Sports Performance Therapists in Washington, DC
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Currently accepting new clients at DuBois Psychological and Consulting Services (DPCS). All therapy services are provided virtually, some evaluations require in-person appointments. We strive to create a warm and inviting experience for every client that we see. Are you stressed, anxious, or sad and not feeling like yourself lately? Are you ready to heal your relationship with food and improve your body image? Are you an individual or part of a team and want to perform better under pressure? Let us help you reach your full potential.
Currently accepting new clients at DuBois Psychological and Consulting Services (DPCS). All therapy services are provided virtually, some evaluations require in-person appointments. We strive to create a warm and inviting experience for every client that we see. Are you stressed, anxious, or sad and not feeling like yourself lately? Are you ready to heal your relationship with food and improve your body image? Are you an individual or part of a team and want to perform better under pressure? Let us help you reach your full potential.
As a former college athlete, I also have particular interest in working with current and former athletes, who may need help with things like anxiety or mood concerns, managing transitions (ex. from high school to college sports, life after sports), athletic burnout, team dynamics, effects of injury, and balancing multiple demands.
I emphasize strengths, transparency, and genuine feedback (from both sides) in order to tailor each therapy experience to meet the goals we set together. Once we understand the patterns that get in the way, we can make intentional changes that can provide relief and significantly improve quality of life.
As a former college athlete, I also have particular interest in working with current and former athletes, who may need help with things like anxiety or mood concerns, managing transitions (ex. from high school to college sports, life after sports), athletic burnout, team dynamics, effects of injury, and balancing multiple demands.
I emphasize strengths, transparency, and genuine feedback (from both sides) in order to tailor each therapy experience to meet the goals we set together. Once we understand the patterns that get in the way, we can make intentional changes that can provide relief and significantly improve quality of life.
Welcome to a unique clinical sport psychology practice serving the Washington, DC area. With expertise in treating a wide array of clinical and performance issues, I am prepared to help you reach your life goals. Are you looking for new ways to address challenges? Are you dissatisfied with your performance at work, school, home, on the athletic field, or elsewhere? Are you feeling like life moves so fast that you have no time? Are you wanting to work with a psychologist on the cutting edge of practice and research? Contact me for an appointment or a free phone consultation.
Welcome to a unique clinical sport psychology practice serving the Washington, DC area. With expertise in treating a wide array of clinical and performance issues, I am prepared to help you reach your life goals. Are you looking for new ways to address challenges? Are you dissatisfied with your performance at work, school, home, on the athletic field, or elsewhere? Are you feeling like life moves so fast that you have no time? Are you wanting to work with a psychologist on the cutting edge of practice and research? Contact me for an appointment or a free phone consultation.
As a dedicated Sport Psychologist and former Division I athlete, I focus on fostering emotional resilience and advocating against emotional abuse in sports.
I am a licensed Clinical and Sport Psychologist experienced in working with Olympic, Division I, and professional athletes and specialize in the following mental health and sport performance concerns: anxiety, depression, relational trauma, body image concerns, emotional abuse, mental blocks or the ‘yips,’ performance anxiety, and low confidence.
I am dedicated to meeting you where you are and providing a safe environment for you to explore your experiences and identities. Social justice and authenticity are central to my practice as a clinician and human being. I aim to bring a perspective of curiosity and humiIity to my practice.
As a dedicated Sport Psychologist and former Division I athlete, I focus on fostering emotional resilience and advocating against emotional abuse in sports.
I am a licensed Clinical and Sport Psychologist experienced in working with Olympic, Division I, and professional athletes and specialize in the following mental health and sport performance concerns: anxiety, depression, relational trauma, body image concerns, emotional abuse, mental blocks or the ‘yips,’ performance anxiety, and low confidence.
I am dedicated to meeting you where you are and providing a safe environment for you to explore your experiences and identities. Social justice and authenticity are central to my practice as a clinician and human being. I aim to bring a perspective of curiosity and humiIity to my practice.
As a performance and counseling psychologist, my passion is to help people reach their potential and make long-lasting change. I collaborate with my clients to work through life challenges and painful experiences in a way that allows them to let go of suffering and take control of their well-being. Worries about the future, your preformance, one's relationships, and busy work life can interfere with becoming the fullest version of oneself. In working with me, my clients can improve their capacity to experience the joys and healing that life has to offer while not feeling controlled by anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
As a performance and counseling psychologist, my passion is to help people reach their potential and make long-lasting change. I collaborate with my clients to work through life challenges and painful experiences in a way that allows them to let go of suffering and take control of their well-being. Worries about the future, your preformance, one's relationships, and busy work life can interfere with becoming the fullest version of oneself. In working with me, my clients can improve their capacity to experience the joys and healing that life has to offer while not feeling controlled by anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Are you an athlete or entertainer struggling to balance pressure and performance? Maybe you are feeling the intense pressure to consistently produce greatness. Have you ever wondered how your mental health impacts your performance on the field, court, or stage? What if you could reduce anxiety, manage stress, and build resilience to tackle any challenge? Ready to elevate your mental game and boost your performance? Then I am here to help you develop the mental tools to thrive under pressure, lead with confidence and transform your mindset and perspective to enhance performance and overall well-being.
