Peyton Stokes Sutton (she/her)

I specialize in helping athletes at all levels—from high school to professional—manage performance anxiety, pre-game nerves, and the mental blocks that affect athletic performance. As a former athlete with specialized training in sports psychology, I understand the unique pressure of competition, the fear of failure, and the challenge of maintaining confidence when stakes are high. My work helps athletes develop mental toughness, overcome performance anxiety, navigate injuries and setbacks.

I have extensive expertise working with BIPOC athletes navigating predominantly white sports environments, racial microaggressions, and the isolation of being "the only one." As a former athlete who competed in a predominantly white sport, I understand the unique challenges of code-switching, managing stereotype threat, and balancing cultural identity with athletic identity. My work addresses perfectionism, self-worth beyond performance, family expectations, and finding your voice.

I specialize in working with teens who "don't want to be there," college students managing academic pressure and identity development, and young adults navigating major life transitions. My expertise includes supporting formerly incarcerated youth and their families, helping athletes transition out of sports, and addressing the anxiety, depression, and family conflict that accompany significant life changes.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in cultural humility, authenticity, and real talk. I provide direct feedback and challenge when needed while maintaining deep compassion and collaboration. For BIPOC clients, athletes, and teens, this means therapy that doesn't minimize your experience or offer generic solutions. I meet clients in non-traditional settings—on basketball courts, football fields, walking trails—because healing happens where you feel most comfortable.

My approach integrates evidence-based sports psychology with mental health counseling to address both performance enhancement and clinical mental health needs. I work with athletes on mental skills training including visualization, pre-performance routines, focus and concentration, handling pressure, and building resilience after setbacks. Unlike traditional sports psychology that only focuses on performance, I also address underlying anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity issues.

I'm trained in Brainspotting Phase 1, a powerful brain-body therapy that helps athletes and individuals process trauma, anxiety, and performance blocks. Brainspotting works by identifying eye positions that connect to emotional and physical experiences, making it particularly effective for sports performance anxiety, childhood trauma, and overcoming mental barriers that affect athletic or academic performance.

I have extensive expertise working with BIPOC athletes navigating predominantly white sports environments, racial microaggressions, and the isolation of being "the only one." As a former athlete who competed in a predominantly white sport, I understand the unique challenges of code-switching, managing stereotype threat, and balancing cultural identity with athletic identity.

I specialize in helping athletes at all levels—from high school to professional—manage performance anxiety, pre-game nerves, and the mental blocks that affect athletic performance. As a former athlete with specialized training in sports psychology, I understand the unique pressure of competition, the fear of failure, and the challenge of maintaining confidence when stakes are high.

I specialize in working with teens who "don't want to be there," college students managing academic pressure and identity development, and young adults navigating major life transitions. My expertise includes supporting formerly incarcerated youth and their families, helping athletes transition out of sports, and addressing the anxiety, depression, and family conflict that accompany significant life changes.

I specialize in helping athletes at all levels—from high school to professional—manage performance anxiety, pre-game nerves, and the mental blocks that affect athletic performance. As a former athlete with specialized training in sports psychology, I understand the unique pressure of competition, the fear of failure, and the challenge of maintaining confidence when stakes are high.

I have extensive expertise working with BIPOC athletes navigating predominantly white sports environments, racial microaggressions, and the isolation of being "the only one." As a former athlete who competed in a predominantly white sport, I understand the unique challenges of code-switching, managing stereotype threat, and balancing cultural identity with athletic identity.

I specialize in working with teens who "don't want to be there," college students managing academic pressure and identity development, and young adults navigating major life transitions. My expertise includes supporting formerly incarcerated youth and their families, helping athletes transition out of sports, and addressing the anxiety, depression, and family conflict that accompany significant life changes.