PsyD, Psychologist
Kate Ghidinelli
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Therapy offers a profound opportunity for growth and change. I'll be curious about your experience, and we'll pay attention to what feels most important to you as we talk together about your thoughts and feelings. Through this process you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You'll also come to better know your own strengths and resiliency. I am warm, thoughtful, and engaging in my approach and believe that a safe and supportive therapy relationship is essential in easing feelings of discomfort and vulnerability that normally accompany change. Please visit my website for more info about my practice: www.kateghidinellipsyd.com
Therapy offers a profound opportunity for growth and change. I'll be curious about your experience, and we'll pay attention to what feels most important to you as we talk together about your thoughts and feelings. Through this process you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You'll also come to better know your own strengths and resiliency. I am warm, thoughtful, and engaging in my approach and believe that a safe and supportive therapy relationship is essential in easing feelings of discomfort and vulnerability that normally accompany change. Please visit my website for more info about my practice: www.kateghidinellipsyd.com
(628) 227-6065 View (628) 227-6065
Photo of Pamela Wrona, PsyD, Psychologist
Pamela Wrona
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603  (Online Only)
I offer telemental health individual and couples psychotherapy to clients who reside in the state of California. I focus on providing this support through a humanistic and existential lens, an approach that emphasizes self-actualization, individuality, personal growth, and the search for meaning in the ups and downs of life. I emphasize empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a non-judgmental attitude to create a supportive environment for you to explore your emotions, beliefs, and concerns.
I offer telemental health individual and couples psychotherapy to clients who reside in the state of California. I focus on providing this support through a humanistic and existential lens, an approach that emphasizes self-actualization, individuality, personal growth, and the search for meaning in the ups and downs of life. I emphasize empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a non-judgmental attitude to create a supportive environment for you to explore your emotions, beliefs, and concerns.
(925) 369-4152 View (925) 369-4152
Photo of Leticia Vaca Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leticia Vaca Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
You don’t have to face life’s challenges on your own. Whether you're struggling with personal growth, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, or the stress of life transitions, I’m here to help you find relief. I specialize in Trauma Therapy for adults long-standing, multiple traumas, including those stemming from childhood, particularly high-performing professionals and those who work in high-stress environments. My approach is warm, sincere, and focused on you. I offer a space where you can express yourself, find relief from overwhelming emotions, and learn tools to support your healing and cultivate your own wellness.
You don’t have to face life’s challenges on your own. Whether you're struggling with personal growth, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, or the stress of life transitions, I’m here to help you find relief. I specialize in Trauma Therapy for adults long-standing, multiple traumas, including those stemming from childhood, particularly high-performing professionals and those who work in high-stress environments. My approach is warm, sincere, and focused on you. I offer a space where you can express yourself, find relief from overwhelming emotions, and learn tools to support your healing and cultivate your own wellness.
(510) 564-7817 View (510) 564-7817
Photo of Will Lipsenthal, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Will Lipsenthal
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
(415) 965-6769 View (415) 965-6769
Photo of Brian Lopez, PsyD, Psychologist
Brian Lopez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Imagine logging into our secure video appointment in the comfort of your own home. We collaborate on what you hope to get out of therapy. You open up about what has made that difficult to achieve on your own. I listen and validate your struggles. We collaborate on small goals to get you closer each week. You start to feel better. When your goals are achieved, you graduate from therapy.
Imagine logging into our secure video appointment in the comfort of your own home. We collaborate on what you hope to get out of therapy. You open up about what has made that difficult to achieve on your own. I listen and validate your struggles. We collaborate on small goals to get you closer each week. You start to feel better. When your goals are achieved, you graduate from therapy.
(415) 429-3811 View (415) 429-3811
Photo of Amy Shaffer, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Shaffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I have practiced as a therapist for over twenty years and specialize in helping people integrate unresolved aspects of the past in order to live freely in the present. Exploring adaptive strategies which used to help but now are limiting; meeting all parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion; cultivating consciousness around our thinking and feeling patterns; bringing attention to the body and working with the nervous system to soften areas of tension and holding - these are ways therapy can deepen insight and support ease and well being.