Are you an athlete or entertainer struggling to balance pressure and performance? Maybe you are feeling the intense pressure to consistently produce greatness. Have you ever wondered how your mental health impacts your performance on the field, court, or stage? What if you could reduce anxiety, manage stress, and build resilience to tackle any challenge? Ready to elevate your mental game and boost your performance? Then I am here to help you develop the mental tools to thrive under pressure, lead with confidence and transform your mindset and perspective to enhance performance and overall well-being.
All services are now virtual.
The decision to engage in the process of seeking help or making change is one that takes courage. It is important that the professional you work with has an appreciation for your story and your context.
All services are now virtual.
The decision to engage in the process of seeking help or making change is one that takes courage. It is important that the professional you work with has an appreciation for your story and your context.
As a licensed psychologist, I provide individual therapy to adolescent and adult clients looking to better understand themselves and their relationships. People often seek therapy to address symptoms or problems that they want to change, but ironically, this felt need for things to be different can often create more stress. I believe people are more than their problems, and so my aim is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the connections between your past experience, relational patterns, and current behaviors to help you a achieve a meaningful sense of self-awareness, thereby giving you more freedom and choice.
As a licensed psychologist, I provide individual therapy to adolescent and adult clients looking to better understand themselves and their relationships. People often seek therapy to address symptoms or problems that they want to change, but ironically, this felt need for things to be different can often create more stress. I believe people are more than their problems, and so my aim is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the connections between your past experience, relational patterns, and current behaviors to help you a achieve a meaningful sense of self-awareness, thereby giving you more freedom and choice.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
I work under the umbrella of coaching - both as a transformational coach and a sport psychology consultant. As a former high school coach and counselor, I provide a unique approach that is both authentic and encouraging in nature. I work best with clients that are open-minded and adaptable as well as introspective and contemplative. Sense of humor plays an essential role in the rapport building progress. Once that is established, I make sure to carefully listen to each individual's unique story, assist in planning ahead for challenges, channel strengths, and collaboratively track progress together.
I work under the umbrella of coaching - both as a transformational coach and a sport psychology consultant. As a former high school coach and counselor, I provide a unique approach that is both authentic and encouraging in nature. I work best with clients that are open-minded and adaptable as well as introspective and contemplative. Sense of humor plays an essential role in the rapport building progress. Once that is established, I make sure to carefully listen to each individual's unique story, assist in planning ahead for challenges, channel strengths, and collaboratively track progress together.
I later completed a fellowship in pediatric psychology and spent 4 years in orthopedic sports medicine.
My passion is helping adults and adolescents achieve well-being and balance. As a licensed psychologist, I offer traditional counseling services. I specialize in sport psychology, adolescent & elite athletes, women's issues, & EMDR. As a CMPC & Sport Psychologist with the U.S. Olympic Committee, I offer services for adults & adolescents, and have the privilege of working with athletes from youth to professional and Olympic/elite. As a psychologist, I am licensed in multiple states (District ofColumbia, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Colorado, and Florida) and able to offer services nationwide.
I later completed a fellowship in pediatric psychology and spent 4 years in orthopedic sports medicine.
My passion is helping adults and adolescents achieve well-being and balance. As a licensed psychologist, I offer traditional counseling services. I specialize in sport psychology, adolescent & elite athletes, women's issues, & EMDR. As a CMPC & Sport Psychologist with the U.S. Olympic Committee, I offer services for adults & adolescents, and have the privilege of working with athletes from youth to professional and Olympic/elite. As a psychologist, I am licensed in multiple states (District ofColumbia, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Colorado, and Florida) and able to offer services nationwide.
From the outside you appear put together and accomplished, yet inside you don’t always feel that way. Sometimes you worry about things you can't control, create plans for the possible “what ifs” down the road, and wonder if others will discover that you don’t actually have it all figured out. You can’t calm your mind or find a healthy balance, and it’s getting in the way of your ambitions. You’ve tried managing on your own yet feel stuck. We can work together to harness your inner strengths while mending the parts that make life feel challenging.
From the outside you appear put together and accomplished, yet inside you don’t always feel that way. Sometimes you worry about things you can't control, create plans for the possible “what ifs” down the road, and wonder if others will discover that you don’t actually have it all figured out. You can’t calm your mind or find a healthy balance, and it’s getting in the way of your ambitions. You’ve tried managing on your own yet feel stuck. We can work together to harness your inner strengths while mending the parts that make life feel challenging.
