The Mental Fortitude Method
People come to us for different reasons. Some want to perform better when the pressure is on, in sport, at school, or at work. Some are dealing with anxiety, frustration, self-doubt, or emotions that feel bigger than the situation calls for. Some feel stuck, or have lost the drive they used to have. Others are doing well and want to get to the next level.
Whatever brought you here, the goal is the same. We’ll figure out what’s getting in your way and build the skills to move forward.
Our Approach
The Mental Fortitude Method brings together well-established approaches from psychology and performance science, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It was developed by Dr. Chris Friesen, Sport and Performance Psychologist, and is laid out in his High Achievement Handbook series. Our team uses it with athletes, students, executives, first responders, and anyone who wants to perform and feel at their best.
What We’ll Work On
Everyone starts in a different place, so there’s no set order. We begin with what matters most to you right now and build from there. Depending on what you need, the work might include:
Getting clear on what you want. We’ll look at what you’re working toward and why it matters to you. That gives us a direction, and it can help with motivation when it’s been hard to come by.
Understanding your mind and emotions. Anxiety, frustration, self-doubt, and harsh self-criticism show up for everyone. They’re often your brain trying to protect you, even when its idea of protection means playing it safe or holding back.
Skills for the moments that matter. Before a game, an exam, a big decision, or a performance, you’ll learn how to handle nerves and strong emotions and keep your mind from pushing you around, so you can perform at your best when it counts.
Changing what’s underneath. Most unhelpful emotions and patterns come from inaccurate and self-defeating beliefs that your mind presents as facts. We’ll work on weakening those beliefs and strengthening ones that are accurate, helpful, and move you toward your goals.
What Can Change
That depends on what you came in for. For many of the people we work with, it can mean performing well even when nerves show up, getting less overwhelmed by anxiety, frustration, or anger, and having emotions hold less control over what they do. It can also mean following through on things they’ve been putting off, feeling more motivated, bouncing back faster after setbacks, and feeling more confident in what they’re doing.
What to Expect
Sessions are practical and focused on what’s happening in your life right now. Between sessions, you’ll have specific things to practise, because that’s where most of the progress comes from. Some of our clinicians also use cognitive behavioural hypnosis when it fits. It’s a focused, relaxed state used to help new skills take hold. You stay aware and in control the whole time. Sessions are available virtually, and in person in Grimsby with some clinicians.
Neurofeedback and Biofeedback
For some clients, we also add neurofeedback, HRV biofeedback, or qEEG brain mapping to help train the body and brain to stay steady under pressure. Learn more about these options.
Who You’ll Work With
Dr. Chris Friesen, Ph.D., C.Psych., CMPC, is a Sport and Performance Psychologist, Executive Coach, and the developer of the Mental Fortitude Method. His sessions are virtual.
Dino Tober, M.A., Registered Psychotherapist, works with teens and adults, with a particular focus on athletes. A former NCAA soccer and lacrosse player, he understands the pressure athletes face and how closely mental health and performance are connected. Sessions are available in person in Grimsby or virtually.
For Parents
Many of the athletes we work with are teenagers. Parents are welcome to be part of the process. At the start, we’ll talk with you and your teen about how you’ll be involved and what stays between your teen and their clinician. Young people tend to open up and make the most progress when they know that’s clear.
Ready to Start?
Book a first session below. We’ll talk about where you are, what you want, and what’s been getting in the way, and we’ll start from there.
