About MindBalanceSPORT
Closing the gap in mental performance training for youth, collegiate, and elite athletes through evidence-based sports psychology.
Our Mission
MindBalanceSPORT was built to close that gap.
"Competitive success requires the same dedication of mental and physical performance training."
Our Team
Dr. Brenna Chirby, Psy.D.
Co-Founder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Virginia Jones, Psy.D.
Co-Founder, Licensed Counseling Psychologist
Paula Castro M.S., CMPC
Mental Performance Coach
John M. Howard M.A. LPC
Mental Performance Coach, Licensed Mental Health Professional
Raven Gerald M.A.
Mental Performance Coach
Junko Araki (荒木淳子), EdD, LCPC, LPC, BC-DMT
Mental Performance Coach
Brady Dinnsen, M.S. CMPC
Mental Performance Coach
Ben Kaplan, M.S.
Mental Performance Coach
Matt Mascio, M.S.
Mental Performance Coach
Locations
In-Person Training
-
McLean, Virginia
1355 Beverly Road, Suite 225, McLean, VA 22101 -
Plano, TX (Dallas–Fort Worth)
555 Republic Dr. Suite 212, Plano, TX 75074
Virtual Training
- Available globally on Zoom
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions
Coach Matching Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the MindBalanceSPORT coaches?
Our coaching team brings a mix of credentials — including Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPC) and coaches working toward that credential — advanced degrees in sport and performance psychology, and real competitive and coaching backgrounds across multiple sports. MindBalanceSPORT is founded and overseen by two licensed psychologists, and each coach’s individual credentials and experience are listed on this page.
Are the founders of MindBalanceSPORT licensed psychologists?
Yes. Our co-founders, Dr. Brenna Chirby, Psy.D. and Dr. Virginia Jones, Psy.D., are licensed psychologists — Clinical and Counseling, respectively — each with 20+ years in the field. At MindBalanceSPORT we reserve the term “psychologist” for our licensed clinicians; our mental performance coaches are described as coaches.
What credentials should a legitimate sports psychologist or mental performance coach have?
For clinical mental health needs, look for a licensed psychologist — a protected, licensed title. For performance coaching, look for recognized certification such as the CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Consultant, from AASP). At MindBalanceSPORT we’re transparent about this: our two co-founders are licensed psychologists, and our mental performance coaches are identified as coaches, with CMPC status, including candidates working toward it, stated accurately.
How can I verify whether a practice's staff are licensed psychologists or mental performance coaches?
Ask directly which team members hold an active psychology license versus a coaching certification such as the CMPC, and confirm the state(s) of licensure. We state this openly at MindBalanceSPORT — our two co-founders are licensed psychologists, and our coaches are identified as mental performance coaches with credentials stated accurately, including those who are CMPC candidates.
Should my athlete see a licensed psychologist or a certified mental performance coach (CMPC)?
It depends on the need. For building performance skills, focus, confidence, pre-competition nerves, consistency, a certified mental performance coach is often the right fit; for clinical mental health concerns, a licensed psychologist is appropriate. At MindBalanceSPORT we offer both under one roof and help match each athlete to the right professional.
Is a licensed sports psychologist better than a CMPC for a young athlete?
Neither is simply “better” — they do different things. For performance skills, a certified mental performance coach (CMPC) is often ideal; for a clinical mental health concern, a licensed psychologist is the right call. Because MindBalanceSPORT has licensed-psychologist founders and CMPC coaches, families don’t have to choose blindly. We match the athlete to the right professional and can move between the two as needs change.