SPORTS MENTAL PERFORMANCE Coaching
Mental performance coaching helps athletes build the mental skills they need to compete consistently. Not just on a good day. Every day. Available virtually across Connecticut, led by a licensed clinician who is also a lifelong athlete.
— WHAT IT IS
What Mental Performance Coaching Actually Does
Most athletes spend thousands of hours on their physical game. The mental side gets a fraction of that attention.
Mental performance coaching builds skills like:
Focus on what matters
Composure under pressure
Pre-game preparation
Confidence that lasts
This is not therapy in the traditional sense, though Dr. Ayodeji's clinical background means he can spot when something deeper might be going on. For athletes who want to work on performance without a clinical focus, mental performance coaching is the right starting point.
— WHO IT IS FOR
WHO BENEFITS MOST
Mental performance coaching works well for athletes who:
Perform better in practice than in games and cannot figure out why
Struggle to bounce back after a mistake or a bad game
Deal with nerves that affect how they play
Want a mental routine to complement their physical training
Are returning from an injury and dealing with hesitation or fear
Dr. Ayodeji works with athletes from middle school through college, with a primary focus on high school athletes across Connecticut.
— HOW SESSIONS WORK
HOW SESSIONS WORK
Sessions are virtual, which means they are available to any athlete in Connecticut. Dr. Ayodeji typically starts by learning about the athlete's sport, their specific challenges, and what they have already tried.
Sessions focus on practical tools, including:
Visualization techniques
Mentally rehearsing plays, situations, and outcomes so athletes walk into competition feeling like they've already been there.
Pre-game routines
Building a consistent routine that gets the mind and body ready to perform, no matter the opponent or the stakes.
Focus cues
Simple words or actions athletes use to reset their attention in the moment and get back to the next play.
Processing a tough performance
Working through a bad game so it becomes something to learn from instead of something that follows them into the next one.
Athletes can also bring game film to sessions to work through specific moments that have been sticking with them.
— THE LCSW DIFFERENCE
WHY IT MATTERS THAT KAREEM IS LICENSED
Most mental performance coaches do not have clinical credentials. That matters because mental performance issues and mental health issues often overlap. An athlete dealing with a confidence slump might actually be dealing with anxiety. A player who has lost their drive might be experiencing depression. Because Dr. Ayodeji is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he can recognize those patterns and adjust the approach.
And because he is paneled with insurance providers, sessions may be covered under Husky, Anthem, Cigna, or United Healthcare.
Insurance accepted:
ANTHEM
CIGNA
UNITED HEALTHCARE
— Get Started
READY TO BUILD THE MENTAL SIDE OF YOUR GAME?
Start with a free consultation to talk through where you are and what mental performance coaching could do for you.