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Online Mental Coaching for Focus, Confidence and Emotional Resilience

Athlete Performance Therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC

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Athlete Performance

Mental Strength Is the Foundation of Peak Performance

athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC for athletes practicing with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst

What You Will Find On This Page

If you’re seeking athlete performance therapy in Maryland or Washington, DC, I offer secure, online sessions to help athletes and performers build emotional clarity, mental resilience, and competitive confidence. I’m Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience supporting high performers in athletics, leadership, and creative fields.

I offer athlete performance therapy in Maryland and the District of Columbia to support mental focus, emotional regulation, and competitive resilience. Whether you’re preparing for a major competition, recovering from a setback, or navigating performance anxiety, therapy can help you develop the internal tools to perform at your best, on and off the field.

Who Benefits From Athlete Performance Therapy?

My services are designed for:

  • High school and college athletes facing burnout, pressure, or performance anxiety
  • Youth athletes working through focus, confidence, or motivation challenges
  • Competitive and recreational adult athletes aiming to optimize their mental edge
  • Parents seeking guidance to support their child’s emotional development in sports
  • Coaches and mentors who understand the importance of mental performance

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit. If your sport or performance environment challenges your confidence, focus, or emotional regulation, therapy can help.

athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC

Common Challenges Addressed in Performance Counseling

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Athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC helps athletes manage pressure, recover from setbacks, and enhance performance. Athletes and performers often face unique emotional and psychological stressors. In therapy, we work through:

  • Fear of failure and performance pressure
  • Perfectionism and harsh self-criticism
  • Loss of motivation or mental blocks
  • Recovery from injury or career transitions
  • Balancing identity beyond athletic success
  • Navigating external expectations from parents or coaches
  • Coping with competitive stress and emotional intensity

These challenges are common, and they are treatable with the right support.

My Therapeutic Approach to Athlete Support

My approach to athlete performance therapy in Maryland and the District of Columbia combines psychological insight with practical tools for growth.

I use evidence-based modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to help athletes:

  • Understand and regulate emotional responses
  • Improve internal dialogue and confidence
  • Build resilience in competitive or high-pressure environments
  • Explore identity and self-worth beyond sports performance
  • Develop personalized strategies for focus, recovery, and growth

This work is about more than winning. It’s about helping athletes develop sustainable mental strength and emotional agility that supports long-term success and well-being through athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC. You can get in touch with a telehealth therapist to ask questions or schedule your first session.

Online Therapy in Maryland and DC with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst writing a therapy FAQ in Maryland and Washington answers common questions about scheduling, eligibility, and virtual care.

Why Start With Athlete Performance Therapy and What To Expect

Why Athletes Choose Virtual Counseling
Whether you’re a student or professional athlete, athlete performance therapy in Maryland and DC can help you reach your goals. Athletes often manage intense training schedules. I use evidence-based therapy in Washington, DC and Maryland to support clients with proven, effective methods. Online therapy provides:
  • Flexible session times to fit practice and competition
  • Confidential support available from home or campus
  • A private, judgment-free environment to explore personal concerns
  • Consistent care, even during travel or seasonal transitions

Whether you’re in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Capitol Hill, or Rockville, I provide athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions.

What to Expect in Athlete Performance Therapy

Each session is tailored to your sport, stage of development, and personal goals. You can expect:

  • A collaborative, nonjudgmental space
  • Exploration of mental blocks and emotional patterns
  • Tools for managing stress, anxiety, and perfectionism
  • Strategies for focus, motivation, and recovery
  • Support for identity development and emotional resilience

Therapy is not about fixing you, it’s about helping you access the strengths you already have and apply them with greater clarity and confidence. Athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC is designed to strengthen mindset, motivation, and long-term well-being. If you’re ready to begin, book virtual therapy in Washington, DC to take the first step toward emotional clarity.

Headshot of virtual therapist in Maryland and Washington, DC with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst

Get Started With Athlete Performance Therapy

Serving Athletes Across Maryland and Washington, DC

I offer virtual athlete performance therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC:

  • Maryland: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg
  • Washington, DC: Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard, Northwest DC

You must be located in Maryland or Washington, DC at the time of your session to receive care.

Mental performance matters. If you or your child is ready to grow mentally and emotionally in your sport and beyond, I’m here to help.