About Dr. Leo Sullivan
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From Athlete to Mental Performance Coach
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I understand firsthand the mental challenges athletes face because I've lived them. As a former Division I and professional football player, I experienced the immense physical and mental demands required to excel at the highest level. Those experiences weren't always positive—there were moments when my mental game didn't match my physical abilities, leaving me frustrated and searching for answers.
That search led me to my true calling. Today, as a Sports and Mental Health Counselor and Performance Coach, I help athletes overcome the same barriers that once held me back. My journey from athlete to mental performance specialist gives me a unique perspective that resonates with clients facing similar challenges.
What sets my approach apart is my understanding of both the competitive pressures of sports and the clinical aspects of mental health. I recognize that peak performance requires more than just physical training—it demands mental and emotional well-being too. Whether you're struggling with performance anxiety, concentration issues, motivation, or emotional regulation, I provide practical strategies that bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
My focus is on helping athletes perform at their best when it matters most. I create individualized mental training plans tailored to each athlete's unique needs, ensuring you receive support that truly works for your specific situation.
My diverse background enables me to work effectively with a wide range of clients—from young athletes just starting their journey to collegiate competitors and seasoned professionals. Whatever stage you're at, I'm here to provide the guidance and tools you need to thrive in your sport.
Professional CREDENTIALS
Background & Qualifications
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York State
Former Division I and Professional Football Player
Specialized Training in Sports Psychology
Professional Experience
10+ years working with athletes from youth to professional levels
Experience treating performance anxiety, confidence issues, and focus problems
Extensive work with collegiate athletic departments and professional teams
Diverse client base including athletes across multiple sports
THE mental performance coaching APPROACH
An evidence-based system for developing mental skills that support athletic excellence.
PERFORMANCE FOCUS
Learn to direct attention to performance-relevant cues and away from distractions. Develop techniques to maintain focus during critical moments.
MENTAL REHEARSAL
Create neural pathways that support peak performance through comprehensive mental simulation techniques using all senses.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Learn to direct attention to performance-relevant cues and away from distractions. Develop techniques to maintain focus during critical moments.
GOAL-SETTING
Develop optimal goal frameworks that balance outcome, performance, and process goals while maintaining motivation and focus.
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
Develop resilient confidence that withstands setbacks. Recognize and restructure limiting self-talk patterns to enhance performance.
PRESSURE MANAGEMENT
Transform pressure situations with evidence-based training. Build mental toughness to perform your best when competition intensity increases.
Why Athletes Trust My Approach
Authentic Understanding
As someone who has competed at the highest levels of athletics, I intimately understand the physical and mental demands required to excel. This isn't textbook knowledge; it's lived experience that helps me connect with what you're going through in a way that purely academic training never could.
Customized Strategies
No two athletes face identical challenges. Your mental performance plan is built specifically for your sport, position, personality type, challenges, and goals. I identify your unique mental performance profile and develop targeted strategies that work for you specifically.
Non-Judgmental Space
No two athletes face identical challenges. Your mental performance plan is built specifically for your sport, position, personality type, challenges, and goals. I identify your unique mental performance profile and develop targeted strategies that work for you specifically.
Holistic Approach
I view mental performance as part of your overall well-being. My approach integrates the mind-body connection, recognizing that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. This holistic perspective allows me to address both performance enhancement and broader mental wellness.
Empowerment Focus
My goal is to help you leverage your strengths and align your mindset with your aspirations. Rather than creating dependency, I work to equip you with the tools and strategies you need to manage challenges independently and thrive long after our work together concludes.
Ready to Start Your Mental Performance Journey?
Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, struggling with consistency, or simply want to unlock your next level of performance, I'm here to help you develop the mental skills that make the difference.