Executive Coaching
->
Creatives

Performance Psychology for Competitive Athletes

Unlocking Potential, On and Off the Field

As a former elite hockey player and licensed therapist, I know firsthand the pressures young athletes face. Youth sports should be an incredible opportunity for growth, learning, and joy—but too often, they come with stress, self-doubt, or even burnout. That’s where performance psychology can help.

A Winning Mindset is Trainable

The mental side of sports is just as important as the physical. In fact, it's often what separates good athletes from great ones. I work with youth athletes to build mental skills that improve their performance and confidence, helping them thrive in the game—and in life.

Here’s what we focus on:

  • Confidence Building: Breaking free from self-doubt and stepping into belief in their abilities.
  • Resilience Training: Handling setbacks with strength and a mindset to grow.
  • Focus & Clarity: Staying present under pressure, whether it's in competition or practice.
  • Team Dynamics: Navigating the highs and lows of working with teammates and coaches.
  • Managing Performance Anxiety: Learning to calm nerves and perform at their best.

‍

Common Questions I Address as a Coach

Creative Professionals

  • How do I achieve that goal I’ve been thinking about?
  • What leadership styles will work best for my team?
  • How can I navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with the creative process while maintaining stability?
  • How can I still be creative now that I'm a manager?
  • Am I giving myself enough time for self-care and managing the balance between my personal well-being and creative pursuits?
  • How can I overcome creative blocks and find inspiration when I feel stuck or unmotivated?
  • What strategies can I employ to manage self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and other negative thoughts that may hinder my creative progress?
  • Are there techniques or practices that can help me manage stress and anxiety related to my creative work?
  • How can I establish healthy boundaries with clients, collaborators, or colleagues to protect my mental and emotional well-being?
  • What can I do to prevent burnout and maintain a sustainable creative practice without sacrificing my passion and drive?
  • How can I embrace vulnerability in my creative work while also protecting my emotional boundaries?

‍

Overall – Executive Coaching

  • How can I manage the high levels of stress and pressure that come with my role while maintaining my  well-being?
  • Am I effectively balancing my professional responsibilities with my personal life and overall happiness?
  • How can I enhance my self-awareness and emotional intelligence to become a more effective leader?
  • Are there strategies I can implement to improve my decision-making process?
  • How can I navigate the challenges of leading teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts in a way that supports both productivity and a positive work environment?
  • What steps can I take to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life integration while still achieving professional success?
  • How can I develop and refine my leadership style to better motivate and inspire my team members?
  • Are there techniques or practices I can incorporate to enhance my focus, concentration, and ability to stay present in the midst of a demanding role?
  • How can I ensure that I continue to challenge myself, learn and grow as an executive, and reach my full potential in my leadership journey?

I help athletes improve their mental fitness.

I'm a licensed therapist with OHL and NHL experience.

I’ve been an entrepreneur, an aid worker, an advertising executive, and a professional athlete. I’ve moved 15 times, broken 16 bones, had two kids, and failed spectacularly on multiple occasions.

Here’s what I’ve learned: change is inevitable, yet unexpected. If you’re considering a change, in the midst of one, or in need of one, I’m here to help you navigate it with more clarity, joy, and humanity.
Josh Chambers
Longer bio

How I Can Help

How I work with competitive athletes:

  • 1:1 Coaching Sessions tailored to their unique needs.
  • Workshops for Teams or Clubs to build group cohesion and shared mental strength.
  • Parent Support to help you navigate your role in your child’s athletic journey.

‍

Education & Licensure

I have a masters in psychotherapy and counseling andI am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) within the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health.

‍

Why Work With Me?

Simply put: I've been there. I grew up in Detroit and did the full hyper-competitive tour: AAA programs like Little Caesars and Compuware; world tournament in Quebec; National Championship in Boston; U.S. National Program at 15; drafted to the OHL at 17; and an eventual Detroit Red Wings tryout at 18.

Over my career, I broke 15 bones, learned a lot about resilience, had a few great coaches, quite a few bad ones, and saw firsthand how the intense pressures in sports leave a long-lasting imprint.

Mental fitness is a huge gap in athletic development. Players are pushed to be faster and stronger, but they’re rarely taught how to handle pressure, stay focused, and bounce back from setbacks.

The Coaching Process

We'll start with a 15 minute call to see if we're a mutual fit. Then, we begin with four sessions – enough to make great progress, and few enough to keep it simple.

‍Pre-Session
  • Review and sign coaching agreement. 
Session 1
  • Discover goals and areas of exploration. 
  • Create a plan.
Session 2
  • Explore influences, roadblocks, and environmental context.
  • Revisit the plan and adjust if needed.  
  • Create an achievable strategy.
‍Sessions 3 - 4
  • Implement strategies between sessions. 
  • Review and assess progress. 
  • Adjust, or continue, with strategy.

Interested?

Let's schedule a 15 minute conversation to see if we'd be a good fit for each other.

Schedule a Call