Sports Performance Therapists in Chicago, IL
Melanie Jambrosic is a license clinical and sports psychologist at New Insights Behavioral Services.
Dr. Jambrosic incorporates an eclectic trauma-informed approach integrating evidence-based theories to tailor to each client's needs, which include Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Theory. She emphasizes being authentic, living in alignment with one's core values, and not allowing one's past to define ourselves.
Melanie Jambrosic is a license clinical and sports psychologist at New Insights Behavioral Services.
Dr. Jambrosic incorporates an eclectic trauma-informed approach integrating evidence-based theories to tailor to each client's needs, which include Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Theory. She emphasizes being authentic, living in alignment with one's core values, and not allowing one's past to define ourselves.
Do you feel trapped in a cycle of constant doing, achieving, and striving—yet still feel unfulfilled? Perhaps you're exhausted from living with urgency, always rushing to the next goal. You might notice tension, anxiety, or stress living in your body, even when you try to relax. You're seeking a different path—one that honors slowing down, listening to your body's wisdom, and finding healing beyond traditional talk therapy. You want tools to regulate your nervous system, release stored stress, and reconnect with yourself through a holistic, embodied approach that integrates mind and body.
Do you feel trapped in a cycle of constant doing, achieving, and striving—yet still feel unfulfilled? Perhaps you're exhausted from living with urgency, always rushing to the next goal. You might notice tension, anxiety, or stress living in your body, even when you try to relax. You're seeking a different path—one that honors slowing down, listening to your body's wisdom, and finding healing beyond traditional talk therapy. You want tools to regulate your nervous system, release stored stress, and reconnect with yourself through a holistic, embodied approach that integrates mind and body.
Therapy is a space for growth, clarity, and connection. My ideal client is navigating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, or sport/professional performance difficulties. They may be high performers, caregivers, justice-involved, or neurodivergent individuals facing systemic barriers. They’re seeking clarity, emotional regulation, and practical tools. They want a therapist who works collaboratively to better understand their lived experience. Their goals often include healing, improving relationships, and navigating work or performance demands with greater confidence, awareness, and self-compassion.
Therapy is a space for growth, clarity, and connection. My ideal client is navigating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, or sport/professional performance difficulties. They may be high performers, caregivers, justice-involved, or neurodivergent individuals facing systemic barriers. They’re seeking clarity, emotional regulation, and practical tools. They want a therapist who works collaboratively to better understand their lived experience. Their goals often include healing, improving relationships, and navigating work or performance demands with greater confidence, awareness, and self-compassion.
Going through a 'life transition' that doesn't seem to end? Feeling left behind and unable to catch up? If so, I would like to help. I am an interactive therapist in Chicago who builds capacity for growth and change in clients ready to take a step forward in life. Through an eclectic approach, I validate your experience, identify key areas for growth, and empower you to see a life beyond anxiety, stress, trauma, or disappointment. I utilize various forms of cognitive behavioral activity, and performance psychology to deliver consistent measurable change. I also give "homework" to promote and continue growth outside of our sessions.
Going through a 'life transition' that doesn't seem to end? Feeling left behind and unable to catch up? If so, I would like to help. I am an interactive therapist in Chicago who builds capacity for growth and change in clients ready to take a step forward in life. Through an eclectic approach, I validate your experience, identify key areas for growth, and empower you to see a life beyond anxiety, stress, trauma, or disappointment. I utilize various forms of cognitive behavioral activity, and performance psychology to deliver consistent measurable change. I also give "homework" to promote and continue growth outside of our sessions.
Therapy is a liberating space that allows people to tap into their innate power, which is brave in a world that is overwhelming. I support individuals interested in building awareness of patterns, beliefs, systems, and what has shaped them so that they can have greater agency over their lives. My goal is to help you tap into the power within through emphasizing your strengths, values alignment, and building capacity to hold discomfort while not letting it consume you. As a queer black woman and former athlete I am passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, trauma survivors, and high performers.
Therapy is a liberating space that allows people to tap into their innate power, which is brave in a world that is overwhelming. I support individuals interested in building awareness of patterns, beliefs, systems, and what has shaped them so that they can have greater agency over their lives. My goal is to help you tap into the power within through emphasizing your strengths, values alignment, and building capacity to hold discomfort while not letting it consume you. As a queer black woman and former athlete I am passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, trauma survivors, and high performers.
