Leslie Sherlin, PhD
About
Each individual is unique. One-size-fits-all approaches will never help you reach full potential. Custom solutions, tailored to you - your performance characteristics, your challenges, your relationships, your culture and environment. You are one-of-a-kind and together we embrace those challenges and seek the best ways to navigate and move toward a healthier and happier version of you. I am trained in a wide variety of theoretical models and intervention techniques to help facilitate your best version of yourself.
I specialize in helping people identify the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that keep them from living to their fullest. I implement evidence based approaches based on the goals and uniqueness of the individual. I implement mindfulness, sport & performance mental skills, neurofeedback, expressive arts and equine assisted learning.
You don't have to feel the same tomorrow as you do today. There are many ways in which less than ideal patterns can be changed. Find a path to a better you, together we can find the right approach to fit you. No matter your age, background or history - there's opportunity for a better you!
Book appointments in Mesa, Peoria, Surprise and Online. In-person, video, phone and chat sessions available.
Leslie Sherlin, PhD is a licensed associate counselor and sport & performance psychology consultant to dozens of athletes, teams and individuals. Dr. Sherlin is the Associate Dean of Academics, Lead Faculty for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Ottawa University, Surprise, Arizona. He is Senior Doctoral Adjunct Dissertation Chair and Faculty at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona. He is Adjunct Associate Professor at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona and Adjunct Research Faculty at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (2000), Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology (2003), and PhD in Psychology (2008). In 2013 he completed a PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in Sport & Performance Psychology. He completed a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling (2017) and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy (2019). Most recently he is engaging a Master of Arts in Photography (2021).
In addition to his academic positions, Dr. Sherlin is one of the world’s leading experts on the neuroscience of high performance. He is a leader in the research and use of neuroscience for improving human performance. He has led research partnerships with Red Bull North America’s High-Performance Center, USA Track & Field, US military Special Operations Forces, local and federal level law enforcement agencies and professional teams in multiple sports in many countries. He has collaborated in sport psychology with individual athletes ranging from the developing prospect to dozens of Olympic medalists and professional athletes across nearly every sport. He has published this work in the academic literature and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, BBC, Sports Illustrated, CNN, ESPN, CBS, Popular Science, Outdoor Magazine, Bicycling and more.
Beginning in 2000, Dr. Sherlin co-founded his first company, Nova Tech EEG, Inc., a company that continues to operate and provides training, evaluation services and equipment/software for quantitative EEG analysis and imaging. In 2009 he focused his efforts in the domain of athlete and elite performance when he co-founded Neurotopia, Inc (dba SenseLabs). Neurotopia pioneered patented state of the art dry sensor technology and applications for measuring the electroencephalograph in a mobile platform and created psychophysiological algorithms for performance. His team assessed the brains of thousands of professional athletes, Olympians, and Fortune 500 executives to determine how they operated and how they could improve. Using this data, and leveraging the expertise of Sherlin, they designed an effective, engaging, high-performance mobile EEG experience using traditional EEG technologies named Versus and currently distributed by Neuro Management, LLC.
Dr. Sherlin continues to provide services in clinical counseling and sport and performance psychology consulting to individuals and teams through his private practice. He is licensed in the state of Arizona as a counselor. He is listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry. He has been a Certified Mental Performance Consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, certified by the International Board of Quantitative Electrophysiology, certified at the Diplomat level in quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and is BCIA Board Certified both in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. He is certified in equine assisted learning and therapy by the Equine Assisted Learning and Growth.
He has served on the board of directors for the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance and the International Board of Quantitative Electrophysiology in a number of elected positions including the president/chairman.
When I see the positive changes that begin happening in a client's life that is the reason I continue in this work. Sometimes these changes happen simply from having a safe place to explore feelings and attitudes without judgement. Other times these changes are due to working through behavior and thought changing exercises that break the individual free from old and non-productive patterns.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
At our first meeting we spend a small amount of time reviewing administrative issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and booking. I then like to spend the bulk of the session on your specific concerns and goals. It's important we establish what your ideal scenario looks like so we know where we are trying to go. We conclude by answering any questions and planning our future meetings.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have multiple doctrate degrees, in Psychology and Pastoral Clinical Counseling. I have multiple masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. This abundance of education allows me the background and flexibility to adapt to the modality and approach that is in the best interest of the client. We've all heard the expressiont that if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail; well I have a full tool box to maximize the success opportunity for you.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I have a standard hourly rate. All sessions and all modalities cost the same.
How did you get started in this business?
I became interested in counseling at a young age. I spent many years in education followed by employment in academia teaching and in research. I have always maintained a small practice because I find working with clients the most rewarding experiece. This is now all I do because that moment where clients start to make postive shifts in their lives is so amazing that I just can't get enough of those moments!
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've worked with all sorts of clients. The ages have ranged from 4 years old to 78 years old. I've dealt with all sorts of challenges that you might be encountering from life transitions, job loss, stress, anxiety, depression, divorce, learning disabilities, attention deficits, behavioral problems, work place conflict, sport and work performance, and even psychological challenges that accompany medical conditions.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
As you evaluate the many very qualified providers in our area make sure that you are a good fit. If you meet with a providor and it doesn't seem like you get along don't give up on the idea that therapy isn't for you. Every providor approaches therapy and their clients a bit differently and of course, we all have unique personalities. Don't give up on you - spend the time to interview who you think can best help you achieve your goals.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
What brought you to seeking help? What goals do you wish to accomplish? Ask what the modalities used are and pick those that fit you and those in which you are comfortable.