Dr. Danielle Patrick-Wade
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, EdD, MS, LCPC, CMPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am committed to creating a space where wellness meets performance. I specialize in helping clients achieve sustainable growth and peak performance, both in life and in high-performance environments. By meeting each client where they are in their desire for change, I encourage them to take an active role in planning and progressing treatment goals. I help clients build mental resilience, overcome obstacles, and unlock their potential. Whether navigating life transitions, pursuing goals, or striving for optimal performance, I offer individualized care tailored to your needs.
I am committed to creating a space where wellness meets performance. I specialize in helping clients achieve sustainable growth and peak performance, both in life and in high-performance environments. By meeting each client where they are in their desire for change, I encourage them to take an active role in planning and progressing treatment goals. I help clients build mental resilience, overcome obstacles, and unlock their potential. Whether navigating life transitions, pursuing goals, or striving for optimal performance, I offer individualized care tailored to your needs.
High-performing athletes, performers, and ambitious professionals often struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, fear of failure, performance anxiety and constant pressure to succeed at their highest level. As a former professional athlete turned therapist, I will help you break mental blocks, overcome mistakes, quiet your inner critic, and regain focus. Together, we’ll build confidence, and I will help you perform at your best under pressure, and rediscover joy and clarity in your sport, career, or life—turning your mental game into your greatest competitive edge.
High-performing athletes, performers, and ambitious professionals often struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, fear of failure, performance anxiety and constant pressure to succeed at their highest level. As a former professional athlete turned therapist, I will help you break mental blocks, overcome mistakes, quiet your inner critic, and regain focus. Together, we’ll build confidence, and I will help you perform at your best under pressure, and rediscover joy and clarity in your sport, career, or life—turning your mental game into your greatest competitive edge.
Our therapists have experience working with people who express a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, narcissistic abuse, anger, internal conflict, low self-worth, sports performance, performance anxiety, mental blocks & life adjustments.
By working together, we will develop and implement your Safe Routes to positive mental health and wellness. Our therapist look forward to assisting you as you start on your path to healing & becoming who God designed you to be.
Our therapists have experience working with people who express a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, narcissistic abuse, anger, internal conflict, low self-worth, sports performance, performance anxiety, mental blocks & life adjustments.
By working together, we will develop and implement your Safe Routes to positive mental health and wellness. Our therapist look forward to assisting you as you start on your path to healing & becoming who God designed you to be.
I am a psychotherapist that specializes in supporting teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, perfectionism, career indecision, general life stressors and sport performance. I am passionate about helping individuals cultivate and build resilience, confidence, a deeper sense of balance and purpose by creating a space where they can pause, reflect, and move toward lasting change that feels authentic and sustainable. I use a collaborative, honest, and warm approach that’s tailored to each individual's unique challenges, goals, and strengths.
I am a psychotherapist that specializes in supporting teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, perfectionism, career indecision, general life stressors and sport performance. I am passionate about helping individuals cultivate and build resilience, confidence, a deeper sense of balance and purpose by creating a space where they can pause, reflect, and move toward lasting change that feels authentic and sustainable. I use a collaborative, honest, and warm approach that’s tailored to each individual's unique challenges, goals, and strengths.
Collectively, we have experience covering the developmental lifespan from assessing and treating young children with behavioral and learning concerns to working with adolescents and (young and older) adult clients who have concerns related to sports, navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, significant life stressors, and life transitions.
In therapy and coaching, our focus is on overall mental wellness and improving the mental health and mental capacity of individuals with symptoms related to sport performance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, life transitions, somatic health, weight loss, pain related issues, and weight management.
Collectively, we have experience covering the developmental lifespan from assessing and treating young children with behavioral and learning concerns to working with adolescents and (young and older) adult clients who have concerns related to sports, navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, significant life stressors, and life transitions.
In therapy and coaching, our focus is on overall mental wellness and improving the mental health and mental capacity of individuals with symptoms related to sport performance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, life transitions, somatic health, weight loss, pain related issues, and weight management.
I work with adolescents and adults (12+) facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, women’s health issues, the pressures of competitive sports, and late diagnosed autism.
I offer a neurodiversity-affirming space for late-diagnosed autistic adults and neurodivergent teens where masking isn’t expected. Together, we’ll work to reduce burnout, honor your values, and build a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and truly yours.
I work with adolescents and adults (12+) facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, women’s health issues, the pressures of competitive sports, and late diagnosed autism.
I offer a neurodiversity-affirming space for late-diagnosed autistic adults and neurodivergent teens where masking isn’t expected. Together, we’ll work to reduce burnout, honor your values, and build a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and truly yours.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.