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, sports performance & BFRBs.
I use evidence-based interventions to help those living with anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, athlete mental health concerns, & BFRBs. Feeling anxious, uncertain, and experiencing nonstop worry can make daily tasks and decisions overwhelming. Impeding on your confidence, anxiety can take a toll on your relationships, physical wellbeing, sleep quality, or the ability to perform your best. You may find yourself avoiding more, even when you’re goal oriented and driven. Guided by your personal values, I help clients overcome rumination and obsessive worry. Breaking the avoidance, overthinking, and self-doubt cycle is possible.
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, sports performance & BFRBs.
I use evidence-based interventions to help those living with anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, athlete mental health concerns, & BFRBs. Feeling anxious, uncertain, and experiencing nonstop worry can make daily tasks and decisions overwhelming. Impeding on your confidence, anxiety can take a toll on your relationships, physical wellbeing, sleep quality, or the ability to perform your best. You may find yourself avoiding more, even when you’re goal oriented and driven. Guided by your personal values, I help clients overcome rumination and obsessive worry. Breaking the avoidance, overthinking, and self-doubt cycle is possible.
My approach to therapy is both practical and positive. I work primarily with adults who are looking to make changes in their lives and are unsure of where to begin. I enjoy the process of connecting with my clients, who often experience anxiety/depression, and developing a relationship that supports movement and acceptance. Specializing in addiction and trauma work I incorporate evidence-based strategies to facilitate healing. I have a mind and body approach that I believe promotes patience and encourages understanding to all aspects of a persons life.
My approach to therapy is both practical and positive. I work primarily with adults who are looking to make changes in their lives and are unsure of where to begin. I enjoy the process of connecting with my clients, who often experience anxiety/depression, and developing a relationship that supports movement and acceptance. Specializing in addiction and trauma work I incorporate evidence-based strategies to facilitate healing. I have a mind and body approach that I believe promotes patience and encourages understanding to all aspects of a persons life.
I hold a Sport Social Work Certificate with specialized training and graduate research centered on the intersection of sports and mental health.
My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe being their truest selves, without judgment or pressure. I strive to build a relationship that feels meaningful, supportive, steady, and with the kind of occasional humor that makes hard conversations just a little easier.
I work with teens (12+), adults (18+), and athletes, and specialize in: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma/PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Eating Disorders (including ARFID), LGBTQIA+ Mental Health, Athlete Mental Health, Exercise Dependence, Self-Harm, Body Image Concerns, Perfectionism, Relational/Family Trauma, Identity Issues/Development, Burnout & Attachment Style Exploration.
I hold a Sport Social Work Certificate with specialized training and graduate research centered on the intersection of sports and mental health.
My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe being their truest selves, without judgment or pressure. I strive to build a relationship that feels meaningful, supportive, steady, and with the kind of occasional humor that makes hard conversations just a little easier.
I work with teens (12+), adults (18+), and athletes, and specialize in: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma/PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Eating Disorders (including ARFID), LGBTQIA+ Mental Health, Athlete Mental Health, Exercise Dependence, Self-Harm, Body Image Concerns, Perfectionism, Relational/Family Trauma, Identity Issues/Development, Burnout & Attachment Style Exploration.
For sports and performance work, I am working under the supervision of a CMPC to provide mental skills training.
I believe that therapy should be a creative and dynamic space where you feel safe and supported. My goal is to empower you to recognize and harness your strengths, enabling you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Together, we'll explore different parts of yourself with curiosity, creating space for growth and healing.
For sports and performance work, I am working under the supervision of a CMPC to provide mental skills training.
I believe that therapy should be a creative and dynamic space where you feel safe and supported. My goal is to empower you to recognize and harness your strengths, enabling you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Together, we'll explore different parts of yourself with curiosity, creating space for growth and healing.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by nutritional choices, seeking clarity and confidence in how to nourish your body amidst health challenges and cultural messages. You’re looking for ways to feel better, gain energy, and reduce discomfort without focusing solely on weight. Embracing a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective, I can help you develop a personalized approach that honors your body’s unique needs and promotes a sustainable, supportive lifestyle. You are motivated by a desire to feel empowered and informed about your health, ready to take proactive steps toward a vibrant and fulfilling life. I’m here to help.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by nutritional choices, seeking clarity and confidence in how to nourish your body amidst health challenges and cultural messages. You’re looking for ways to feel better, gain energy, and reduce discomfort without focusing solely on weight. Embracing a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective, I can help you develop a personalized approach that honors your body’s unique needs and promotes a sustainable, supportive lifestyle. You are motivated by a desire to feel empowered and informed about your health, ready to take proactive steps toward a vibrant and fulfilling life. I’m here to help.
