Question 1

If a client were describing the experience of working with you after a few sessions, what would you hope they would say?

Accepted Answer

I would hope they would say that they felt truly seen and heard — not just as an athlete or a performer, but as a whole person. That our sessions gave them a safe space to be honest about what they were going through, and that they walked away with a deeper understanding of themselves — what drives them, what holds them back, their core values, and what they are truly capable of accomplishing in sport and life. I want them to feel equipped — not just inspired — with practical strategies rooted in a genuine understanding of who they are.

Question 2

What are some of the costs people may pay when achievement becomes disconnected from wellbeing, identity, relationships, recovery, or meaning?

Accepted Answer

When achievement and performance outcomes are prioritized over the athlete's sense of self, the costs are real and often invisible until it's too late. Career burnout, debilitating performance anxiety, strained relationships, and a sense of self-worth that is tired to playing time performance results. This is why I believe so deeply in the power of a balanced athletic identity. When athletes know who they are beyond their sport, they are more resilient, and ultimately more fulfilled.

Question 3

How do you think about confidence, and what do people often misunderstand about it?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that confidence is something you either have or you don't — like it's a personality trait you're born with. But confidence is actually a skill, and like any skill, it can be trained and developed. I also see a lot of athletes who believe confidence means never doubting yourself — but that simply isn't realistic. Doubt is a natural part of being human and a natural part of competing at a high level. The real goal isn't to eliminate self-doubt — it's to recover from confidence setbacks as quickly as possible and keep moving forward. As Dr. Colleen Hacker so perfectly puts it, 'Confidence is a road that is always under construction.' We have to keep working on it, no matter what we experience along the way.

Question 4

What role do recovery, rest, and sustainability play in long-term performance, growth, and wellbeing?

Accepted Answer

Rest is not a reward for hard work — it is part of the work. As athletes and coaches, we are conditioned to believe that more is always better. But the research and the real world stories tell us something different. Rest helps prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, and enhance mental clarity — allowing you to bounce back from setbacks and perform your best when it matters most. Effective recovery goes beyond the physical too. Sleep, nutrition, and active rest days are essential — but so are mindfulness, mental skills training, and investing in a life outside of your sport. Having a balanced athletic identity and being intentional about your recovery time are critical components to developing resiliency. The athletes who last — the ones who perform at a high level year after year — are the ones who understand that sustainability is not a luxury. It is a resilience strategy.

Question 5

What aspects of your lived experience, training, philosophy, or perspective most influence the way you work with clients?

Accepted Answer

My experience as a former NCAA and professional volleyball player is one of the most powerful tools I bring to my work. I've felt the pressure, made the social sacrifices, navigated career threatening injuries, and experienced the burnout that many elite athletes are navigating. That lived experience gives me a unique sense of empathy and deep understanding of what my athletes are experiencing, that I believe makes our work together more effective. I don't just understand the journey intellectua

Question 6

What kinds of people tend to resonate most with your approach and benefit from the way you work?

Accepted Answer

The athletes who benefit the most with my approach are the ones who are ready to do the hard internal work — they are already working hard physically and have a history of success in sport, but want to take their performance and career to the next level. They have a sense of that their mindset is the key to unlocking their potential but don't yet fully understand how to improve their thinking and regulate their emotions in the heat of the moment. They want to be supported and affirmed, but also challenged and pushed to understand the mental obstacles that keep them from accomplishing their performance goals. They are ready to create the change they want to see in their career and life.

Structured, supportive mentorship for those pursuing CMPC® certification

Frequently asked questions

If a client were describing the experience of working with you after a few sessions, what would you hope they would say?

What are some of the costs people may pay when achievement becomes disconnected from wellbeing, identity, relationships, recovery, or meaning?

How do you think about confidence, and what do people often misunderstand about it?

What role do recovery, rest, and sustainability play in long-term performance, growth, and wellbeing?

What aspects of your lived experience, training, philosophy, or perspective most influence the way you work with clients?

What kinds of people tend to resonate most with your approach and benefit from the way you work?

SUPPORTING YOUR CERTIFICATION JOURNEY IN A FLEXIBLE & PERSONALIZED WAY

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Certification Guide

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CMPC Handbook

Helpful Resources

What Is a Sport Psychologist?

The field of sport psychology continues to expand. Read More.

So You Want to Be a Sport Psychologist?

A blog post guiding the choice in a career path in sport psychology. Read More.

So you Want to Be a Sport Psychologist?

Webinar by Dr. Kilwein. Watch It Here.

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tess.m.kilwein@gmail.com
Based in Nashville, TN