Your Mindset Is Just as Important as Your Training. Let’s Strengthen Both.

Book a Free Call With Sports-Informed Therapists

Who Specialize in Working With Athletes.

You don't have to struggle with the mental side of sport (or life).

Even when life looks good from the outside, we know how challenging things can become as an athlete. The Skadi Sport Psychology team is here to help with:

✔️ Performance anxiety before races or events

✔️ Fear of failure and underperforming

✔️ Lack of motivation during training

✔️ Depression, anxiety, or trauma affecting multiple areas of life

✔️ Struggles with injury recovery or chronic health concerns

✔️ Self-criticism and perfectionism

Many athletes come to us after trying traditional therapy. While it may have helped in certain ways, they often feel something is missing—a blend of deeper exploration and practical, actionable tools. That’s where we excel. We’re here to dive into the meaningful work with you, while equipping you with proven strategies to enhance both your performance in sport and your approach to life.

How we can help

Available virtually across 42 states and in-person in Minneapolis, our credible providers specialize in working with athletes 10 and older. Our team understands the unique challenges athletes face because we've been there - we're athletes and coaches ourselves.

Our mental health professionals specialize in supporting athletes and coaches through:
- Depression and anxiety management
- Injury recovery and rehabilitation
- Significant life stressors
- Self-criticism and perfectionism
- Athletic identity challenges
Our evidence-based coaching helps you develop the mental skills needed to excel in your sport through:
- Mental skills training and goal setting
- Visualization and self-talk techniques
- Focus and motivation improvement
- Competition preparation strategies
Whether a team, organization, parents, and/or coaches, we offer virtual and in-person workshops that can be customized to meet your interests, needs, and sport. Click here for details.

Schedule your free consult

How it works

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If interested in therapy, we’ll first check your insurance benefits for Out of Network coverage. Once started, we will file your claims for you.

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It’s not (just) talk therapy, so get ready to do some work! You’ll learn specific tools and strategies to improve mental health and performance.

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You’ll take regular assessments to learn more about yourself, identify your strengths and growth edges, and monitor your progress.

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We’ll provide you a personalized wiki page filled with resources to read, use, & apply in between sessions.

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We’ll donate a percentage of session revenue to 501c3s addressing racial disparities and gender inequities in sport.

Schedule your free consult

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Values that inform our work:

Health and wellness: Acting in ways that support health and wellness in the long-term, even if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient in the short-term.

Social justice: Doing what’s in the best interest of ALL athletes, even (and especially) when it’s hard. Giving back to the community. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Authenticity: Showing up as our true selves, regardless of the pressure to act otherwise. Willingness to be vulnerable, to take responsibility for mistakes, to be honest with self and others, and to lead with courage.

What our athletes say:

“You truly have been a pivotal role in my swimming career. It has always been a dream of mine to go to the NCAAs ever since I could wrap my head around what college swimming was. I give huge thanks to you and your program. You have given me tools I will use for the rest of my life and I am forever grateful.”
“We’ve seen such a difference in her mental attitude and can’t thank you enough for your work with her. I can see the confidence growing in her dramatically.”
“You played a huge beneficial role on my mental health & recognizing the warning sings of burnout.”
“Your lessons were beyond helpful & educational. You’ve made my season more mindful & intentional. Thank you!”
“I have never felt more welcome or understood. Erin has changed my life for the better.”
“I have been using the strategy to shake hands with fear before my races and it has helped me in my mile specifically so much!”
“I have loved working with you for the past few years, and I’ve grown so much as a person because of it. I’ve learned the importance of enjoying what I’m doing, and how to attack obstacles with curiosity.”
“I’ve been through therapists (forced though) and have a sport psychologist at my school I tried going to and in the nicest way, they kind of sucked, did not help me at all. Erin genuinely helps address every issue I have, even if the solution doesn’t work to the extent I hoped it would, she is SO good.”

Meet the Coaches and Therapists Who Understand Athletes

We’re not just providers — we’re athletes, too. Every member of our team brings deep experience in both sport and psychology, offering guidance grounded in empathy, expertise, and lived experience.

As Featured In:

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SKADI PROVIDERS

Erin Ayala

OWNER & FOUNDER, SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Ayala (she/her) provides therapy, coaching, workshops in the community. Want to find the way to her heart? She loves crocs, spreadsheets, learning lingo (& fashion) from Gen Z, and cycling ridiculously long distances.
$205/session
Not accepting new clients
Peter Falcon

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR & MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
Peter (he/him) is a runner and track & field/cross country coach who provides therapy, coaching, and workshop to athletes 10 and older. Fun fact: he loves books & movies related to time travel.
$205/session
Immediate day-time availability
Hannah Silva-Breen

ATHLETIC COUNSELOR & MASTERS INTERN
Hannah (she/her) is a doctoral student and basketball coach who provides therapy, coaching, and workshops to teen and adult athletes. Her specialty? Body image, diet culture, and girls & women in team sports!
$105/session
Immediate availability
Staci Manella

ATHLETIC COUNSELOR & PRE-DOCTORAL INTERN
Staci (she/her) is a doctoral student and former Paralympic athlete who provides therapy, coaching, and workshops for teen and adult athletes. Fun fact: she owns more than one flannel for every season.
$155/session
Availability beginning June 17th
Laurie Miller

ATHLETIC COUNSELOR & MASTERS INTERN
Laurie (she/her) provides therapy, coaching, and workshops to teen and adult athletes. Her specialty? Perfectionism, anxiety, and fear of failure—especially for those in figure skating, gymnastics, and dance.
$105/session
Availability beginning June 17th