Jason Imhoff, a clinical and sports psychotherapist, is looking to help leaders with his insight and expertise. His services place an emphasis on performance counseling that equips leaders and coaches with a greater capacity for success in their program’s effectiveness. After 17 years of working in the behavioral health field in the Army National Guard, as well as a following career in sports psychology, Imhoff emphasizes working with leaders through therapy and counseling; sharing, “If I as a therapist can help other leaders to think or behave differently, I know it will help their teams. Better relationships mean a safer emotional environment. This allows you to excel and take the risk to succeed.”
Imhoff joined the Army National Guard in 2006 and found himself serving with a focus on behavioral health. He realized that he had the desire to listen to people talk for a living, and continued to chase this passion into graduate school. During grad school and ROTC, he was strictly there to focus on becoming a good therapist. Following a twist of fate, however, Imhoff realized the importance of leadership through his ROTC experience. After interacting with toxic people placed in leadership roles in the Army, Imhoff realized that the leader of the organization is, as the Army says; “the sole person responsible for the success or failure of a mission.”
Currently, Imhoff is still serving in the California National Guard – where he is currently creating a Leadership Development Training program with a neuropsychologist from Stanford University. This program will be used to train leaders at all levels throughout the California Army National Guard. While his work and his practice keeps him plenty busy, he is still passionate about serving individuals outside of his military duties and has his eyes set on serving leaders throughout multiple industries with his unique insights from behavioral and performance psychology.
A Personalized Approach
Imhoff’s approach is unique due to his desire to get to the root of the problem and face it head-on. He shares, “A difficult thing for people to do is confront the elephant in the room. It’s difficult to address the issue because you want to dance around it, but it’s important to [face it]. As a therapist, I have to be comfortable with uncomfortable emotions, situations, and thoughts.”
Imhoff’s primary end goal in his services is to help others find their own answer. He shares his three tips for success; the first being taking the step to “Realize what you selfishly want.” While this sounds self-serving, identifying your core desires will help you succeed in life due to an inner motivation to reach your goals. Imhoff’s second step to success is to “Let go of the beliefs that hold you back from what you want.” Shedding these limiting beliefs can make a massive difference in performance, relationships, and life overall. Lastly, he says to “Move forward: go get it. Fear rules our lives. It dictates our lives more than anything. In leaders, it’s fear of vulnerability or fear of being seen as imperfect or incapable. Fear prevents us from seeing clearly.” We must dial fear down to its appropriate level.
Moving Forward
Imhoff’s hope for the future is to work as an independent practitioner. Stepping away from conventional practicing according to insurance guidelines would allow more freedom to work with unique individuals, share his wisdom with a larger audience, and make a bigger impact through his work. Currently, he offers group/team mental performance training and individual psychotherapy. For those interested in performance coaching and to increase their leadership potential in all areas of life, visit his Website.
