About
It's real. I've struggled with over-thinking, anxiety, and anger over the years. By searching for a solution through education, I've been able to manage said issues. Manage - not cure. My service is not psychoanalysis - I have great respect for those that offer this, but I personally believe there is a step that precedes this practice. That is, by fusing Positive Psychology, Performance Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience, and Behavior Analysis, I've created a program that offers coaching, mentoring, and consulting all in one. In essence, it's coaching with a cognitive restructuring focus.
In Mental Practice for Performance (MP4P), we say "Think Better...Perform Better." That works in many entities. I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals as they create better thinking habits to get more out of athletics, relationships, work, and personal lives. I spend time trying to get to know my client while providing educational content along the journey.
In short, it's enjoyable (I use humor when possible), it's pragmatic, it's effective.
Though it's a bold statement, I feel comfortable saying this: IF you truly follow the steps and execute the tactics I teach you, you WILL perform better.
Unfortunately, we're human and we can't do anything 100% of the time. However, the more often you use the tools, the better chance you have of being successful.
What I enjoy most is when an individual uses the tools as instructed and he/she (and I) see a demonstrable improvement in performance. I like to build relationships, whether it's for a season or long-term. We all need someone to talk to, I find great joy in understanding others and help them find their way. I've learned the hard way; hopefully I can make the way a little easier for somebody else.
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Lisa J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With all client and all situations, it's important to understand the needs of the client. I like to meet one-on-one (or with a parent/guardian if need be) and discuss what MP4P is about. First and foremost, we need to build a relationship. If we both feel comfortable and decide to move forward, we then schedule a number of assessments to establish a baseline.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to my Bachelor of Arts in Education and Physical Science, I have also earned a Master of Business Administration with emphasis in Organizational Behavior, post-graduate work completed in Group Dynamics, Positive Psychology, Neuorscience, and Emotional Intelligence. Most recently I have earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis, just completed a certificate program in Psychological First Aid from Johns Hopkins, and now finishing the Cognitive Behavior Therapy program with the Beck Institute. I continue to research and utilize Positive Psychology, Neuroscience, and Emotional Intelligence. Fused with aforementioned disciplines, MP4P is a well rounded program.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Athletic team sessions are $200/session x 2-3 sessions.
Organizational team sessions are $200/session (the number of sessions varies depending on the goals of the organization).
Individual coaching is $45-75/hr (typically 10-12 sessions). Zoom/phone/text is $45/hr, face-to-face is $50-75/hr.
How did you get started teaching?
After watching numerous adolescent athletic events, I noticed several students get frustrated, distracted, and angry at their performance. Unfortunately, the advice to many athletes was not adequate, and hence, their performance suffered. I've been on a quest for the past 7 years, continually researching and educating myself as it pertains to Performance Psychology and have discovered several tactics that have been very effective with performance enhancement. Fortunately, the program translates very well to the workplace and relationships as well.
What types of students have you worked with?
High school students include athletes from volleyball, softball, swimming, cross-country/track, and baseball.
I've helped adults in law enforcement, corporate banking, engineers, school administration, and a variety of others.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was working with a player who on occasion would over-think her play (very hard on herself if she made a mistake). We discussed some imagery and self-talk tactics that would help her get back in the game. In short, "don't think, just play."
In a tournament, our team was playing a rival team - our team had beaten the other just once in practice. The first game/set of the match, our team lost by a considerable amount. Deflated, our team took the floor for the second game. I pulled my player aside and reminded her, "don't think, just play." Another key self-talk element for her was "Do YOUR job." She played the hardest and the most calm I've ever seen her play. She hit very well, scored many times, carried her team to a 23-24 game. They lost the last point, but my player never quit, played extremely well, and was happy at the end. A happy player, is a successful player.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
One who studies extensively across multiple related disciplines and has personal experience with said discipline will be a good choice. I would also look for a coach/mentor that truly has passion for helping others, enjoys working with people, and continues to search for a greater intellect. Also look for someone you can build a relationship with. That is, I've heard many people discontinue therapy/coaching because it wasn't a good "fit." Fortunately, I've worked on many diverse work teams so I can relate to many different situations.
The great thing about being a Behavior Analyst is that I focus on what can we DO - what behavior can we change. My specialty is in cognitive behavior; we control our thinking behavior, I'll show you how.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) Can I be honest and open with my coach/mentor/teacher?
2) Am I willing to listen and learn?
3) Am I coachable?
4) Am I willing to take notes and/or journal?
5) What are my expectations? That is, do I expect one lesson to fix everything?
6) Do I truly want to be a better person?
7) Am I willing to start new habits and stop old habits?
8) Can I accept that mental strengthening is a smart thing to do?
9) Am I willing to accept that science has proven steps towards happiness?
10) Is happiness important in my performance?