ELEVATE SPORT
PSYCHOLOGY
Individual Therapy
Sport Psychology Consultation
Team Sessions | Presentations
Lonnie Sarnell, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC), as designated by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She has extensive experience working with elite athletes at all levels, from youth through professional and is listed on the USOPC Mental Health & Performance Directory.
Dr. Sarnell became interested in sport psychology through her personal experience as a Division I lacrosse goalie at Yale, and she enjoys working with athletes at all levels. She offers individual therapy and sport psychology consultation via telehealth, which allows her to accommodate busy schedules and work with clients in all PSYPACT participating states (Click here to see a map of participating states). Dr. Sarnell’s training in clinical psychology equips her to work with a wide variety of concerns, in addition to offering specialized services for athletes. Contact Dr. Sarnell to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Specialty Areas
Sport Psychology
Sport psychology helps us understand the effects of psychological factors on physical performance. It provides practical tools for improving your mental game so that you can cope with high pressure situations and perform up to your potential.
Peak Performance and Performance Anxiety
Consider the difference between your best and worst performance. Your mental game is likely to have had a significant impact, and Dr. Sarnell can teach you skills to improve your mental game in sports, academics/test taking, performing arts, business and life.
Anxiety Management
If you are experiencing persistent worries, social anxiety, test anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias, performance anxiety, or general life stress, Dr. Sarnell can help you understand your thought patterns and learn strategies to cope.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Approaches
CBT can help you understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It utilizes practical, concrete strategies to change your thinking and behavior patterns, taking an active, problem-solving approach to address your concerns.
Dr. Sarnell also utilizes ACT and other mindfulness based approaches. She teaches ways of integrating mindfulness into your day-to-day life, improving your ability to be in the moment, while helping you work toward living a life consistent with your values.
Former Athletes in High-Pressure Careers
Dr. Sarnell works with former athletes who are now navigating demanding careers and high expectations. Many bring the same drive and discipline that once fueled their sport, along with anxiety, perfectionism, or difficulty slowing down. Dr. Sarnell helps clients learn effective ways of managing pressure while maintaining ambition.
Dr. Sarnell also helps retired athletes with the transition out of sport, supporting identity shifts, maintaining confidence, adjusting to life after competition, and managing relationships.
Disordered Eating and Body Image Concerns
Are you caught in a never ending cycle of dieting and binge eating? Do you spend hours each day thinking about food and fitness? Do you find yourself constantly criticizing your body or feeling uncomfortable in your own skin? Dr. Sarnell can help you work toward developing a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and your body.
Dr. Sarnell works from an intuitive eating framework, helping clients move away from food rules and toward a healthier, sustainable relationship with food.
Have any questions?
Visit our FAQ page for answers about our services and the out of network insurance process
Telehealth and Flexible Scheduling
Dr. Sarnell provides services exclusively via telehealth (video sessions). She offers weekly time slots as well as flexible week-to-week scheduling to accommodate your busy schedule.
Dr. Sarnell is licensed as a psychologist in New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina. She is able to provide telehealth for clients located in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, and WY.