I have practiced as a therapist for over twenty years and specialize in helping people integrate unresolved aspects of the past in order to live freely in the present. Exploring adaptive strategies which used to help but now are limiting; meeting all parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion; cultivating consciousness around our thinking and feeling patterns; bringing attention to the body and working with the nervous system to soften areas of tension and holding - these are ways therapy can deepen insight and support ease and well being.
(510) 508-7507 View (510) 508-7507
Photo of Brittany Crew, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Crew
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I am driven to work in the mental health field because I believe that everybody needs support and guidance throughout life. Life can be stressful and demanding for all people, it’s my goal to help people use different coping skills and perspectives to help them manage their stressors and find a healthier way of life. Therapy isn’t always about fixing a problem or finding happiness, it’s about finding wellness. In my treatment approach I use CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, DBT, and Person Centered Therapy. I enjoy working with young adults who are facing major life changes such as entering into the workforce or moving away from home.
I am driven to work in the mental health field because I believe that everybody needs support and guidance throughout life. Life can be stressful and demanding for all people, it’s my goal to help people use different coping skills and perspectives to help them manage their stressors and find a healthier way of life. Therapy isn’t always about fixing a problem or finding happiness, it’s about finding wellness. In my treatment approach I use CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, DBT, and Person Centered Therapy. I enjoy working with young adults who are facing major life changes such as entering into the workforce or moving away from home.
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Photo of Alexander Enrique Wade, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexander Enrique Wade
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Seeking therapy support can be a very uncomfortable first step especially in communities that views mental health services as a stigma. As an Afro-Latino born and raised in Panama, I am familiar with societal pitfalls that trigger a mindset of hopelessness. Yet, it is through those struggles that have empowered me to change that narrative. In my 26 years of experience working for the city and county of San Francisco, Child Protective Services, vulnerable individuals and families have entrusted me to partner with them as they navigate times of crisis and despair.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Seeking therapy support can be a very uncomfortable first step especially in communities that views mental health services as a stigma. As an Afro-Latino born and raised in Panama, I am familiar with societal pitfalls that trigger a mindset of hopelessness. Yet, it is through those struggles that have empowered me to change that narrative. In my 26 years of experience working for the city and county of San Francisco, Child Protective Services, vulnerable individuals and families have entrusted me to partner with them as they navigate times of crisis and despair.
(415) 592-7482 View (415) 592-7482
Photo of Cameo Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cameo Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I specialize in working with transitional-age youth and young adults age 14 and up. I guide each session with a social justice and trauma-informed lens to support your mental, emotional, and social development. This includes supporting you in managing practical life challenges such as education, employment, and interpersonal communication, as well as more complex obstacles like imposter syndrome, financial values, and intimate relationship dynamics/composition. If you are interested in beginning your journey toward becoming more a confident, introspective, emotionally balanced individual, I will be here every step of the way.
I specialize in working with transitional-age youth and young adults age 14 and up. I guide each session with a social justice and trauma-informed lens to support your mental, emotional, and social development. This includes supporting you in managing practical life challenges such as education, employment, and interpersonal communication, as well as more complex obstacles like imposter syndrome, financial values, and intimate relationship dynamics/composition. If you are interested in beginning your journey toward becoming more a confident, introspective, emotionally balanced individual, I will be here every step of the way.
(510) 936-7611 View (510) 936-7611
Photo of Robyn Holmes-Cannon, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robyn Holmes-Cannon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
If you have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, or fears/phobias you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people overcome their greatest struggles for over 22 years. Utilizing several evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches has been integral to having the skills necessary to create a path of healing with several options while always bearing in mind the need for a strong therapeutic relationship that focuses on warmth, empowerment, acceptance, and engagement while always considering the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
If you have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, or fears/phobias you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people overcome their greatest struggles for over 22 years. Utilizing several evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches has been integral to having the skills necessary to create a path of healing with several options while always bearing in mind the need for a strong therapeutic relationship that focuses on warmth, empowerment, acceptance, and engagement while always considering the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
(925) 588-7159 View (925) 588-7159
Photo of Darius L Taylor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Darius L Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.
