Sport Psychology & Performance Enhancement in Scottsdale, Arizona

A specialized field within psychology that focuses on athletic performance

What is Sport Psychology and Performance Enhancement?

Sport psychology is a specialized field within psychology that focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance and participation in sports.

It involves the application of psychological principles and the training of mental skills to enhance sports performance, improve motivation, and address issues related to sports and exercise.

At the Arizona Center for Neurofeedback, we offer a peak performance training program designed to teach a program of core mental skills designed to complement the athlete/performer’s physical training.

Unleash Your Potential

These are a set of skills that help the performer unleash their full potential. This involves employing techniques to enhance focus, concentration, confidence, and resilience under pressure.

Examples include: developing the mindset of a champion; mastering attention and minimizing distraction; maximizing energy; imaging the champion within; and achieving personal goals. Our program offers personalized mental coaching support in these key areas of sport psychology.

Dr. Petta

Dr. Petta is certified as a Sports Psychologist and has expertise in working with athletes at all levels, from junior elite through the professional & olympic levels.

She also has over a decade of experience working with active duty military, Veterans, Wounded Warriors and the Special Operations community & their families.

Dr. Petta collaborates with athletes/performers to refine their mental skills and attitudes, aiming to elevate overall performance.

View all testimonials

Reviews

It has been a relatively short time under the care of Dr. Petta. I have had four sessions, and within the first 2, I noticed a difference in my life and mind. There was some hesitance when it came to seeking help; nonetheless, I feel that Dr. Petta’s expertise has been life-changing. Their guidance and support have enhanced my performance at work and school and transformed how I approach challenges.

I highly recommend Dr. Petta to anyone seeking exceptional support in achieving their goals. As for me, I wanted to become the best version of myself, but I did not have a map or clue on how to get there. Through smart goals, I have set better boundaries with my loved ones and built healthy habits for school, work, and home. I have struggled for years, but I feel more free and in control of my life with Dr. Petta.

Ashley Davila

Peak Performance

Dr. Petta is certified as a Sports Psychologist and has expertise in working with athletes at all levels, from junior elite through the professional & olympic levels

Mental Skills Training

At the Arizona Center for Neurofeedback, athletes/performers are trained in a variety of mental skills, including goal setting, imagery, relaxation techniques, attention control, energy management and effective self-talk.

These skills contribute not only to improved performance but also to better stress and anxiety management, helping the athlete/performer excel in all areas of their life.

Motivation and Goal Setting

Our program assists athletes in setting realistic and motivating goals, providing guidance in developing strategies to sustain motivation, especially during challenging periods.

Team Dynamics

We work closely with coaches, parents and athletes to enhance team cohesion, communication, and the support system that ultimately affects the athlete/performer.

Strengthening this support system positively impacts teamwork, communication and the overall performance of the athlete/performer. We have found this approach to be especially important in youth sport.

Injury Rehabilitation

Coping with injuries is a significant focus in our sports psychology approach. We help athletes manage the psychological impact of injuries, maintain a positive mindset during rehabilitation, and facilitate a smoother return to play.

Stress and Anxiety Management

We provide strategies for athletes facing high-pressure situations, empowering them to manage stress and anxiety effectively, and ensuring peak performance during competitions.

Confidence Building

Building and maintaining confidence are integral to success in sports and performance activities. We work with athletes to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief and a positive mindset that contributes to improved performance.

Career Transition

For athletes navigating career transitions, such as retirement or changes in athletic focus, we provide support in adapting to new challenges and finding fulfillment beyond their athletic careers.

Youth and Developmental Sports

We specialize in working with young athletes, since many of the children in our program are aspiring athletes. Our focus is on age-appropriate psychological development, fostering a positive attitude towards sports, and promoting mental well-being in sports participation.

Applied Research

At the Arizona Center for Neurofeedback, we are committed to engaging in research and a better understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance. Dr. Petta is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), the premier research and practitioner based organization that credentials professionals in the field of sport psychology.

She participates in continuing education learning and conference attendance within AASP to stay on the “cutting edge” of evidence-based interventions and growth within the field of sport psychology.

At the Arizona Center for Neurofeedback, we cater to athletes at various levels—from recreational to elite and professional levels—across a wide range of sports. Our goal is to help you or your child reach their full potential by addressing the psychological aspects that influence performance and well-being in the context of sports and physical activity.

Let’s embark together on a journey to elevate your athletic experience to the next level.

Reviews

Dr. Petta has been amazing with both of my girls. Neurofeedback has been very beneficial for my family. My youngest has shown improvements in her sensory processing disorder, anxiety, and her compulsive issues have gotten better. She went from hating school to loving school. It is so great to have my loving sweet daughter back.

My oldest has shown improvements in her energy and motivation. She has been wanting to play outside more and exercise. I have seen improvements in her anxiety and she is more social than she was. It is so nice seeing her talk to other kids instead of just sitting there quietly. Neurofeedback and working with Dr. Petta is the best decision my family made.

Updated Review: Both my girls have been doing neurofeedback sessions for quite a while and I can’t express how happy I am with the results. When we started neurofeedback, I never thought we would ever see the amazing improvements we have seen. Neurofeedback was a great piece to helping both girls. We also worked on their diets which helped with the results we saw. Our whole family is happier because of neurofeedback. My oldest is 13 and she went from being a shy quiet child to an outgoing and very happy teenager.

She loves school. She has a great group of friends she is involved in after-school activities and involved at church. She has overcome a lot of her fears, especially her fear of heights. It is amazing to see my child happy and healthy. My youngest is 11 and the improvements we have seen are beyond amazing. She has OCD, sensory processing, and severe anxiety. She would have meltdowns every day, especially at school. She hated going to school.

Her grades were not great, and she missed a lot of days of school because her meltdowns were so bad. We couldn’t ever go anywhere because we never knew if she was going to have a meltdown. Now she is the calmest and happiest child. She hasn’t had a meltdown in over two years. Her grades have improved a lot, she loves going to school. We have taken multiple vacations and she did amazing. She can handle stressful situations and not react.

If you are on the fence about doing neurofeedback, I promise you will not be disappointed. It was the best investment I could ever have made for the health and well-being of my child and my family.

Elizabeth Fletcher

How do I get started?

At Arizona Center for Neurofeedback, in Scottsdale Arizona, you have the opportunity to access clinical or counseling services, neurofeedback training, biofeedback training, performance enhancement or a combination of any of these services.

If you are experiencing distress, or perhaps just looking for that “mental edge”, we are here to help. We are committed to helping you or your loved one on the path to optimal mental, emotional and brain/body health.


Begin by contacting us, so we can provide information on treatment choices, address any inquiries about neurofeedback or any of our other services, and arrange a private appointment with Dr. Petta.

Follow these easy steps

Text “consult” to 1 480-405-0520 or e-mail us for a free consultation

Click the button below to inquire online easily.

Begin treatment and start your journey towards a better brain, and a better life!