TRAINING THE OTHER HALF

Helping Athletes Achieve Optimal and Mindful Performance

Empowering the next generation of athletes. We blend evidence-based sports psychology with specialized youth psychology to build resilient, high-performing minds.

Mental performance coaching for youth, collegiate, and elite athletes — in-person in McLean, VA and Plano, TX, and virtually nationwide.

Built on Three Core Pillars

A comprehensive framework for mental performance excellence

Mental Skills

Train your mind like you train your body. Master skills like visualization, focus techniques, and emotional regulation, all proven to elevate your competitive performance.

Psychology

Specialized understanding of adult and adolescent development and age-appropriate mental performance training.

Data-Driven

Evidence-based assessments and progress tracking ensure measurable improvements in mindset, confidence, and competitive readiness.

Our Specializations

Tailored mental performance support for athletes of all ages, sports, and competitive levels.

Youth Athletes

Specialized training in adolescent psychology and youth athlete development ensures age-appropriate mental skills training that resonates with young competitors.

Coaches & Teams

Team-wide interventions that address culture, communication, and collective mental performance. Extension of your performance staff.

Elite Athletes

Professional athletic standards for high-level competitors pursuing championship performance and sustained excellence.

Group Sessions

Shared learning environments for athletes to develop mental skills together, building accountability and peer support systems.

Injury Recovery

Mental performance support during rehabilitation to maintain identity, manage frustration, and prepare for return to competition.

Organizational Performance

Consultation for organizations that want to develop, implement, and sustain practical mental performance systems.

Trusted by athletes, teams, and families

Performance Support with Measurable Trust

5.0

Star Reviews

99%

Satisfaction Rate

35+

Sports Covered

testimonials

Athlete Stories: Real Comebacks, Real Results

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 36 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Cho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 12-year old daughter, who plays competitive tennis, has been working with Paula Castro on growing her confidence and mental composure during matches. Paula has changed our mindset about mental training being as important as physical training, as we’ve seen our daughter effectively implement tools and strategies Paula has suggested (especially when she’s down and finds a way to come back). Our daughter has also enjoyed meeting with Paula online, mentioning she’s relatable and engaging. Highly recommend Paula!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Liv Manning 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Listened to me very thoughtfully and gave me helpful tools. Worked through different scenarios consistently and was always ready with her feedback. Great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karissa Oliver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been working with Paula for a month or so now (competitive equestrian) and am so grateful and pleased with her and the Mind Balance process! I was initially somewhat apprehensive about performance coaching, especially as my recent challenges were tied up in a lot of grief and change so was curious how to address and detangle those things. Paula has really helped me separate those concepts and get back to focusing on performance in a tangible, constructive way that doesn’t unduly punish myself or my horse. I would recommend Paula and Mind Balance to anyone looking to improve their sporting performance and already plan to keep Paula in my tool box as long as I’m competing! Thank you for giving me my perspective back!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sophia Suarez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a wonderful experience working with Matt! He has helped our son develop the mental skills and confidence needed to navigate competitive sports, especially during challenging moments. Matt has given him practical techniques to manage pressure, stay focused, reset after setbacks, and approach competition with a healthier, more resilient mindset.

What I appreciate most is that Matt’s techniques are not just theoretical. Our son has actually been able to put them into practice during tournaments, including some incredibly close matches where he previously might have struggled mentally. Recently, he broke a losing streak that had lasted over two months, and we could see a real difference in how he handled himself, both emotionally and mentally.

Matt understands that every child responds differently to pressure, and he takes the time to find strategies that genuinely work for each individual. We’re grateful for the progress our son has made and would highly recommend Matt to any family with a young athlete looking to build confidence, resilience, and mental toughness!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tyson Pettingill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matt has really helped me develop myself on the mental side of not just baseball but life. It has really helped me grow as a person and I can’t wait to keep working with him!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rohan Chittella 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Coach Brady at MindBalanceSPORT has been a great experience. As a high level athlete himself, he is able to bring concrete examples and frameworks that I was able to incorporate into my preparations for competition. I look forward to future sessions with him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   hank rochette 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I decided to work with a mental performance coach because I struggled with self-doubt around my race-day performance. I wanted to understand where those doubts came from and learn how to show up with greater confidence, focus, and certainty.

