About Mental Performance Coaching

What is mental performance coaching?
Mental performance coaching helps athletes strengthen the mental side of their game—things like focus, confidence, and motivation. Just like physical skills, mental skills can be trained. This work is not about changing who you are, but helping you access your best more consistently, especially under pressure.

Is mental performance coaching same as therapy or counselling?
No. While I am a licensed clinical counsellor, mental performance coaching is focused on optimizing performance. That said, it’s common for performance concerns to overlap with things like anxiety, self-worth, or stress—and I’m equipped to support that when needed.

Who can benefit from mental performance coaching?
Any athlete who wants to train their mind the same way they train their body. I work with juniors, adults, and professionals who want to compete with more consistency, recover better from mistakes, and enjoy their sport more fully.

Do I need to be struggling to work with you?
Not at all. Some clients come because they’re stuck in a slump. Others come when things are going well but want to stay sharp, especially before a season, tournament, or transition. Both are valid reasons to start.

The Process & Working Together

How do you work with me?
It depends on what you're looking for. Some athletes start with a structured curriculum—great if you’re new to mental performance. Others prefer individualized coaching, where we tailor sessions to your specific challenges and goals. We can meet in-person or online.

What happens in a typical session?
Sessions usually start with a quick check-in, followed by a focus area—like managing nerves, building a routine, or reviewing a recent performance. You'll leave with 1–2 things to reflect on or try between sessions. It’s a conversation, not a lecture.

Do you offer virtual sessions or in-person only?
Both. I offer virtual coaching for clients outside of Vancouver area an and in-person sessions for those in the Vancouver area.

How long does it take to see results?
It varies. Some athletes notice a shift in the first few sessions, especially with practical tools. For more lasting change—like rebuilding confidence or shifting mindset—it can take longer. We’ll set realistic expectations together based on your needs.

Can I just do a one-off session?
Yes, though I recommend at least a few sessions to build traction. That said, if you're in a crunch before a tournament or need help working through a specific issue, a one-time consult can be a good starting point.

Common Goals & Outcomes

Can this help with performance anxiety or nerves in competition?
Yes. We’ll look at what triggers your anxiety, how it shows up in your body and thoughts, and give you specific tools to reduce its grip—whether that’s before a tournament or in the middle of a round.

I already know the mental game is important, but I’ve never seen it help. How will this be different?
That’s a common experience. A lot of mental game advice out there is generic or surface-level. Our work is personalized. I’ll help you understand what actually drives your patterns and offer tools that are grounded, repeatable, and tailored to how you think and perform.

What if I’ve tried things like breathing, journaling, or visualizing before and they didn’t work?
Then we’ll figure out why. Maybe the tool didn’t fit the situation, or maybe it wasn’t taught in a way that clicked for you. I don’t use a one-size-fits-all model—we’ll find approaches that match your personality and playing style.

Can this help me enjoy the game again if I’ve lost confidence or motivation?
Yes, and that’s often one of the most rewarding outcomes. Sometimes performance dips can pull the joy out of sport. We’ll work on re-anchoring your sense of purpose, rebuilding trust in your game, and managing internal pressure.

How do I know if this is what I need right now?
If you’ve been thinking about your performance more than you’d like to—or feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure what to do next—it’s probably a good time to explore this.

Logistics & Getting Started

How do I book a session or sign up?
You can book a session or inquire about packages by filling out the contact form or sending an email to winnie@mindmine.ca. I’ll follow up to schedule a quick consult or get you started.

Do you offer packages or only pay-per-session?
At this time, I offer pay-per-session only. This allows more flexibility for athletes to come in as needed, without the pressure of committing to a set number of sessions. If you're not sure how often to meet, we can talk through a plan that fits your goals.

What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Can parents attend sessions with junior athletes?
In some cases, yes—especially during the intake process. But the core work is between the athlete and me. I’ll always keep parents in the loop as appropriate, while protecting the athlete’s trust and confidentiality.

Is everything we talk about confidential?
Sessions are confidential, with a few legal exceptions. These exceptions will be discussed in your Informed Consent form. If you're under 19, we may involve parents to some extent, but always in a way that supports your comfort and growth.