David N. Sacks, Ph.D.
Nashville Performance and Psychology
​david@nashvilleperformancepsych.com
(615) 492-1519
Therapy:
Most people seek therapy because they’re struggling with a problem and want to make a meaningful change. My approach is to help my clients not only reduce their symptoms and overcome their current problems, but also to figure out why they’re having those problems in the first place. This means creating the kind of therapeutic relationship where we can explore your beliefs, your patterns, and your view of yourself and others, in an atmosphere free of fear or shame. My expertise as a therapist lies as much in asking the right questions as it does in offering answers, and I will work with you to uncover insights about yourself and your ways of thinking that you haven’t yet explored. Although there is never a guarantee in therapy, I am confident that, if you work with me, you will learn something useful about yourself. You then have the opportunity to use that self-knowledge to achieve meaningful changes that last well beyond your final therapy session.
Performance Coaching:
Whether you’re an athlete, musician, executive, or scholar, your psychological functioning plays a major role in your performance. My job as a Performance Enhancement Consultant is to help you build and maintain robust psychological strengths to perform consistently at the best of your abilities. I do this not only by teaching specific mental skills, but also by helping you understand your own inner workings and apply that knowledge to your chosen domain. Your strengths and weaknesses, your personal demons, your true character: they are all revealed in the way you train, compete, and perform. Perhaps you believe you’re good but not great. Maybe you’ve become so accustomed to struggling to reach the top that you don’t know how to be at the top. Whatever inner battle you’re fighting, I will offer my expertise to help you win it. ​
Couples Counseling:
If you are having problems in your relationship, or if you’re looking to make a good relationship stronger, I’m available to help. Perhaps you argue about little things without getting to the real issues underneath them. Or maybe your conversations turn into arguments before you have really listened to each other. Or you might find yourselves not communicating at all in order to avoid a difficult subject. As a couples counselor, I listen closely not only to what you say to each other, but also how you say it. I observe the patterns in your relationship and provide a space for you to work through the things that can strengthen your connection and foster your growth, both individually and as a couple.
About David:
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David Sacks is a licensed clinical psychologist and a consultant for athletes and other elite performers. He is a graduate of Stanford University (B.A. English; M.A. Education), where he was also captain of the wrestling team. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 2003 and completed his psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Vanderbilt University Counseling Center. As a scientist-practitioner, David has published numerous articles and presented at national and international conferences.
In both his therapy and consultation work, David helps others to make specific adjustments in their ways of operating and, importantly, to understand the “bigger picture” in order to achieve lasting change. He uses a strengths-based approach to allow his clients to discover the best version of themselves. David has worked with thousands of students and clients, including award-winning scholars, professional athletes, musicians, service members, and other diverse individuals and groups from all walks of life. When he’s not helping clients achieve their goals, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, participating in grappling sports, and fishing from his kayak.