Josh Abel, Sports Psychologist

Josh Abel, MHK, CSPA, obtained his Master's degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa where he specialized in Intervention and Consultation in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Josh is a proud member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and a service provider through the Canadian Sport Centre ˆ Ontario. Josh has worked with athletes and performing artists of all skill levels in a wide range of sport and performance domains including: swimming, table tennis, figure skating, ice hockey, ringette, marathon running, mixed martial arts, golf, canoe and kayak, and live theatre.

Philosophy: Josh strongly believes that every individual performer is unique and no single theoretical approach to consulting is appropriate for all individuals across all situations. Josh chooses to integrate the best aspects of two or more theoretical approaches believing that the outcome for his client will be richer than any one theory alone. Strongly opposing "canned" or pre-packaged mental skills training programs, Josh, works in collaboration with his clients to develop and implement mental skills training programs that are specifically tailored to their unique needs and demands.

Approach: Josh uses mental skills training, biofeedback and neurofeedback to increase the enjoyment, consistency and level of performance his clients experience in their performance domain on a daily basis.

When asked about the nature and number of session that is typical for sport psychology consulting, Josh has a simple response ˆ there is no typical. "Some performers have something very specific that they want to get better at or want to discuss, while others are more interested in completely overhauling their psychological approach to performance. The bottom line for me is this: I want to work myself out of a job. I want to create mental skills training programs with the performers that I work with that they can take ownership of, feel good about, and execute on their own."

Josh is available by appointment, and appointments are made by calling us at 416.483.2388