Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

  • Mental performance coaching focuses on developing the psychological skills you need to perform at your best when it matters most. We work together on building confidence, managing competitive pressure, improving focus, and developing the mental toughness that separates good athletes from great ones. Think of it as training your mind the same way you train your body.

  • While both are valuable, mental performance coaching is specifically tailored to athletic performance. We focus on sport-specific challenges like pre-game anxiety, slumps, visualization techniques, and maintaining focus under pressure. That said, as a licensed mental health counselor, I can address both performance issues and broader mental health concerns when needed.

  • Your first session is a conversation. We'll talk about your goals, the challenges you're facing, and what success looks like for you. From there, we'll develop personalized strategies that fit your sport and situation. Sessions are collaborative—you're an active participant, not just listening to advice. Most athletes find it feels more like working with a coach who truly gets the mental side of competition.

  • Not at all. Many athletes work with me simply to gain a competitive edge or maintain their mental sharpness. Whether you're struggling with something specific or just want to elevate your game, mental skills training can help you reach the next level.

Logistics & Scheduling

  • I offer both! Online sessions via secure video are available to athletes anywhere in New York state and beyond. This makes it convenient to fit sessions into your training schedule without travel time. In-person sessions are available in the Hicksville, NY area by arrangement.

  • Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes. For frequency, it depends on your needs and goals. Many athletes start with weekly sessions and adjust from there. Some prefer biweekly check-ins, while others preparing for a big competition might meet more frequently. We'll find a rhythm that works for you.

  • Life happens, and training schedules change. I ask for 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling when possible. This allows me to offer that time to another athlete who might need it.

  • Easy! You can book directly through the scheduling link on our Contact page, send me an email at lsullivan@ait4success.com, or call/text me at (516) 306-3687. I typically respond within one business day.

  • Yes! I offer a brief 15-minute consultation call where we can discuss your goals and see if we're a good fit. There's no pressure, just a chance to ask questions and learn more about how I can help.

    Click here to schedule a consultation!

Services & Approach

  • The Mental Performance approach is about developing the mental resilience and focus that elite athletes use to perform under pressure. It combines evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, visualization, and attentional focusing to help you train your mental game with the same dedication you train your physical skills.

  • I draw from a range of proven methods including:

    • Cognitive-behavioral strategies to reframe negative thoughts

    • Mindfulness and present-moment awareness

    • Visualization and mental rehearsal

    • Relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises)

    • Goal-setting and motivation strategies

    • Attentional focusing for concentration under pressure

    Every athlete is different, so we'll tailor the approach to what works best for you and your sport.

  • All of them! The mental skills we develop transfer across sports. I've worked with athletes from team sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball to individual sports like track, tennis, and gymnastics. Whether you're on a field, court, track, pool, or ice, mental performance principles apply.

  • Both! I offer one-on-one coaching for personalized attention and team workshops for coaches and organizations looking to build mental toughness across their roster. Team workshops can cover topics like communication, handling pressure, team cohesion, and developing a winning mindset.

  • Absolutely. I work with youth athletes and understand the unique pressures they face balancing sports, school, and social life. For younger athletes, I often involve parents in parts of the process to ensure everyone is supporting the same goals. The mental skills learned early can benefit them not just in sports but in all areas of life.

  • Yes, that's a core part of what Athletes In Transition addresses. Retiring from sports—whether by choice, injury, or age—is a significant life change. We'll work on identity beyond athletics, translating your competitive skills to new areas, and navigating the emotional aspects of this transition.