When your head is on straight you control your fate™

The above motto was born of my experience with acceptance-based behavioral therapies and the art of letting negative thoughts come and go without buying-in or becoming distracted by these thoughts. We all have fears and struggle in different scenarios, but when we are equipped with the correct mental tools, we are able to eliminate distractions by focusing on what will help us perform optimally.

When our heads are on straight, we are not focused on what happened in the past nor looking anxiously to the future. Instead, we are focused on the relevant cues for the task at hand, which will ultimately help us to control our fate or performance in any situation.

"The path to success is not as fixed and inflexible as you think." -Misty Copeland

At the heart of VPC is the belief that increased performance and forward progression is attainable through the 7-Step scientific based process originally written by Shane Murphy, Chris Carr, and Robert Swoap.

Adapted from:

• Barry University Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology Program (2016)

• Perna and Colleagues (1995) Cognitive-Behavioral Model

• United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Guidelines

This process is dynamic and specifically integrated based on the needs of each client in order to maximize the mental toughness and performance of all those who work with VPC.

While at Barry University several hundred hours were spent on my Master's Thesis using qualitative methods to research "The Experience of Parenting an Elite Youth Athlete." The bulk of my research was dedicated to extreme winter sport parents and their athletes that progressed to the collegiate and professional levels of Alpine Ski Racing, Freeride Skiing, and Snowboarding. These years of additional research helped equip me to serve a valley in the applied setting where extreme sports are a predominant part of the culture.   

Scientific & Evidence Based Practice

Solution Focused Therapy

Self-Determination Theory

Humanistic Approach

Positive Psychology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

Acceptance-Mindfulness Behavioral Therapies

Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology