Dr. Désarée Festa - Charlotte 49ers Sport Psychology Consultant

Email Désarée at sportpsych@uncc.edu to set up an appointment

Office Hours: Mondays from 9 AM – 5 PM in ATAC AAC Room A128

Off-Campus Phone Number: 704-552-0116 (Mind Over Body - Southeast Psych Office)

She will be conducting life skill sessions on the following days/times:

February 18th  6:00 PM Mental Toughness

February 25^th  2:00 PM Playing in Competition as well as You do in Practice: Managing Nerves, Pressure & Expectations             

March 18^th  2:00 PM Topic TBD

April 8^th  6:00 PM Transitioning Out of Sport

*Athletes can receive a life skills credit by participating in a one-on-one sport performance consult or by attending a life skills session. 

A little bit about Dr. Désarée Festa

      Désarée specializes in performance enhancement and working with student-athletes.  She helps athletes get the competitive edge in their sport and address any life issues that may or may not be interfering with their athletic performance. Désarée is a Post-Doctoral Fellow from Mind Over Body at Southeast Psych located in the SouthPark area of Charlotte, NC. 

      Désarée Festa earned her Ph.D. from the Combined Program in Counseling Psychology & School Psychology at Florida State University where she received extensive training in the college student population. She received her Master's degree in Sport Psychology from Florida State University and had the opportunity to work with student-athletes in a variety of capacities.  She also worked with student-athletes at The College of William & Mary during her doctoral internship. Désarée received her undergraduate degree from Eastern University where she majored in psychology, minored in sport & coaching, and was a student-athlete. 

What is sport psychology?

Sport psychology focuses on training and enhancing an athlete's mental, emotional, and interpersonal factors that impact his or her performance and participation in sport. It also helps teams improve their ability to work as a unit and can be an additional resource for coaches. 

When should you use a sport psychologist?

ANY ATHLETE CAN USE SPORT PSYCHOLOGY. Many elite athletes and top athletic programs use sport psychology in order to get the extra edge in their sport. If you are an athlete that is experiencing any barriers in your sport or is motivated to achieve your optimal potential, you should definitely consult an expert in sport psychology. Coaches can refer athletes if they would like them to receive individualized and tailored mental skills training. In addition to sport performance enhancement, you can meet with the UNCC sport psychology consultant to discuss any personal issues that may or may not be interfering with your sport. 

What are common sport psychology topics?

A sport psychologist can work with teams or individuals on the following topics:

- performance anxiety 

- getting in the zone      

- managing transition into a higher level of competition

-enhanced confidence 

-injury 

-managing dual roles of student athlete              

-self-talk            

-increased motivation                 

-team communication

-team building 

 -pre-competition routines                         

-managing intense competition/pressure          

What are common life issues an athlete can address with a sport psychologist?

-concerns about academics

 -issues with friends and family

-alcohol and other drug issues

-eating/body image concerns

-relationship issues

-better understanding self and others

Is it confidential?       

Yes! Confidential one-on-one sessions are provided to help 49er student-athletes perform to the best of their ability in their sport, in the classroom and in the game of life, unless the athlete states otherwise.