Clinicians

Jake Ozer, M.Ed. is a clinician providing therapy services to older adolescents and adults. Some of Jake’s clinical interests include chronic health/pain issues, anxiety and mood disorders, disordered eating, and life transitions. In addition to clinical concerns, Jake also provides sport and performance psychology services (also known as mental performance training) to individuals, coaches, and teams. 

 

Utilizing a person-centered approach and an emphasis in mindfulness techniques, Jake helps support individuals in developing a strong identity and working through conflicts or concerns that may be arising. In the sport psychology setting, Jake utilizes these modalities and more to help performers and teams reach optimal performance in their sport and personal lives.

 

Jake holds a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in sport psychology from Boston University. He has previous experience as a clinician at Riverside Community Care as well as a sport psychology consultant with the Boston University athletics and performing arts programs.

 

What is Sport and Performance Psychology?

Sport psychology involves the use of psychological knowledge and skills with the goal of supporting optimal performance and well-being of athletes on the domains of performance, developmental, social, and organizational levels of sport. Depending on the needs and circumstances, sport psychology services can be designed for a variety of settings, ages, and levels of competition from recreational youth sports to professional level competition). 

 

Clinicians with an education and training in sport psychology possess proficient and specialized knowledge in the areas of (American Psychological Association): 

• Assessment and mental skills training for performance enhancement

• Theory and research on development and foundations of sport

• Clinical and counseling issues with athletes 

• Developmental and social issues related to sport participation

• Biopsychosocial aspects of sport and exercise

 

What Do Sport and Performance Psychology Services Involve?

Sport Psychology counselors utilize various techniques to enhance individuals’ mental performance and/or ability to perform optimally. Services are geared towards the needs of the individual and may include:

• Assessment of psychological strengths and needs in sport and performance

• Education and coaching on mental/emotional skills and strategies: 

  • Techniques may include, but are not limited to, goal setting, relaxation training, mental imagery, self-talk, self-confidence, mindfulness/meditation training, focus/concentration, and communication skills

• Development and evaluation of practice, training, and competition plans

• Counseling and clinical interventions related to sport

  • Injury and concussion rehabilitation, athletic motivation, career transitions, identity development, substance use, overtraining and burnout

 

Who is Sport and Performance Psychology For?

Sport psychology related services aren’t only for professional athletes. Mental performance training has been utilized in a wide variety of setting from recreational to professional athletic teams, performing arts, corporate/business environments, hospitals, and more.