Sport Psychology in Calgary & Okotoks

What is sport psychology?

Sport psychology support helps athletes build the mental skills — focus, confidence, composure under pressure, and resilience after setbacks — that are just as important as physical training for performing well and enjoying their sport. Whether it's pre-game nerves that won't settle, confidence that took a hit after an injury, or the pressure of trying to move up a level, the mental side of sport can be trained with the same intention as the physical side.

What sport psychology can help with

• Performance anxiety and pre-competition nerves
• Building confidence and a stronger self-image as an athlete
• Staying focused and present during competition
• Recovering mentally after an injury or a tough season
• Managing pressure from coaches, parents, teammates, or themselves
• Navigating transitions — moving up a level, changing teams, or stepping away from a sport
• Preventing and recovering from burnout and overtraining

How Dr. Jennie approaches sport psychology

Sport psychology support at Flutterby Psychology is led by Dr. Jennie Johnson, PhD — a Registered Psychologist with more than 16 years of clinical experience working with children, teens, and families, and an Apprentice Mental Performance Consultant with a Graduate Certificate in Sport and Performance Psychology. Her dual training in clinical psychology and sport performance allows her to support the whole athlete, both as a person and as a performer, with an approach that's warm, genuine, practical, and grounded in connection.

Goals of sport psychology support

Every athlete's goals look a little different, but sessions are built around a few core outcomes:

• Building genuine, resilient confidence — not just positive self-talk, but real belief in ability grounded in preparation
• Learning to manage pre-performance nerves so they support rather than sabotage performance
• Developing focus and concentration skills that hold up under pressure
• Building a healthy relationship with mistakes, setbacks, and losses
• Creating sustainable motivation that doesn't depend on constant winning
• Supporting a healthy sense of identity beyond the sport itself

What to expect

Sessions start with understanding the athlete's sport, goals, and what's bringing them in — whether that's performance anxiety, a recent setback, or wanting an edge heading into a big season. From there, we work together to build practical mental skills — things like pre-performance routines, self-talk strategies, and tools for managing pressure — that get practised both in session and during training and competition. For younger athletes, parents are often included in parts of the process to support what's happening at home and at the rink, field, or court.

Who it's for

Sport psychology support is available for athletes ages 9–25. You don't need to be an elite or competitive athlete to benefit — we work with athletes navigating a wide range of situations, including:

• Youth and teen athletes dealing with performance anxiety or pressure
• Athletes returning from injury who need support rebuilding confidence
• Competitive athletes preparing for a big season, tryout, or transition
• Recreational athletes who want to enjoy their sport more and worry less
• Young adults balancing competitive sport with school, work, or the rest of life
• Anyone noticing burnout, loss of motivation, or dread around their sport

Dr. Jennie also offers broader youth and young adult mental health support (ages 12–25) for concerns that go beyond sport — including anxiety, perfectionism, identity, and emotional regulation.