Sports Psychology & Performance Counseling in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Every athlete knows that talent and training are only part of the game. The real challenge often comes from within, the pressure, self-doubt, anxiety, and the weight of high expectations. At It Begins Within, our sports therapy specialists help athletes, parents, and coaches across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota strengthen the mental side of performance.
Whether you’re a parent of a youth athlete, a college player preparing for the next level, or a professional balancing performance with life stress, our sports psychology services provide proven strategies to sharpen focus, build resilience, and restore confidence.
What is Sports Therapy & Sports Psychology?
Sports psychology focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance. It addresses various psychological factors that influence athletes. The objective is to help athletes improve their focus, confidence, and resilience while managing stress, anxiety, and distractions. At It Begins Within we focus on addressing both the psychological and emotional needs. Goal setting plays a crucial role in enhancing mental skills and overall performance. When athletes can improve their overall well-being, they are able to perform at their best both in competition and everyday life.
Sport psychology provides significant advantages to athletes by integrating psychological principles with athletic practice. This approach helps in improving mental toughness, motivation, and overall well-being.
Sports psychology provides a wealth of advantages that can significantly enhance an athlete’s performance. By focusing on the mental game, athletes can develop skills that are just as crucial as physical training. Working with a sports psychologist helps athletes improve their focus, build confidence, and develop mental toughness, all of which are essential for peak performance.
One of the primary benefits is the ability to manage stress and anxiety, which are common challenges in competitive sports. Athletes learn techniques to stay calm and composed under pressure, allowing them to perform at their best even in high-stakes situations. Additionally, sports psychology helps in setting and achieving goals, ensuring that athletes remain motivated and committed to their training and competition.
Another significant advantage is the improvement in overall mental health especially for adolescents and teenagers . Athletes often face intense scrutiny and pressure, which can lead to issues like burnout and substance abuse. Sports psychologists provide support and strategies to maintain a healthy balance, promoting long-term well-being and sustained performance.
Sports psychology equips athletes with the mental tools needed to excel. Whether it’s enhancing focus, building resilience, or managing emotions, the benefits can be profound.
Benefits of Sports Psychology for Youth Athletes in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
How Sports Performance Therapy at IBW Is Different
Dual Focus on Mental Health and Performance
Unlike many sports psychology practices that focus solely on peak performance metrics, we recognize that athletes are whole people first. Our therapists are licensed mental health professionals who address both the psychological wellness and performance needs of every athlete. Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, perfectionism, family dynamics affecting your game, or the pressure of competition, we integrate clinical mental health expertise with evidence-based sport psychology techniques. This means we can help athletes struggling with depression, trauma, or anxiety while simultaneously building the mental toughness needed to excel.
Family-Centered Athlete Development
Youth sports don't happen in isolation, they happen within families. We're one of the few practices in the Bay area that actively involves parents and coaches in the therapeutic process. Our parent coaching programs equip families to create environments that foster resilience rather than burnout. We help parents navigate the delicate balance between encouragement and criticism, teaching them to recognize warning signs of struggles while supporting their athlete's goals. This holistic, systems-based approach creates sustainable success both on and off the field.
Real Clinical Expertise, Not Just Coaching
Many "sports psychology" services are offered by consultants or coaches without clinical licensure. At IBW, every provider is a fully licensed professional with specialized training in sports performance. This means we can diagnose and treat co-occurring conditions, and provide evidence-based interventions that go deeper than motivational techniques. We're equipped to handle everything from pre-game jitters to clinical anxiety disorders, ADHD affecting focus, or trauma from sports injuries.
Evidence-Based Techniques Tailored to Each Athlete
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Our clinicians utilize proven methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness training, biofeedback, visualization techniques, and performance profiling, all customized to each athlete's sport, competitive level, personality, and specific goals. A youth soccer player dealing with social anxiety needs different interventions than a collegiate swimmer recovering from injury, and our team has the expertise to deliver individualized treatment plans that work.
Long-Term Relationship Building
Sports careers have ups and downs, from recruitment pressure, injuries, losses, transitions between levels, and eventually “hanging it up” from competition. We're here for the entire journey. Many of our athlete clients work with us for years, developing a trusted therapeutic relationship that evolves as they grow. This continuity of care means we're not just helping you win next week's game; we're building psychological resilience and life skills that serve athletes long after their playing days end.
Meet Our Coaches & Counselors in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Melissa Zentner, LMHC
Melissa Zentner is a former Division I athlete who specializes in sports psychology and performance coaching for adolescent and teenage girls. She works closely with volleyball and softball athletes to build confidence, manage performance anxiety, strengthen focus, and develop mental toughness both on and off the field. Melissa blends high-level athletic experience with evidence-based mental skills training to help young athletes perform consistently under pressure.
