Benjamin

Ben Dunlop is a Sport and Performance Psychologist at SD Wellness in Red Deer, Alberta, specializing in mental performance training and psychological support for athletes and high performers. Drawing from both his personal and professional experience in competitive sport, Ben brings a deep understanding of the mental demands faced by athletes at all levels—from elite junior leagues to collegiate athletics.

Ben has worked with athletes across a broad range of competitive environments, including the Western Hockey League (WHL), Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), U SPORTS, British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), Red Deer Lacrosse Association (RDLA), Red Deer Minor Hockey (RDMH), Baseball Alberta Provincial League (BAPL), and Ringette Alberta - Black Gold League (RA-BGL). His approach is informed not only by formal training but also by firsthand experience as a former athlete and current parent of two young athletes. This dual perspective gives him unique insight into the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face—both on the field and at home.

Having spent years immersed in athletics, Ben understands that performance isn't just physical—it’s deeply psychological. He sees competition anxiety, burnout, dips in motivation, and the pressures of expectations as common yet addressable aspects of the athlete experience. His work focuses on building mental resilience, improving focus and confidence, managing stress, and fostering a healthy identity beyond sport.

Ben believes that mental training should be integrated into every athlete’s development, just like physical conditioning and skill work. He is passionate about normalizing psychological support in sport and performance settings, emphasizing that mental health and high performance are not mutually exclusive. Whether helping an elite goaltender manage pre-game anxiety or guiding a young athlete player through performance slumps, Ben tailors each session to meet the individual's unique needs.

In addition to working with competitive athletes, Ben supports coaches, teams, and performers from other high-stakes arenas—such as academics, performing arts, and business—offering evidence-based strategies grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and performance psychology. His work is guided by the belief that confidence, composure, and clarity under pressure can be trained, just like any physical skill.

As a father raising two young athletes, Ben is especially attuned to the pressures youth face in today’s performance-driven culture. He is dedicated to creating a safe and relatable space where young performers feel heard, supported, and empowered. By blending professional expertise with personal experience, Ben helps clients tap into their mental strength to enhance both performance and overall well-being.

At SD Wellness, Ben is part of a collaborative team focused on holistic mental health care. He is currently accepting new clients, including athletes, parents, coaches, and high performers who seek to unlock their full potential—both in sports and in life.

-Ben