About Dr. Vanessa Chafos

I combine clinical experience with high-performance strategies, approaching each individual with empathy and respect. Whether you are facing a mental health challenge or striving for an individual milestone, psychological flexibility coupled with a creative, individualized approach is important for both healing and performing at your best. For example, an athlete battling performance anxiety could be supported by implementing targeted mindfulness practices and customized goal-setting. Over time, this would strengthen skills to manage competition anxiety and rebuild confidence; this is how an individualized approach may make a meaningful difference.

With over a decade of clinical experience throughout diverse mental health settings, including Atlantic Health Care System (Morristown Medical Center), Princeton Health Care System, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Greystone Involuntary Psychiatric Hospital, I have had exposure to dealing with a broad range of symptoms and diagnoses. My clinical focus now extends to performance and sport contexts, working with athletes at all levels. Some of these contexts have included Princeton University, Amplify Wellness and Performance, and private practice. In 2022, I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology at Princeton University's Counseling and Psychological Services, specializing in college students and athletes. This varied clinical experience and background enable me to assist individuals in elite sport, the corporate sector, academic settings, and during life transitions. My approach benefits not only athletes but also professionals trying to manage workplace stress, students striving to perform well academically, and anyone facing personal or professional challenges. I am listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Mental Health and Performance Directory, where I also support Team USA athletes.

Success is most meaningful when it is consistent with your core values. Instead of ignoring unwanted thoughts, we discover effective ways to manage them. I utilize evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and integrate other modalities as needed. In performance settings, we focus on developing strengths rather than just addressing areas of growth, applying principles of sport and performance psychology. I employ mental skills training to help you achieve peak performance under pressure.