Natalie Graves' Athletic Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, CADC
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
In sports, it is 90% mental and 10% physical.
An athlete's life is different from other people. Does the stress of being an athlete sometimes makes you feel overwhelmed and alone? Are you expected to be almost perfect and fear you won't measure up and will get ridiculed? Are you afraid of not being "good enough" and coaches losing confidence in you? Does worrying about your performance leave you feeling overanxious? Do you have moments of overwhelming sadness but are afraid to let anyone know because you're an athlete and athletes can't show any signs of weakness, all the while feeling stressed out with no one to go to?
In sports, it is 90% mental and 10% physical.
An athlete's life is different from other people. Does the stress of being an athlete sometimes makes you feel overwhelmed and alone? Are you expected to be almost perfect and fear you won't measure up and will get ridiculed? Are you afraid of not being "good enough" and coaches losing confidence in you? Does worrying about your performance leave you feeling overanxious? Do you have moments of overwhelming sadness but are afraid to let anyone know because you're an athlete and athletes can't show any signs of weakness, all the while feeling stressed out with no one to go to?
Sarah works with clients with a wide variety of needs, including sports performance concerns, anxiety, confidence, & life transitions
Sarah's graduate degree is in Sports Psychology, she loves to help athletes and non-athletes Redefine what it means to Perform at their best.
-Elevate your performance in sports, work, and life
-Overcome mental barriers and build unshakeable confidence
-Develop laser-sharp focus and unwavering motivation
-Learn techniques for stress management and resilience
Sarah works with clients with a wide variety of needs, including sports performance concerns, anxiety, confidence, & life transitions
Sarah's graduate degree is in Sports Psychology, she loves to help athletes and non-athletes Redefine what it means to Perform at their best.
-Elevate your performance in sports, work, and life
-Overcome mental barriers and build unshakeable confidence
-Develop laser-sharp focus and unwavering motivation
-Learn techniques for stress management and resilience
I help people better understand who they are, where they are stuck and how they can move forward in a healthy way. Anxiety, depression, grief, career counseling, and emotional regulation are just a few of the issues I work with often. As a former athlete, I also work with many athletes whether it be performance pressures or figuring what your plans are when you retire. I have experienced lots of wins, failures, and know firsthand how challenging being an athlete is.
I help people better understand who they are, where they are stuck and how they can move forward in a healthy way. Anxiety, depression, grief, career counseling, and emotional regulation are just a few of the issues I work with often. As a former athlete, I also work with many athletes whether it be performance pressures or figuring what your plans are when you retire. I have experienced lots of wins, failures, and know firsthand how challenging being an athlete is.
As a therapist and mental health professional, I am dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming space for clients as I work with treating issues related to trauma, sports performance anxiety, crisis care, and family dysfunction that encompasses healing in the mind, body, and spirit.
I use a compassionate, integrative, and attentive approach to provide skills and space to address all that life brings.
As a therapist and mental health professional, I am dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming space for clients as I work with treating issues related to trauma, sports performance anxiety, crisis care, and family dysfunction that encompasses healing in the mind, body, and spirit.
I use a compassionate, integrative, and attentive approach to provide skills and space to address all that life brings.
My ideal client is motivated to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful change. They may face challenges related to ADHD, autism spectrum traits, or executive functioning, often feeling overwhelmed by daily demands, career transitions, or parenting responsibilities. Many are professionals, educators, athletes, or executives striving to balance personal and professional life while managing stress and fatigue. They seek clarity, emotional regulation, practical strategies, and a safe, supportive space to build resilience and restore balance.
My ideal client is motivated to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful change. They may face challenges related to ADHD, autism spectrum traits, or executive functioning, often feeling overwhelmed by daily demands, career transitions, or parenting responsibilities. Many are professionals, educators, athletes, or executives striving to balance personal and professional life while managing stress and fatigue. They seek clarity, emotional regulation, practical strategies, and a safe, supportive space to build resilience and restore balance.
