Dr. Sara Gilman, PsyD, LMFT

Welcome to my website! With over 38 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve their maximum potential. Explore my services, speaking engagements, and resources to discover how we can work together to unlock your greatest strengths and overcome any challenges you face.

My expertise spans various areas including Business Performance, Sports Performance, and Life Performance. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and certification in Sports Psychology, I am dedicated to expanding human potential in mind, body & spirit through clinical excellence, integrity, & compassion.

For the past 13 years, I served as the co-founder and CEO of Coherence Associates, a professional mental health counseling corporation in San Diego, CA, I am honored to have passed the ‘torch’ to Dr. Heather Williams & Capt. Shane Millhollon, to carry on the quality work we have established. I have come full circle and will return to private practice, where I began in 1986. I have received certifications in EMDR Therapy, Brainspotting, Disaster Mental Health, Psychological First Aid, Hypnotherapy, and HeartMath. I was also awarded Fellowship status with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress for my work with emergency responders. I served the EMDR Therapy community as a past President of the EMDR International Association Board of Directors. Additionally, I have completed my Fellowship Certification at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, specializing in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

I have focused my work on helping people recover from trauma, and build their psychological resilience, for business professionals, athletes, artists & first responders, I have worked with a wide range of individuals including Olympic Athletes, Elite Triathletes, Gymnasts, Ice skaters, Equestrians, Cyclists, Opera Singers, Navy Seals, SWAT officers, and more. I provide training and consultation for fellow therapists on how to effectively work with performers. Due to my extensive experience and compassionate spirit, I am honored to be a trusted and sought-after professional counselor, author, speaker, and mentor.

Performance Counseling

I specialize in unlocking the full potential of performers across all disciplines. As a certified practitioner trained in a diverse array of evidence-based modalities, I am dedicated to helping individuals elevate their peak performance, overcome obstacles, and reignite their passion for their craft.

Whether you are an elite athlete, a renowned musician, a celebrated artist, or a performer in any other field, I offer tailored support to help you achieve your goals. From recovering from injuries or slumps to breaking through barriers and reaching new heights, I employ a creative combination of methods to guide you on your journey to success.

I work from a theoretical foundation in neuroscience and after over 30 years of experience, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by performers. I provide personalized strategies to optimize your psychological well-being, mental skills and performance outcomes. Together, we will explore techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, build resilience, and cultivate a mindset primed for success.

If you’re ready to harness your full potential and take your performance to the next level, I invite you to embark on this transformative journey through my Optimal Psychological Performance Counseling. Let’s work together to unleash your greatness and propel you towards your full potential.

Engage, Learn & Grow

Join me on a journey of discovery and empowerment through my speaking engagements and courses, designed to inspire and enlighten audiences of all kinds. With a wealth of experience and expertise, I have had the privilege of sharing insights and knowledge in diverse settings, including professional conferences, universities, webinars, documentaries, television, radio, and podcasts.

My speaking engagements cover a range of compelling topics, including:

  • Peak Performance: Unlocking the secrets to reaching your full potential and achieving greatness in your endeavors.

  • Posttraumatic Stress Recovery: Navigating the path to healing and resilience after experiencing trauma.

  • The Power of Heart Rate Variability & Heart-Focused Living: Harnessing the connection between mind and body to optimize well-being and performance. 

  • Psychological First Aid: Equipping individuals with essential tools to support mental health and well-being in times of crisis and adversity.

Through dynamic presentations and interactive discussions, I offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to empower individuals and organizations alike.

Additionally, my courses provide learning experiences tailored to the needs of participants. Whether you're seeking personal growth, professional development, or organizational enhancement, my courses offer a transformative journey towards greater understanding, resilience, and success.