Sport Psychology & Performance Coaching
Program Lead: Dr. Ashley Michalski, Psy.D., HSPP, LCAC
Available: In-person At all of our locations (Schererville, Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville) and nationwide
Elite-level mindset coaching for athletes, teams, and performers
At Pillars of Wellness, our sport psychology and performance coaching program is led by a team of experienced clinicians, former collegiate and professional athletes, and seasoned performance coaches. We have worked with Olympians, professional athletes, elite youth athletes, and high-performing teams across a variety of sports. Whether you’re an individual athlete working toward a specific goal or a coach seeking to strengthen your team’s mental edge, we provide the tools to build resilience, sharpen focus, and enhance well-being both on and off the field.
Interested in Working for Pillars in This Program?
We’re always looking for passionate, skilled clinicians who want to make a difference in their specialty area while being part of a collaborative and supportive team.
As a member of this Center of Excellence, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Provide focused services in your area of interest
- Collaborate with other program-aligned clinicians
- Receive mentorship, supervision, or leadership opportunities
- Help shape the future of programming and community outreach
- Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence
Whether you’re early in your career or looking to expand your expertise, we’re committed to helping you thrive professionally and make an impact.
What Is Sport Psychology?
Sport psychology is the science of mental performance. It focuses on how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence athletic success and well-being. Services are grounded in research-backed approaches that help athletes thrive under pressure, navigate setbacks, and reach their potential.
According to the American Psychological Association, sport psychology supports:
- Peak athletic performance and mental wellness
- Core skills like confidence, focus, and self-regulation
- Strong team culture and communication
Our team draws from multiple approaches:
- Cognitive-behavioral orientation: Thoughts and beliefs affect performance
- Social-psychological orientation: Team culture and relationships matter
- Psychophysiological orientation: Mental and physical systems are interconnected
Our Sport Psychology Services
🧠 Individual Performance Coaching
Unlock your mental edge with personalized 1:1 coaching
Our coaching helps athletes at every level—youth, collegiate, professional, and recreational—develop the mental toughness and clarity needed to perform at their best.
Common areas of focus:
- Goal setting and motivation
- Confidence building
- Staying composed under pressure
- Recovering from setbacks or injuries
- Creating consistency in performance
Each session is tailored to the athlete’s sport, competitive level, and psychological strengths.
🤝 Team Workshops & Culture Building
Stronger teams start with stronger minds
We provide team-based sport psychology workshops designed to enhance communication, alignment, and trust. Every program is built around an initial team assessment to tailor content to your group’s unique dynamics.
Workshop topics may include:
- Mental toughness and resilience
- Visualization and mindset priming
- Conflict resolution
- Team identity and cohesion
- Goal alignment and focus under pressure
Workshops can be hosted on-site or virtually.
💬 Mental Health Counseling for Athletes
Confidential support that understands the athlete experience
Athletes are not immune to the emotional challenges that come with high performance. Our licensed clinicians—many of whom are former athletes—offer therapy services to support emotional wellness through all stages of an athletic journey.
We help athletes:
- Manage anxiety, depression, and burnout
- Process identity struggles and performance-based stress
- Recover from or emotionally navigate injuries
- Transition into or out of competitive sport
We’ll work with you to determine whether counseling or performance coaching is best suited to your goals.
📝 Initial Assessments
Know where you stand—mentally and emotionally
We begin each engagement with a baseline assessment that evaluates:
- Focus and concentration
- Confidence and self-talk
- Emotional regulation
- Goal orientation and motivation
- Mental preparation habits
These insights guide personalized recommendations for individuals and teams alike.
What Sport Psychology Is Not
Sport psychology is not a replacement for mental health treatment when a diagnosable condition significantly interferes with daily life. In such cases, therapy or psychiatric support may be recommended as a primary step. Our team ensures appropriate referrals and ethical care while still supporting the athlete’s goals.
Resources for Youth Athletes & Families
Start building mental strength early
We recommend the following books for youth athletes and their caregivers:
- Adventures with Divot and Swish – Beth Brown (Courage, Confidence)
- Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up – Anthony Curcio
- Mind Over Basketball – Weierbach & Phillips-Hershey (Ages 8–12)
- Sally Sore Loser – Frank J. Sileo (Ages 4–8)
- How to Train with a T Rex – Michael Phelps (Training & Motivation)
Getting Started
For Individual Athletes & Families
Whether you’re chasing a championship or navigating the pressure of sport, our administrative team can walk you through our services and help you schedule an initial session or consultation.
📞 Contact us to get started with individual coaching or therapy for athletes.
For Teams, Coaches & Organizations
We work with athletic departments, coaches, club teams, and performance-focused organizations. To discuss workshops, team programs, or ongoing consultation:
📩 Email us or request a consultation to design a program tailored to your team.
Available In-Person, On-Site, or via Telehealth
Let’s build your mental game—one thought, one rep, one play at a time.