(415) 216-0383 View (415) 216-0383
Photo of Jake Tomlitz, ASW, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jake Tomlitz
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I create an experience tailored to your individualized needs and goals. Instead of sticking to a template, we’ll identify how to ensure you feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Therapy can deepen your awareness—which could mean welcoming back parts that you feel disconnected from, discovering new thoughts or ideas, or working with feelings that don’t seem to fit easily in your day-to-day life. As a result, you’ll start to better understand the unique factors that influence your relationships and behaviors: your strengths, values, intuition, and emotions. With new perspectives, you can prepare to live with greater authenticity.
I create an experience tailored to your individualized needs and goals. Instead of sticking to a template, we’ll identify how to ensure you feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Therapy can deepen your awareness—which could mean welcoming back parts that you feel disconnected from, discovering new thoughts or ideas, or working with feelings that don’t seem to fit easily in your day-to-day life. As a result, you’ll start to better understand the unique factors that influence your relationships and behaviors: your strengths, values, intuition, and emotions. With new perspectives, you can prepare to live with greater authenticity.
(415) 326-1949 View (415) 326-1949
Photo of Angelina Nader, MA, ATR, Art Therapist
Angelina Nader
Art Therapist, MA, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Have you recently experienced a traumatic loss and are feeling lost and overwhelmed with grief? Are you in the midst of a major life transition with your career or relationship? Perhaps you are an artist experiencing a creative block? Art Therapy may be the answer for your or your teen. As an Art Therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and blocks in creativity and self exploration. I help my clients to harness the power of creativity to deepen emotional exploration and uncover feelings that may be challenging to otherwise articulate with words.
Have you recently experienced a traumatic loss and are feeling lost and overwhelmed with grief? Are you in the midst of a major life transition with your career or relationship? Perhaps you are an artist experiencing a creative block? Art Therapy may be the answer for your or your teen. As an Art Therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and blocks in creativity and self exploration. I help my clients to harness the power of creativity to deepen emotional exploration and uncover feelings that may be challenging to otherwise articulate with words.
(510) 544-3656 View (510) 544-3656
Photo of Carla Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carla Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I have an enthusiasm for helping people create the change they would like to see in their everyday reality. I use various therapy modalities such as CBT, solution focused, humanistic, person centered, strengths based, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I enjoy working with a variety of populations, including, the LGBTQIA+ community, those with chronic health conditions, those suffering from depression and anxiety, other therapists and helping professionals, and young professional women. My interest in mental health came from my early experiences in my family of origin.
I have an enthusiasm for helping people create the change they would like to see in their everyday reality. I use various therapy modalities such as CBT, solution focused, humanistic, person centered, strengths based, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I enjoy working with a variety of populations, including, the LGBTQIA+ community, those with chronic health conditions, those suffering from depression and anxiety, other therapists and helping professionals, and young professional women. My interest in mental health came from my early experiences in my family of origin.
(510) 391-5656 View (510) 391-5656
Photo of Rachel Milner, AMFT
Rachel Milner
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
(510) 757-1764 View (510) 757-1764
Photo of Kimberly Burwash, ACSW
Kimberly Burwash
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
My passion for working in the field of mental health is driven by the joy I find in helping people learn and grow. In my practice, I frequently employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy to provide comprehensive support. I have a deep appreciation for working with diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, people from the LGBTQ community, and adolescents.
My passion for working in the field of mental health is driven by the joy I find in helping people learn and grow. In my practice, I frequently employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy to provide comprehensive support. I have a deep appreciation for working with diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, people from the LGBTQ community, and adolescents.
(510) 313-2956 View (510) 313-2956
1
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.