Sport Psychology & Performance Coaching
Overview
Now available via telehealth in Illinois and Indiana. Work with our clinicians from anywhere. Schedule a free consultation →
About the Program
The Sport Psychology & Performance Coaching program at Pillars of Wellness provides elite-level, evidence-based support for athletes, teams, and performers who want to strengthen their mental game. Led by experienced clinicians and performance specialists, including former collegiate and professional athletes, this program blends clinical expertise with real-world performance insight.
We know that peak performance and mental well-being go hand in hand. When an athlete feels grounded, confident, and focused, it shows in the way they compete. When something feels off mentally or emotionally, it shows there too. Our team helps athletes build the mental tools they need to perform at their best while also supporting the person behind the athlete.
Whether you are a youth athlete just starting out, an elite competitor preparing for the biggest stage, a coach looking to strengthen your team's culture, or a parent who wants to support your child the right way, we are here to help.
Who We Help
For Athletes
You put in the work physically. We help you match that effort mentally.
- Perform with confidence under pressure, not just in practice but when it counts
- Bounce back from mistakes faster instead of carrying them into the next play
- Rebuild confidence after injury and rediscover who you are outside of sport
- Develop focus, consistency, and motivation that lasts through a full season
- Manage expectations from coaches, parents, teammates, and yourself
For Coaches
Your culture sets the tone. We help you build one that brings out the best in every athlete.
- Build team culture, communication, and trust from the inside out
- Help athletes stay mentally consistent through adversity and pressure
- Learn how to recognize when an athlete is struggling, and how to respond
- Integrate mental skills into your coaching without overhauling your approach
For Parents
You want to help, but sometimes it is hard to know the right thing to say. We get it.
- Support your athlete without adding pressure or saying the wrong thing after a tough game
- Understand what is behind confidence slumps, burnout, or loss of motivation
- Know when your child might benefit from professional support, and how to talk to them about it
- Learn to separate your athlete's performance from their well-being
What to Expect
What You'll Gain
- A personalized plan built around your sport, your goals, and where you are right now
- Mental skills you can use in competition: focus cues, confidence routines, and emotional reset tools
- Visualization and mindset priming techniques tailored to your specific events or game situations
- Strategies for managing pressure, competitive stress, and the mental side of injury recovery
- A clearer sense of who you are as an athlete, and a healthier relationship with your sport
How It Works
Start with a free consultation to determine if performance coaching, counseling, or a combination of both is the right fit for you.
- Session Length: 50 to 60 minutes
- Delivery: In-person, telehealth, or on-site consultation
- Frequency: Weekly, biweekly, or customized to your schedule
- Team Workshops: Available on-site or virtually
Locations
- Northwest Indiana: Schererville, Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville
- Central Indiana: Indianapolis
- Telehealth: Available nationwide
Not sure if this is the right fit? Start with a free consultation. No commitment, no pressure.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Every athlete's situation is different. Here are some examples of the kinds of challenges we work through together:
The pitcher who can't shake a bad inning
She throws well in warmups but spirals after giving up a hit. We work on emotional reset tools and refocusing cues she can use between pitches so one mistake doesn't become five.
The runner coming back from a stress fracture
He has been cleared to compete but keeps holding back. We help him rebuild trust in his body, manage the fear of re-injury, and reconnect with why he loves the sport.
The travel team struggling with chemistry
Talented individually, but the team falls apart under pressure. Through team workshops, we address communication breakdowns, build accountability, and help the group compete as a unit.
The parent who does not know what to say after a loss
They want to be supportive but keep saying the wrong thing. We help parents understand what their athlete actually needs to hear and how to create a home environment that reduces pressure instead of adding to it.
The college freshman who lost her identity when she got cut
She built her entire sense of self around being an athlete. Now she does not know who she is. We help her grieve the loss, explore new sources of meaning, and move forward with confidence.
What Makes Our Approach Different
There are a lot of options out there. Here is what sets our program apart:
Clinicians + Performance Coaches
Our team includes licensed mental health professionals and certified performance specialists. That means we can address both the mental health side and the performance side, not just one or the other.
Youth to Elite Experience
We work with athletes at every level, from young competitors just learning the mental game to professionals performing on the biggest stages. Our clinicians understand what each level demands.
Mental Health + Performance, Together
Performance does not exist in a vacuum. Anxiety, depression, relationship stress, identity questions: these all show up in competition. We treat the whole person, not just the athlete on game day.
