Sport & Performance Psychologist

DR. BEN MERKLING

PsyD, LP
  • Anxiety, Confidence & Mental Health
  • Motivation & Values-Based Performance
  • Mindfulness & Focus
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Who Dr. Merkling Works With

Dr. Merkling works with athletes experiencing anxiety, confidence challenges, and mental health concerns that impact performance.

Dr. Merkling is a strong fit for:

  • High school, collegiate, and adult athletes
  • Athletes navigating anxiety and confidence challenges
  • Individuals managing mental health alongside performance
  • Athletes seeking improved focus and motivation
  • Individuals balancing performance and well-being

His work is especially valuable where performance and mental health intersect.

Areas of Special Interest & Expertise

ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE IN PERFORMANCE

Dr. Merkling works with athletes to manage anxiety and build confidence in competition.

MOTIVATION & VALUES

He helps athletes connect performance with purpose and values.

MINDFULNESS & AWARENESS

Dr. Merkling helps athletes stay present and focused in high-pressure moments.

PERFORMANCE & MENTAL HEALTH

His work integrates performance and mental health for sustainable success.

CERTIFICATIONS

Licensed Psychologist (LP)

EDUCATION

Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) – University of St. Thomas

APPROACH TO PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY

Dr. Merkling focuses on integrating mental health and performance.

His approach emphasizes:

  • Present-moment awareness
  • Emotional regulation
  • Confidence development
  • Sustainable performance

 

Experience & Professional Background

Dr. Merkling has worked across clinical and collegiate environments supporting athletes and high performers.

His experience includes:

  • Mental performance and mental health support for athletes
  • Work within collegiate athletic departments
  • Counseling across a range of mental health concerns
  • Supporting athletes with anxiety, depression, and performance challenges

 

Speaking & Thought Leadership

Dr. Merkling regularly presents on topics including:

His experience includes:

  • Mental health in athletics
  • Motivation and performance psychology
  • Mindfulness and performance
  • Confidence and anxiety in sport

For speaking inquiries, please contact Premier Sport Psychology.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

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READY TO WORK WITH DR. MERKLING?

If you are:

  • Struggling with anxiety or confidence
  • Looking to improve performance and mental health
  • Seeking a sustainable approach to performance

More of the team

Connect with our intake team to determine the best provider fit

Founder, CEO, Senior Principal Sport Psychologist

Founder, Senior Principal Sport Psychologist

Founder, Senior Principal Sport Psychologist

Principal Sport Psychologist

Vice President of Clinical Services, Principal Sport Psychologist

Principal Sport Psychologist

Principal Sport Psychologist

Sport Psychologist

Postdoctoral Resident

Mental Performance Consultant

Athletic Counselor

Athletic Counselor

Athletic Counselor, Research Project Specialist, Outreach Content Specialist

Associate Hockey Performance Consultant

Associate Mental Performance Consultant

Mental Performance Consultant

Executive Director of Client Relations

Director of Operations

Product Manager, Research and Development Consultant

Associate Consultant

Office Coordinator

Executive Assistant, Operations Generalist

Intake Specialist

Intake Specialist

Associate Mental Skills Consultant, Intake Specialist

Associate Mental Skills Consultant, Intake Specialist

Associate Mental Skills Consultant, Intake Specialist

Intake and Marketing Specialist/Associate Mental Skills Consultant