Working with Brady has been a game changer. Through our work together, I now approach races feeling more relaxed, confident, and focused. Some of the most valuable tools I've developed include creating an alter ego for race day, understanding the difference between my internal and external scoreboards, and developing my personal pain pledge.

These strategies have helped me perform with a stronger mindset and enjoy the process more. If you're looking to show up to your event, game, or race with greater confidence, certainty, and mental resilience, I highly recommend working with a mental performance coach—and Brady has been an outstanding guide throughout that journey.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ella Connor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found my time at MindbalanceSPORT SUPER helpful. I improved a lot with my confidence in my own play and working on taking steps to reset after mistakes and in between points. This helped me achieve a lot more than I thought I would be able to. We were also able to create some impactful morning routines with meditation and mindfulness. I would highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Yasalonis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great experience! Recently we had Brady Dinnsen work with our volleyball team to discuss various aspects of mental toughness. Some of the topics that were super helpful were Self-talk, Confidence, Next point mentality and Finishing. Brady would be an asset to any team looking to improve in these areas.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vicki Anagnostopoulos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is doing amazing things for young athletes. I have had a top notch experience collaborating with providers at Mind Balance Sport. As a psychologist who does a lot of the clinical work with student athletes, the added component of mental performance coaching really catalyzes growth and well-being. I highly recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about mental performance coaching for athletes.

What is MindBalanceSPORT?

MindBalanceSPORT (MBS) is a mental performance coaching practice for youth, collegiate, and elite athletes, founded and overseen by two licensed psychologists and delivered by certified and credentialed mental performance coaches. It trains the psychological side of athletic performance – focus, confidence, composure, and consistency – through The MBS Approach, an evidence-based five-stage framework, with in-person offices in McLean, VA and Plano, TX and virtual coaching available nationwide.

What's the difference between a sports psychologist and a mental performance coach?

A licensed sports psychologist is a licensed mental health professional who can assess and address clinical concerns, while a mental performance coach builds the mental skills behind performance — focus, confidence, composure, and consistency — and does not provide clinical treatment. At MindBalanceSPORT, the two co-founders are licensed psychologists and the coaching team are mental performance coaches, several of whom hold the CMPC credential. MBS matches each athlete to the right professional, with clinical support available in-house or by referral when it’s needed.

How is mental performance coaching different from therapy?

Mental performance coaching focuses on enhancing competitive performance through psychological skills training — visualization, attentional focus, and stress management — and is not psychotherapy. Because MindBalanceSPORT is founded and overseen by licensed psychologists, clinical mental health support is available when an athlete needs it, provided by our licensed mental health professionals or through a referral, but the coaching itself builds performance skills rather than treating clinical conditions.

Is mental performance training only for elite athletes?

No. While we work with elite competitors, The MBS Approach at MindBalanceSPORT is designed for any athlete committed to improving their mental game — from youth athletes building foundational skills to seasoned competitors optimizing their performance.

What services does MindBalanceSPORT offer?

MindBalanceSPORT offers one-on-one mental performance coaching, team mental performance training, injury-recovery and return-to-play support, group sessions, and organizational performance consultation — all built on The MBS Approach. We deliver coaching in person in McLean, VA and Plano, TX and virtually across the country.

What makes MindBalanceSPORT different from other sports psychology practices?

A few things set us apart: MindBalanceSPORT is founded and overseen by two licensed psychologists, so our coaching carries a level of clinical oversight most performance practices don’t have; our mental performance coaches have competed and coached at high levels themselves; and instead of generic “mindset” talk we follow a structured, evidence-based method — The MBS Approach — that begins with a formal Mindset Assessment and tracks measurable progress. We also specialize specifically in youth and adolescent athlete development.

Ready to Transform Your Mental Game?

Take the first step with our comprehensive mindset assessment and unlock your potential.

Questions? Email us at info@mindbalancesport.com