Mental performance consulting integrates skills training, goal-setting, imagery, and mindfulness to boost athletic performance.
Mental Performance Consulting Services
Mental performance consulting (sometimes called sport psychology) is designed to optimize performance and mindset. It’s the missing piece of training for athletes who want to not only compete, but thrive. Our services draw from applied sport psychology, counseling principles, and neuroscience to help athletes:
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Perform well under pressure
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Rebuild confidence after setbacks
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Manage emotions and stress
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Strengthen leadership and communication skills
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Develop pre-performance routines
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Visualize success and set meaningful goals
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Overcome mental blocks and perfectionism
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Cope with injury, transitions, or sport-related identity loss
From the weight room to game day, mental skills like visualization, goal setting, and emotion regulation are scientifically proven to enhance outcomes and help athletes maintain a healthy love for their sport.
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Why Mental Performance Consulting Matters
Today’s youth athletes are navigating an unprecedented level of pressure and identity attachment to performance.
Recent studies reveal:
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Specialized youth athletes have stronger athletic identity, higher anxiety, and greater burnout risk
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Girls in elite individual sports show higher depression and anxiety scores than non-athletes
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25.8% of Black female athletes report depressive symptoms in high-level sport settings
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Imagery, mindfulness, and self-talk training enhance self-efficacy, emotional control, and performance under stress
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Team-based sports foster protective benefits like school belonging, self-esteem, and mutual support
Our approach recognizes the whole athlete—not just their stats or rankings. We help athletes build identity, confidence, and resilience that endures through the highs and lows of performance.
Who is this for?
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Athletes of all ages
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Athletes experiencing performance anxiety, burnout, or loss of motivation
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Athletes struggling with identity after injury or transition
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Coaches or teams seeking to strengthen cohesion, leadership, and focus
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Parents looking to support their athlete's mindset and well-being
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​Individuals who work within various performance-related disciplines (i.e. Law enforcement, military, musical, theater)
Services
Individual Consulting Sessions
One-on-one work customized to the athlete’s or coach's needs and sport-specific challenges. Available in person or virtually.
Team or Group Consulting
Interactive sessions that address team dynamics, communication, shared values, and performance mindset.
Topics may include:
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Confidence under pressure | Mental preparation routines | Focus and motivation | Coping with losses or setbacks | Role identity and transitions | Visualization and mindfulness | Values-based goal setting
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Call us at 336-338-9291 or email info@theoakscommunity.org for more information.
A Whole-Person Model Backed by Research
​The Oaks’ Wellness Model forms the foundation of our work. Mental performance consulting fits seamlessly within this framework, supporting athletes not just as competitors, but as human beings with unique potential, values, and purpose.
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Meet Our Consultant
Our lead consultant, Lake Buseth, brings a unique blend of sport psychology expertise, mental health knowledge, and life experience as a college athlete. Lake understands both the pressure of performance and the importance of mental readiness. He is currently completing his clinical counseling master's degree to further support athletes in every dimension of wellness. Lake is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) from The Association for Applied Sports Psychology.