My therapeutic approach is outlined in the manual entitled Dialectical Sports Skills, or DSS for short.

DSS is a holistic clinical sport psychology program that enhances both the mental health and sport performance of competitive student-athletes. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), DSS integrates evidence-based treatment with mental skills training in order to support the whole person — mind and body.

DSS addresses the distinct psychological, emotional, social, and physical demands of being a student-athlete. Its curriculum is multi-disciplinary and extensive. The manual is divided into two interrelated sections: Mental Health and Athletic Performance. The skills in one domain naturally support growth in the other.

While DSS is written for student-athletes, it is designed to be delivered by qualified professionals. The manual serves as a treatment guide for clinicians, a performance enhancement tool for coaches and consultants, and a quiver of structured mental and behavioral skills for student-athletes.

As a unified protocol, DSS is easily tailored to meet individual needs. Each chapter serves as an independent skills module, allowing for flexible and focused treatment. Session frequency ranges from a single session to the full program, which takes roughly one year. Each treatment plan is personalized to target prominent problems, as well as a person’s unique values, goals, and style, with consideration of their social, cultural, and competitive environments.

dialectics, mindful focus, ambivalence, self-monitoring, diathesis-stress, radical acceptance, distress tolerance, emotion awareness, alternative thinking, alternative action, cope ahead, harm reduction, exposure therapy

motivation, self-confidence, physiological intensity, performance anxiety, routines, imagery, communication, (in)validation, conflict, team dynamics, diversity, athletic wellness, injury, sleep, travel, eating, retirement