There is no “right” or “wrong” time to work with a Mental Performance Consultant. It all depends on what your goals are and when you want to achieve them. If you are an athlete, the skills we work on may depend on whether you are in the peak of your season or you’re in the off-season. You also do not need to wait until something is “wrong” with your performance to work with an MPC. It can always be beneficial to develop and build on your mental skills to help you feel more prepared when stressful situations arise.

While mental performance services are more commonly seen to be provided at higher levels of sport, mental performance strategies can benefit those in any stage of their lives. Every level of performance provides its own challenges and reasons to seek support. Even though it is often referred to as “sport psychology”, these strategies and skills can benefit anyone who may be performing in stressful situations or feel like they need support reaching their goals. The same performance anxiety and stress management skills that athletes may benefit from can also help someone who has to deliver a big presentation at work. Some other examples of people who may benefit include but are not limited to musicians and performing artists, paramedics, surgeons, military personnel, and business professionals.

While there is a great deal of overlap between mental performance and mental health & well-being, mental performance services are not equivalent to mental health services. Mental Performance involves addressing performance-related struggles and goals. Mental Performance Consultants are not qualified to diagnose or treat mental illnesses. This does not mean that you cannot work with a Mental Performance Consultant if you have a mental illness or are struggling with mental health. Often times, mental performance strategies can work in tandem with mental health support. Every person and their needs vary, it is encouraged that you consult with your health care provider and mental health professional if you are concerned about your mental health.

Services provided by a Mental Performance Consultant are generally not covered by most major insurance companies.

The Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA) is the organization that sets the professional ethics and standards for Mental Performance Consultants in Canada. The CSPA ensures that all of its members have met a “high standard of education and training and have gone through an extensive review process.” When seeking out support for your mental performance, it is important to look for certification from the CSPA or another governing body to ensure you are getting the best standard of care from someone working under a code of ethics and confidentiality. For more information, please visit https://www.cspa-acps.com/.

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