Built Around You
No cookie-cutter programs. Every plan is tailored to your sport, your competition level, your goals, and your life. What a high school swimmer needs is different from what a professional golfer needs, and we build accordingly.
Program Impact
Mental skills training is not a nice-to-have. It is a competitive advantage. Here is what the research consistently shows:
Stronger Performance
Mental skills training is consistently linked to improvements in focus, confidence, and performance consistency across competition levels.
Better Emotional Control
Athletes who work with sport psychology professionals report greater emotional regulation and reduced performance anxiety, helping them stay composed when the pressure is highest.
Stronger Teams
Team-based mental performance work is associated with improved communication, stronger cohesion, and more effective leadership, all of which translate directly to team culture and results.
Meet Our Clinicians
Specialists
Dr. Ashley Michalski, Psy.D., HSPP, LCAC
Dr. Michalski is a graduate of Adler University's Doctorate of Clinical Psychology…
View Profile
Dr. Shaun Wehle, Psy.D., HSPP, LCAC
Co-founder & Chief Clinical Psychologist | Health, Technology, and Systems Innovator…
View Profile
Brody Kutch, BS, MA
Brody first found his passion for psychology in sport during his four years as a…
View Profile
Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Fear has a way of shrinking life. Jessi’s work is about helping people take it back. She…
View Profile
Dr. Jasmine Daniels, PsyD
Dr. Daniels is a graduate of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology’s Doctorate…
View Profile
Dr. Urska Archer, Ph.D., CMPC, CTP
Dr. Urska Dobersek is a former professional athlete who graduated from Florida State…
View ProfileOur Sport Psychology team includes licensed clinicians and performance specialists with advanced training in sport and performance psychology, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, and athlete mental health and identity development.
Pillars of Wellness is a community-based mental health organization providing therapy, education, and specialty programs across Indiana and surrounding regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the type of service (individual sessions, team workshops, ongoing consultation). We accept many insurance plans for counseling services. Performance coaching rates vary. Contact us for details and to learn what options work best for your situation.
How long does this take?
That depends on your goals. Some athletes come in for a few sessions to work through a specific challenge. Others work with us throughout a season or longer. We build a plan around what you need, not a rigid timeline.
Is everything I share confidential?
Yes. What you share in sessions is confidential and protected by the same privacy standards as any mental health service. We do not share information with coaches, parents, or anyone else without your written consent.
Is this just for elite athletes?
Not at all. We work with athletes at every level, from youth recreational sports to professional competition. If you want to get better mentally at what you do, this program is for you.
My child is struggling. Is this appropriate for young athletes?
Absolutely. We have experience working with youth athletes across a range of ages and sports. Sessions are tailored to be developmentally appropriate, and we often involve parents as part of the process when it is helpful.
What is the difference between performance coaching and sport psychology counseling?
Performance coaching focuses on mental skills like focus, confidence, and routines. Sport psychology counseling addresses the emotional and psychological side, like anxiety, burnout, identity, and life stressors that affect performance. Many athletes benefit from both, and our team can provide either or a combination.
Can I do sessions over telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available nationwide and work well for both individual athletes and teams. Many of our clients prefer telehealth for its convenience and flexibility.
Partnership Information
Our Sport Psychology Service would love to partner with you. The following are some examples of what we offer, but services are not limited to this:
- Streamlined referrals and consultation
- Customized team workshops and culture-building programs
- Ongoing performance consultation and support
- Coordination with medical or mental health providers (with consent)
Interested in partnering?
Email: info@pillarsinspires.com | Phone: 219-323-3311
Applicant Information
Interested in working for Pillars in this program?
As part of this Center of Excellence, clinicians have the opportunity to:
- Provide focused services in sport psychology and performance coaching
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinicians and performance professionals
- Receive mentorship, supervision, and leadership opportunities
- Shape future programming, outreach, and education initiatives
- Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence
Program-Related Continuing Education Courses
These courses are excellent resources for counselors hoping to advance their skillset in specific interest areas. View all our continuing education courses.
Excellence Starts Here
Training the mind is just as essential as training the body, and sustainable success comes from caring for the whole athlete. Whether you want to sharpen your mental game, work through a setback, or strengthen your team's culture, our experienced clinicians are here to help you reach your full potential.
Start with a free consultation to find out if performance coaching or counseling is the right fit.
Email: info@pillarsinspires.com | Phone: 219-323-3311
Ready to Get Started?
Our administrative team is here to help answer your questions and match you with the right clinician.