Derick Boyd

Derick specializes in performance and wellness for athletes and clients. He earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Sport and Performance from Indiana University and holds dual master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and Sport Psychology from Capella University. As a former college basketball player with coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, Derick has extensive expertise as an Athlete Performance and Wellness Therapist. He has worked with athletes across various sports, from middle school, travel sports, and Division 1 college, offering counseling, mental performance techniques, consultations, presentations, and workshops. Additionally, he has implemented programming and developed both individual and team interventions to enhance sports performance.

Derick approaches performance and wellness primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) perspective, while integrating techniques from other evidence-based treatments, such as Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT), Multicultural Orientation (MCO), and the Stages of Change model. He is deeply committed to social justice and advocacy in both his personal and professional life. He strives to be multiculturally responsive and to increase multicultural awareness in every aspect of his work with diverse clients and communities. His clinical interests include performance enhancement (e.g., self-talk, confidence, motivation, visualization/imagery, etc.), identity development, communication, group and team cohesion, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and issues related to performance and wellness.

Derick places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, creating a collaborative environment where all individuals contribute their expertise to achieve desired goals and outcomes. He believes that effective guidance is deeply influenced by the strength and depth of the relationship. In therapy, he sees the processes of learning, unlearning, and relearning as essential steps towards liberation and empowerment, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and the best version of themselves.

For additional information or to set up an appointment, please contact me at:

PHONE 312.460.8001