Book Private Mental-performance Lessons with Coach Yulia

I'm Yulia Tsarenko Carey, a Licensed Professional Counselor and sport psychology specialist based in Portland, Oregon. With dual master's degrees in Clinical Psychology and Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology, I help athletes at every level—from youth competitors to professionals—strengthen their mental game and perform at their best when it matters most.

I founded Oris Sport Psychology Counseling because I believe that mental performance is just as important as physical training. Whether you're dealing with competition anxiety, mental blocks, or struggling to stay consistent under pressure, I provide honest feedback and practical tools that actually work in real competition.

My approach is straightforward: real talk, real change, real performance. I don't believe in quick fixes or empty motivation. Instead, I focus on building lasting mental skills—confidence, focus, resilience—that help you turn pressure into your greatest asset. I work with individual athletes, teams, coaches, and parents who are ready to do the work and break through their mental barriers.

When I'm not working with athletes, you'll find me staying active in Portland's vibrant sports community. I'm passionate about helping performers of all kinds unlock their potential and carry those skills into every arena of life.

I work with athletes who are ready to take their mental performance to the next level.

Here's what we'll focus on together:

Build Confidence

Develop the self-belief you need to compete at your highest level, even when doubt creeps in. We'll work on silencing negative self-talk and building a mindset that supports peak performance.

Master Performance Under Pressure

Learn to thrive in high-stakes moments instead of letting nerves derail you. You'll learn practical techniques to turn anxiety into focus and pressure into fuel.

Sharpen Your Focus & Concentration

Eliminate distractions and stay locked in on what matters most during training and competition. You'll develop the mental discipline to execute when it counts.

Develop Mental Resilience

Bounce back faster from setbacks, injuries, and disappointing performances. We'll build the mental toughness that helps overcome setbacks.

Create Consistent Pre-Performance Routines

Establish rituals and mental preparation strategies that get you in the zone when you compete.

Break Through Mental Blocks

Identify and eliminate the psychological barriers holding you back—whether it's fear of failure, perfectionism, or past experiences affecting your current performance.

Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals

Create a clear roadmap for your athletic development with actionable goals that keep you motivated and moving forward.

Every session is tailored to your sport, your challenges, and your goals.

Every session is built around you—your sport, your challenges, and what you need to perform at your best. Here's what you can expect:

We Start With Where You Are

Each session begins with checking in on what's happening in your training and competition. What's working? What's not? What mental challenges showed up since we last met?

We Dig Into the Real Issues

I ask direct questions and give you feedback. If something's holding you back mentally, we address it head-on.

We Build Practical Skills

You'll learn specific mental performance tools you can use immediately—visualization strategies, breathing exercises, focus routines, pre-competition rituals, and ways to manage anxiety and pressure.

We Create Your Action Plan

Every session ends with clear next steps. You'll know exactly what to practice, how to apply the skills we discussed, and what to focus on before your next competition or training session.

We Track Your Progress

Over time, we'll measure what's working and adjust what isn't. Mental performance training is about consistent growth. We'll build on each session to create lasting change in how you think, prepare, and compete.

Sessions typically last 45-55 minutes and can happen in person in Portland or virtually, depending on what works best for your schedule and location.

I Value Honest, Open Communication

I believe in having genuine conversations about what's working and what isn't. My goal is to provide thoughtful feedback and create a supportive space where athletes feel comfortable being themselves.

I Tailor My Approach to You

Whether you're a youth athlete developing foundational skills, a collegiate competitor navigating new pressures, or a professional fine-tuning your mental game, every session is customized to your level, sport, and unique needs.

I Bring Both Clinical and Performance Expertise

With 10 years of clinical mental health experience and three years in sport psychology, I can support both performance challenges and broader mental health concerns. Sometimes what shows up in competition reflects deeper issues, and I'm equipped to help with the whole picture.

Parents Are Part of the Team

I understand that supporting an athlete comes with its own stress and questions. I'm here to help parents navigate their role, manage competitive anxiety, and create a home environment that supports their athlete's mental development.

Progress Takes Commitment

Mental performance training works best when athletes are willing to engage in the process and practice new skills consistently. I'm here to guide and support you, but meaningful change requires your active participation.

I'm Credentialed and Professional

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon and member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), I follow professional standards and maintain confidentiality in all my work.

I'm Committed to Your Growth

My goal is to help you build lasting mental skills that improve not just your performance, but your overall confidence and resilience in all areas of life.

I'd be honored to work with you on your mental performance journey.