Andreas balasis, LCSW
Andreas Balasis provides sports psychology and performance coaching for teens and adults competing in precision and high-intensity sports, with a focus on golf and combat sports. He helps athletes improve focus, emotional regulation, and consistency while navigating performance pressure, competition stress, and setbacks. Andreas takes a practical, grounded approach to mental performance, supporting athletes who want clarity, control, and confidence in competition.
paris mcdonald, lMHC
Paris McDonald is a former athlete and military veteran who specializes in helping athletes build mental resilience and cope effectively with setbacks, injuries, and performance challenges. She works with athletes across sports to strengthen mindset, manage stress, and develop adaptability under pressure. Paris brings a disciplined, resilience-focused approach to performance coaching that helps athletes stay grounded, focused, and mentally strong through adversity.
Who We Serve
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Student Athletes
We work with players of all levels who are seeking to achieve optimal performance on and off the field
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Coaches
We work with coaches of all levels, from 1st year through seasoned veterans
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Parents
We provide parents with the knowledge and support they need to help their children succeed both in sports and in life
Types of Athletes We've Worked With
Our Experience Spans Every Level and Sport
We've had the privilege of working with athletes and coaches across the competitive spectrum, from youth recreational players discovering their passion to professional athletes performing on a national stages. Here are a few of our athletes stories:
Youth Athletes Finding Their Confidence - Emma, an 11-Year-Old Competitive Gymnast
Emma came to us after freezing during routines and refusing to attempt skills she'd previously mastered. Through our work together, we discovered her fear wasn't about the sport itself—it was about disappointing her parents and coach. Using child-focused CBT and family therapy sessions, we helped Emma's family reshape their communication patterns and reduce performance pressure at home. Within three months, Emma was not only completing her routines but had developed pre-competition rituals that helped her manage nerves.
Managing Recruitment Pressure - Marcus, a High School Pitcher
Marcus was a talented pitcher being heavily recruited by Division I programs, but the pressure led to debilitating performance anxiety. He'd experience panic attacks before games and his on-field performance was suffering. We worked with Marcus using a combination of exposure therapy, breathing techniques, and cognitive restructuring to help him separate his worth from his performance. We also conducted family sessions to help his parents understand the mental toll of recruitment. Today, Marcus has committed to his dream school and reports feeling "in control" of his mental game.
Adult Competitive Athletes and “Weekend Warriors” - David, a Father, Business Owner & Competitive Golfer
David wasn't a touring professional, but as a successful business owner and father, he was determined to excel at golf the same way he excelled in business. He came to us frustrated that his game had plateaued despite investing in expensive coaching and countless hours at the range. Through our work together, we discovered that David's biggest obstacle wasn't his swing, it was the mental pressure he put on himself and his inability to stay present during rounds. We introduced pre-shot routines, breathing techniques to manage on-course frustration, and visualization strategies that helped him maintain focus under pressure. Within just a few weeks, David dropped six strokes off his handicap and placed in his club championship. More importantly, he reported that the mindfulness and emotional regulation tools we practiced have transformed how he shows up for his family and employees.
Parents and Coaches Seeking Guidance
We regularly work with parents who want to better support their young athletes and coaches looking to enhance team dynamics. One travel baseball organization brought us in for a season-long consultation where we provided monthly workshops on topics like pre-game anxiety, team cohesion, and healthy communication between coaches and families. The result was measurable: decreased dropout rates, improved team performance, and parents reporting feeling "equipped instead of overwhelmed."
Sports We've Worked With Include:
Baseball & Softball
Soccer
Basketball
Volleyball
Swimming
Tennis
Golf
Gymnastics
Dance
Martial Arts and Combat Sports
Sports Counseling & Performance Services
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Our workshops are designed for teams and groups, focusing on building mental resilience, enhancing team cohesion, and improving overall performance. We address key areas like communication, stress management, and mental toughness to help teams succeed both on and off the field.
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This program equips parents and coaches with the knowledge and tools to support athletes mental health and performance. We provide guidance on fostering a positive environment, team building, recognizing mental health challenges, and encouraging healthy emotional development in athletes.
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Our one-on-one sessions offer personalized support for athletes looking to enhance their mental performance and well-being. We address issues like performance anxiety, focus, and motivation while providing strategies to help athletes overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Areas We Support
Building confidence
We help athletes develop self-belief and trust in their abilities, empowering them to perform at their best in any situation.
coachability
Our training focuses on improving athletes' ability to take constructive feedback, adapt to coaching styles, and continuously grow.
performing under pressure
We teach athletes mental techniques to stay calm and focused during high-stakes moments, ensuring they can perform at their peak when it matters most.
enhancing motivation
We help athletes cultivate intrinsic motivation, keeping them driven and committed to their goals, even when facing adversity.
mental TOUGHNESS
We equip athletes with the tools to bounce back from setbacks, stay mentally tough, and maintain a positive outlook through challenges.
removing mental blocks
Our sessions help athletes identify and overcome mental barriers that may be holding them back, allowing them to unlock their full potential.
managing agression
Our programs teach athletes to channel their aggression in a controlled and positive way, ensuring it enhances performance rather than hinders it.
overcoming perfectionism
We work with athletes and especially children to help overcome perfectionism and manage unrealistic standards, helping them avoid burnout and embrace progress over perfection.
