Top-Rated Mental Performance Coach Sam Blumberg

Takeaway: If you’re looking to enhance performance on the field, in your career, or even in your personal life, consider mental performance coaching. As both a therapist and coach, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this kind of work can be for athletes, executives, and more. Get started today!

mental skills coach

Meet Sam Blumberg | Expert mental conditioning coach

Hi, I'm Sam. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California and the founder of Action Growth Therapy. My training and experience as a therapist, along with my passion for sports, both inform my work as a mental performance coach. I also have an intimate, personal understanding of the challenges that athletes face since I played sports through highschool at a high level.

At the same time, I recognize each person as a unique individual. While many athletes face similar issues, each person is different. Our mental skills training will be tailored to your unique situation, not part of some one-size-fits-all "solution" that doesn't actually take your needs, strengths, and goals into account.

Unlike some other mental performance coaches, I incorporate evidence-based therapeutic practices, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), into my approach. These methods will help us draw a clear line between your thoughts and your actions, which is a crucial part of mental training.

I also take a strengths-based approach, meaning that we'll focus on the mental strengths you already have and explore new, creative ways of applying them. You already have the power to reach your goals within you—mental performance coaching is all about tapping into it.

You'll leave our work together feeling totally in control of your mental game and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you: both on and off the field, court, or even the boardroom. Together, we can help you reach peak performance in all aspects of your life.

What mental performance coaching can help with

  • Mental skills training

    There are tons of specific mental techniques that can help athletes meet their goals. Mental performance coaches can teach you skills to improve your self-talk, stay focused, and keep a positive mindset even in the face of setbacks.

  • Performance anxiety

    Athletes at all levels (including elite athletes) can struggle with performance anxiety. Together, you'll learn how to face this anxiety head-on and use it to fuel you rather than hinder you. You'll feel more in control of your mindset than ever.

  • Mental toughness

    You know better than anyone how difficult sports can be. Athletes work under intense pressure, and it can get to you. Mental coaches can help you build your resilience so you can reach peak performance in the face of consistent stress.

  • Goal setting

    Having defined goals can help athletes stay driven. Whether you have physical training goals, want to reach a certain level in your game, or other specific objectives, working with a mental performance coach can help you maintain motivation and reach those goals.

  • Building confidence

    Confidence is a key mental aspect for any athlete. Mental coaching can help you better understand your mindset and find tangible ways to build your self-esteem, both in your sport (or career) and in your personal life.

  • Enhance recovery

    Injuries can be devastating for athletes at any level. Working with a performance coach can help you get your mindset in a solid place, which can help drive your recovery.

  • Mental health coaching

    Athletes aren't strangers to mental illness. In fact, statistics from the American College of Sports Medicine show that approximately 35% of elite athletes struggle with symptoms of mental illness. My background in providing therapy enables me to support athletes who are struggling with mental health issues.

Who can benefit from working with a mental performance coach

While my mental coaching services are open to people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences, and performance levels, here's a look into the populations I specialize in helping.

  • College athletes face unique pressures. In addition to intense training schedules, you're also trying to keep your grades up and maintain a social life. Together, we can work on the mental skills that can help you balance it all.

  • I have experience working with professional athletes in a professional setting (and I'm also married to one). No matter which level of your game you're at, mental training can help you improve your performance.

  • Once you're an athlete, you're always an athlete. Even if you're not playing your sport anymore, your time training has ingrained a certain mindset within you. In our work together, we'll play on those strengths and use your experience as an athlete to help you reach new goals.

  • Athletes aren't the only people who can benefit from mental performance coaching. Executives face similar pressures and challenges. If you're in a high-level leadership role in an intense career, consider working with a coach to improve your mental game.

Why choose Action Growth Therapy for mental performance coaching

When it comes to hiring a mental conditioning coach, it's important to find the right fit. Here are a few reasons why I might be the right coach for you.

  • I'm a licensed therapist in addition to being a mental performance coach. I use my education and clinical experience in my work as a mental coach. I have a master's degree from Alliant International University and over a decade of experience in the field. While mental skills training is different from therapy, this training has given me a deep understanding of how the mind works—and how to help you reach peak mental performance.

  • I work with athletes of all ages and abilities. I have experience working with elite athletes, but you don't need to be a professional to benefit from working with a mental performance coach. I help athletes at all levels, including injured or retired athletes, improve their mental game.

  • I'm intimately familiar with the challenges that athletes face. I have a passion for sports, and I also have years of experience helping athletes in a professional setting. Plus, I have a personal connection to my work: my spouse is also a professional athlete!

Still not sure whether we're the right fit for each other? Contact me for a free consultation.

FAQs about working with a mental performance coach

  • Mental performance coaches help athletes improve their mental skills in order to improve their game and reach their goals. These skills can vary from athlete to athlete, but they often include things like positive self-talk, visualization, mental toughness skills, managing anxiety, and more.

    The role of a mental coach is much like a head coach or any other kind of coach. They give you specific pointers and feedback about your performance and offer advice on how to improve. For best results, you'll practice the skills you learn together and on your own.

  • A sport psychologist typically has a doctorate degree in psychology with a specialization in sport psychology. They are mental health professionals who are trained and qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness in addition to helping athletes learn mental skills.

    On the other hand, each mental performance coach has their own background, training, and experience. They may be athletes themselves or have a certification in mental performance coaching.

    While I'm not a clinical sport psychologist, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over ten years of experience in the field. I have a deep understanding of applied sport psychology and enjoy helping athletes of all abilities reach their peak performance.

  • Each person has different goals for mental coaching. However, there are some common benefits. Here are just a few.

    • Increased confidence

    • Greater consistency in performance

    • Improved mental toughness

    • Reduced anxiety

    • Increased motivation

    • More positive mindset

    • Greater self-awareness

    There are plenty of other ways that working with a mental conditioning coach can help. If you're curious about what we can accomplish in our work together, I invite you to get in touch for a free consultation.

sports mental coach

Take your performance to the next level with the help of a mental skills coach.

Whether you're struggling to perform under pressure, want support in recovering from an injury, or simply want to reach the top of your game, I'm here to help. I help athletes at all levels improve their mental skills and reach their goals. Plus, meeting virtually means that I can help out no matter where you're located.