Mental Performance

Take Control of Your Mental Game

Unlock Your Potential

Mental performance training can help athletes reach their full potential and achieve success both in your personal and athletic life.

Our mental performance training program teach valuable skills such as attention control, memory improvement, problem-solving, and decision-making. With proven techniques, athletes will learn how to manage stress and maintain focus, leading to increased performance, reduced burnout, and improved well-being.

Whether you're an athlete looking to perform at your best under pressure or simply someone looking to take control of your life and achieve your goals, mental performance training can help you reach your full potential.

The goal of my work is to produce high-performing, well-rounded, committed athletes, while the process is to provide a space for them to be open about their struggles, discover their strengths, and to be seen as a whole person.
— Alex Barene, MS | Mental Perforamance Coach

Program Details

Availability: Tue, Wed, Thu, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

1-on-1 Coaching Session

($120/session)

  • Develop mental performance skills.

  • Individual coaching and planning.

  • For athletes looking to develop specific mental skills for high level competition.


Small Group Education

5:30 pm - Wednesdays ($40/person)

  • Learn about common mental strategies.

  • Inviting group setting for learning with peers.

  • For athletes interested in general mental performance improvements.


Alex Barene is a Mental Performance Coach based in Portland, OR. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from George Fox University, where he was a member of the men's soccer team. He went on to earn a master's degree in Sport & Performance Psychology from the University of Western States.

Mental Performance vs Sports Psychology

A sports psychologist and a mental performance coach both work with athletes to enhance their mental and emotional well-being, as well as their performance. However, there are some differences between the two professions.

A sports psychologist is a licensed psychologist who has received specialized training in the area of sports and performance. They use psychological techniques and therapies to help athletes overcome mental and emotional barriers that may be impacting their performance.

A mental performance coach, on the other hand, is a professional coach who focuses specifically on the mental aspect of performance. They use techniques such as visualization, goal-setting, and mental imagery to help athletes build confidence, manage stress, and improve their overall performance. Mental performance coaches do not necessarily have a background in psychology and may not have a license to practice as a psychologist.

Both sports psychologists and mental performance coaches can be valuable resources for athletes looking to improve their mental game and reach their full potential. The choice between the two may depend on the specific needs and preferences of the athlete and the nature of the mental and emotional challenges they are facing.


Amotivation in athletes is related to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lower levels of perceived personal accomplishment. My work employs congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy as protectors against amotivation, burnout, and dissatisfaction in sport
— Alex Barene, MS | Mental Performance Coach