Consultant Profile

Nothing is more aggravating than physically preparing yourself to do what you want to do, getting everything right during practice, and feeling so confident to show what you're made of, only to be held back by distracting thoughts, disruptive emotions, or unexpected setbacks. You know you can do better, but it's just not happening.

It hurts. . . A LOT.

You're often told, you have to be mentally tougher, keep your emotions in check, and to focus harder, but how do you do that?? It's not like you’re given an instruction book, and often times, you’re left to figure it out on our own.

And that's where Dr. Yu can help.

Dr. Alexander “Brian” Yu (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Sport Psychologist, and Certified Mental Performance Consultant ® (CMPC). He is listed in the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry.

Dr. Yu is dually-trained to optimize mental health and mental performances for adolescents, adults, and teams. Whatever domain that might be, whether on the field, concert hall, classroom, or workspace, he is passionate about helping athletes and performers navigate distressing thoughts and emotions and to engage in a life that is satisfying and meaningful. Dr. Yu provides an environment of respect, collaboration, and compassion for wherever his clients are in life. He offers both emotional support and concrete strategies, and he is a proponent of learning through experience. He frequently uses metaphors and exercises to enhance the acquisition of psychological skills, which are transferable for life, beyond sports and performances. Furthermore, he believes that understanding and appreciating the multicultural backgrounds of his clients are paramount in supporting them. He endeavors to recognize the diverse intersecting identities of his clients, while also continuously developing his own cultural humility.

Dr. Yu has several years of experience working with elite youth sports and student-athletes of NCAA Division I athletics at the University of California - Davis, California State University - Sacramento, University of North Texas, and most recently, at the University of Maryland - College Park. Dr. Yu has experience working with athletes from a variety of sports, including American football, water polo, soccer, track and field, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, and more.

Dr. Yu spent about a decade of his life as a competitive swimmer, and later coached in the sport. After swimming, he regularly participated in recreational roller hockey, Crossfit, and mixed martial arts. He also has been a musical performer, having learned the piano, saxophone, guitar, ukulele, and singing. He frequently practices sport psychology principles and techniques to improve performance in his own personal sport, exercise, and occupational endeavors.

When you want to sharpen your mental edge or overcome an issue that is limiting your potential, contact Dr. Yu to guide, educate, and support you to your next level.

EDUCATION
Student Health & Counseling Services – University of California Davis
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Predoctoral Internship
University of North Texas
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, specialty in Sport-Performance Psychology
California State University, Fullerton
M.S. in Clinical Psychology
University of California, Irvine
B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior