FAQ

What is clinical psychology? Clinical psychology is a regulated health profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological disorders. In Quebec, the title of "psychologist" is legally protected — only professionals who are members in good standing of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) are authorized to use it, typically at the doctoral level. Clinical psychologists are trained to provide evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy across a wide range of populations and concerns.[1]

What is mental performance? Mental performance is the applied, skills-based side of sport psychology,  the "how to" of training the mind the way one trains the body. Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs) help individuals develop mental strategies that enhance performance and consistency, overcome obstacles like performance anxiety and self-doubt, build mental resilience under pressure, and support a healthy balance between training, competition, and personal life. Mental performance work is practical and goal-oriented  and it is for anyone who performs, not just elite athletes.[2][3]

What is sport psychology? Sport psychology is the study and application of psychological principles to help athletes and performers reach their potential both on and off the field. It examines how mental factors like confidence, focus, motivation, and stress influence performance, and how participation in sport shapes overall wellbeing. As defined by leading bodies like the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), it is an international, multidisciplinary field that promotes science and ethical practice at the intersection of psychology and performance.[4]

Is sport psychology the same as mental performance? Not exactly, though the two are closely related. Sport psychology is the broader field: it encompasses both the science and the practice of applying psychological principles in sport and performance contexts. Mental performance is the applied branch of that field: the hands-on, skills-based work that consultants do with athletes and performers. Think of sport psychology as the discipline, and mental performance as the practice. It is also worth noting that mental performance consultants are not the same as psychologists: CMPCs focus on performance enhancement and do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, while clinical psychologists with sport psychology training can do both.[2][4]

Do you only see athletes? Not at all! While I specialize in working with athletes, coaches, and performing artists, I am a clinical generalist,  trained to support a wide range of people and concerns. Over my two decades of practice I've worked with touring musicians, people living with HIV, survivors of trauma, and many others. If you perform in any area of life, whether sport, arts, business, or beyond, or if you're simply looking for evidence-based psychological support, I'd love to connect. 

Is therapy covered by insurance? Services with a registered psychologist are not covered by RAMQ, but many employer group benefits plans in Quebec include coverage for psychological services. I'm a member in good standing of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) and provide official receipts for every session. I'd recommend checking your benefits booklet or calling your insurer before your first appointment.[1]

What does a first session look like? The first session is really about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you've been experiencing, and what you're hoping to get out of our work together. I'll ask about your history and may use some brief questionnaires to help me understand the full picture. By the end, we'll have a sense of your goals and a starting point for our work. My approach is warm and collaborative and there is no pressure to have everything figured out before you walk in the door.

Do you work with youth and junior athletes? Yes! Working with young athletes is something I'm especially passionate about. The mental demands on youth and junior athletes, including performance pressure, identity, transitions, team dynamics, are real and deserve to be taken seriously. I work with young people and their families to build the mental skills and resilience that serve them both in sport and in life. If you're a parent wondering whether your child could benefit from support, I'm happy to have an initial conversation to figure out the best path forward.

How often will we meet? Session frequency is something we figure out together based on your goals, your schedule, and your needs. For most people starting out, weekly or biweekly sessions tend to work well, offering enough consistency to build momentum without feeling overwhelming. As things progress, we may space sessions out. Whether you're coming in for a focused 4–6 session mental performance block or longer-term therapeutic work, I'll work within your timeline and check in regularly to make sure the pace feels right.

[1] Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). ordrepsy.qc.ca

[2] Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA). cspa-acps.com

[3] AASP/CSPA Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) Certification. appliedsportpsych.org/certification

[4] Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). appliedsportpsych.org