Sports Psychology Therapy in Florida
Sports counseling in st. petersburg
Our St. Petersburg office supports athletes, students, and parents across Pinellas County—including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island. Whether your goal is overcoming performance anxiety, building mental resilience, or regaining confidence after an injury, our sports therapy specialists provide evidence-based counseling tailored to athletes of all levels.
Youth sports psychology in tampa
Located near Westshore and South Tampa, our Tampa therapists serve athletes and families throughout Hillsborough County—including Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach. Our team specializes in performance optimization, stress management, and mental skills training for youth athletes, competitive teams, and professionals balancing high-pressure careers with peak performance.
sports counseling in sarasota, fl
Our Sarasota location welcomes athletes and families from across the Suncoast region—including Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch. Whether your child is just beginning in youth sports, or you’re a collegiate athlete facing the mental toll of competition, we provide individualized sports psychology counseling to build confidence, improve focus, and support long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Psychology & Performance Coaching
Do you offer sports psychology services in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota?
Yes - at It Begins Within we have three convenient office locations across the Tampa Bay region to serve athletes and families.
Are sports performance sessions available in person or online in Florida?
We offer both in-person and online sports psychology sessions to accommodate the demanding schedules of athletes and their families. Our in-person services are available at all three Tampa Bay locations (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota), providing a private, comfortable environment where athletes can focus on mental training without distractions.
Our tele-health sports psychology services are available to athletes anywhere in Florida, giving you the flexibility to attend sessions from home, hotel rooms during tournaments, or even between practices. Many athletes find that online sessions are just as effective as in-person work, especially when we're focusing on mental skills training, visualization exercises, or performance debriefing after competitions. The virtual format also allows us to incorporate real-time video review of performances and provides convenient access for athletes with evening practices or weekend travel schedules.
Is sports psychology helpful for youth and teen athletes?
Yes—sports psychology can be incredibly beneficial for young athletes, and in many ways, starting mental skills training early creates lifelong advantages. Youth and teen athletes face unique psychological challenges that can significantly impact both their performance and overall well-being, including managing peer pressure, handling wins and losses emotionally, balancing academics with athletics, navigating social dynamics within teams, dealing with body image concerns, and coping with parental expectations.
Research consistently shows that mental skills training during adolescence leads to better outcomes both in sports and life. Youth athletes who work with sports psychologists develop enhanced emotional regulation, which helps them manage frustration during setbacks and stay composed during competitive pressure. They build stronger self-confidence that's based on effort and growth rather than just outcomes, reducing the risk of performance anxiety and perfectionism. They learn healthy goal-setting practices that carry over into academics and future careers, and they develop better communication skills with coaches, teammates, and parents.
Perhaps most importantly, sports psychology helps prevent burnout and promotes long-term participation. The statistics are sobering: approximately 70% of youth athletes quit organized sports by age 13, often citing pressure, lack of enjoyment, or feeling overwhelmed. Working with a sports psychologist can help young athletes rediscover the joy in their sport, develop intrinsic motivation, and create healthier relationships with competition.
At IBWHC, our approach to youth sports psychology recognizes that children and teens are still developing emotionally and cognitively. We use age-appropriate interventions, involve families in the process, and focus on building psychological foundations that will serve them throughout life—whether they continue in elite athletics or eventually transition to recreational participation. The mental skills they learn (focus, resilience, self-talk management, stress reduction) become invaluable tools they'll use well beyond the playing field.
How can sports psychology help my child handle pressure and competition?
Sports psychology provides your child with concrete mental tools and strategies to transform pressure from an overwhelming obstacle into manageable energy they can channel toward better performance. Here's how our approach helps young athletes thrive under competitive pressure:
Performance counseling provides your child with concrete mental tools and strategies to transform pressure from an overwhelming obstacle into manageable energy they can channel toward better performance. Here's how our approach helps young athletes thrive under competitive pressure:
Teaching Pressure Reframing Techniques – Helping athletes reinterpret nerves as performance-enhancing rather than threats
Building Pre-Competition Routines – Developing personalized rituals that create control and reduce pre-game anxiety
Developing Focus and Concentration Skills – Teaching mindfulness and "next play" mentality to stay present under pressure
Managing Self-Talk and Internal Dialogue – Replacing negative thought patterns with constructive, empowering statements
Creating Perspective and Healthy Detachment – Separating self-worth from performance outcomes to reduce fear of failure
Family Involvement for Comprehensive Support – Coaching parents to create supportive home environments that celebrate effort and growth
Learn more about our Tampa Therapy Services
Schedule Free Consultation
We offer comprehensive mental health and sports focused counseling services. If you are looking for the top youth sports psychologist near me, you’ve found the right place.