Advance Potential Psychological Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PEL
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60645
If life is a journey, I would ask that you consider my Walk-n-Talk Therapy modality (est. 2003) as the perfect alternative therapeutic approach to in-office and/or virtual therapy. As a licensed clinical social worker, with over 20 years of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical and educational settings, this approach provides a refreshing departure from the confines of a traditional therapy office, offering my clients an opportunity to engage with nature, movement, constantly changing variables while connecting to meaningful, growth orienting therapeutic development.
If life is a journey, I would ask that you consider my Walk-n-Talk Therapy modality (est. 2003) as the perfect alternative therapeutic approach to in-office and/or virtual therapy. As a licensed clinical social worker, with over 20 years of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical and educational settings, this approach provides a refreshing departure from the confines of a traditional therapy office, offering my clients an opportunity to engage with nature, movement, constantly changing variables while connecting to meaningful, growth orienting therapeutic development.
Shannon Suffoletto is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Board-Certified Dance Movement Therapist (BC-DMT).
Shannon works with youth, collegiate and professional athletes and is listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee 2025 Mental Health and Mental Performance Registries. Shannon serves as the Certified Mental Performance Consultant for the Chicago Dogs professional baseball team in Rosemont, IL.
Additionally, Shannon is certified in Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA) which informs her mind/body approach.
Shannon Suffoletto is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Board-Certified Dance Movement Therapist (BC-DMT).
Shannon works with youth, collegiate and professional athletes and is listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee 2025 Mental Health and Mental Performance Registries. Shannon serves as the Certified Mental Performance Consultant for the Chicago Dogs professional baseball team in Rosemont, IL.
Additionally, Shannon is certified in Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA) which informs her mind/body approach.
You may be navigating a rupture in your relationship, adjusting to a major life transition, or trying to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Maybe you’re balancing the pressures of a high-stress environment with relationships at home, or you’re working to reintegrate into a familiar or new life context. At the core, you want to feel understood, rebuild trust, and find a sense of stability and connection within yourself and your relationships.
You may be navigating a rupture in your relationship, adjusting to a major life transition, or trying to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Maybe you’re balancing the pressures of a high-stress environment with relationships at home, or you’re working to reintegrate into a familiar or new life context. At the core, you want to feel understood, rebuild trust, and find a sense of stability and connection within yourself and your relationships.
I work with athletes and performers at all levels, with professional sports teams affiliations.
Ashley works with and has a passion for providing services to individuals living with/battling mental health, learning, mood, performance, and traumatic dysregulations- from adolescents, adults, to older adults. She specializes in athletic/human performance psychology and substance use/misuse- harm reduction. Along with providing services, she has a dedication to being a light and a gatekeeper for the fields of mental health, counseling, clinical supervision, and sport psychology. It is her desire to see folks live in their purpose(s) and be the optimal versions of their true/authentic selves.
I work with athletes and performers at all levels, with professional sports teams affiliations.
Ashley works with and has a passion for providing services to individuals living with/battling mental health, learning, mood, performance, and traumatic dysregulations- from adolescents, adults, to older adults. She specializes in athletic/human performance psychology and substance use/misuse- harm reduction. Along with providing services, she has a dedication to being a light and a gatekeeper for the fields of mental health, counseling, clinical supervision, and sport psychology. It is her desire to see folks live in their purpose(s) and be the optimal versions of their true/authentic selves.
Relationships are the heartbeat of our emotional lives, influencing how we see ourselves, how we show up for others, and how safe or fulfilled we feel in the world. Every relationship leaves an imprint on our nervous system. Some soothe, some scar—but all shape who we become.
My passion lies in helping people understand those imprints and rewrite their story in ways that foster safety, authenticity, and growth. Whether you’re working to heal from trauma or longing for healthier patterns in love, work, or family life, therapy can help you reconnect with your most grounded and empowered self.
Relationships are the heartbeat of our emotional lives, influencing how we see ourselves, how we show up for others, and how safe or fulfilled we feel in the world. Every relationship leaves an imprint on our nervous system. Some soothe, some scar—but all shape who we become.
My passion lies in helping people understand those imprints and rewrite their story in ways that foster safety, authenticity, and growth. Whether you’re working to heal from trauma or longing for healthier patterns in love, work, or family life, therapy can help you reconnect with your most grounded and empowered self.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Sports Performance Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Burr Ridge
- Evanston
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Niles
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Park Ridge
- River Forest
- Skokie
- Western Springs
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.