By Ashley M. Zultanky, Psy.D., Sport & Performance Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist | Behavior Therapy Associates | Somerset, New Jersey
In the world of competitive sports, physical ability is only part of the equation. Now more than ever, athletes, coaches, and teams are turning to sports psychology to improve performance, build resilience, and strengthen communication, both on and off the field.
Whether supporting a full team or working one-on-one with a high-performing athlete, the first step is always a collaborative conversation. For teams, this may involve athletic directors or coaches; for individuals, it’s often a chance to speak directly about personal goals, challenges, and performance barriers. These initial sessions are essential for identifying key areas of focus, such as managing performance anxiety, navigating high expectations, improving focus, or strengthening team culture. In every case, support plans are customized to meet the specific demands of the sport, the environment, and the athlete. While each athlete’s journey is different, all are rooted in the same core belief: strong mental health supports strong performance.
Performance Pressure, Perfectionism, and Imposter Syndrome
High-achieving athletes often experience internal struggles that can be easy to overlook. Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and anticipatory anxiety are especially common in competitive environments. While these issues may present differently depending on age and context, they frequently stem from unrelenting internal and external expectations.
Athletes are often taught to push through discomfort; however, a Sport and Performance Psychologist can help them shift the focus to recognizing emotions without judgment and returning to values-based action. The development of mental skills like “dropping in” to reconnect with the body and present moment can help reduce spiraling thoughts before games or major performances. In team-based settings, group exercises focused on shared values can encourage trust and open communication. Progress isn’t just about winning, it’s about becoming more connected, accountable, and grounded.
A Cultural Shift Toward Mental Health in Sports
The mental health landscape has changed significantly in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual sessions, increased access to therapy, and widespread social media discourse have all helped reduce stigma, especially among younger generations. Today, it’s more common than ever for athletes to speak openly about attending therapy, with many viewing it as a normal and oftentimes empowering part of their routine.
While stigma still exists, the overall trend is promising. Mental health support in sports is no longer a luxury or an afterthought; it’s a core part of what it means to perform well, lead effectively, and stay grounded in a fast-moving world.
If you’re an athlete seeking services, or if your team, school, or organization is interested in learning more about integrating mental skills training or therapeutic support into athletic programming, explore BTA’s Sport & Performance Psychology services here.
Ashley M. Zultanky, Psy.D. is a sport & performance psychologist, clinical psychologist and a certified school psychologist in New Jersey. Dr. Zultanky has the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT commission, allowing her to provide telepsychology to clients in many states. Full Bio
