About Murphy Mental Performance
A private practice rooted in specialized expertise and experience in high-performance environments, helping athletes and high performers build the mental skills to perform with confidence, clarity, and resilience.
Our Story
Murphy Mental Performance was built on a simple conviction: the mental side of sport deserves the same rigor, depth, and care as the physical. That belief is grounded in something real; Emily Murphy, our founder, spent years as a high-level competitive gymnast, winning multiple state championships before a series of injuries brought that chapter to a close.
Near the end of her gymnastics career, she encountered Dr. Alison Arnold, a leading sport psychology consultant for USA Gymnastics, and discovered a passion for the mental performance field. The same mental tools she originally sought for gymnastics soon became valuable across other sports she pursued, including soccer, softball, and pole vaulting—where she still holds her high school’s record.
Over the past ten years, her continued work with Dr. Arnold, alongside doctoral training in Counseling Psychology, has shaped a practice that is both performance-focused and deeply attuned to the person behind the performance.
Today, MMP brings that distinctive combination—specialized expertise and firsthand experience in high-performance environments—to athletes and high performers in Indianapolis and the surrounding community.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality sport and performance psychology services that help athletes and high performers strengthen confidence, resilience, focus, and performance.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do at Murphy Mental Performance:
Performer-Centered
Every performer is unique. We tailor our approach to meet individual needs, goals, and learning styles while encouraging honest self-awareness and authentic growth.
Purposeful Performance
We help performers connect their goals to a deeper sense of purpose, so their growth feels meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with who they are.
Process-Oriented
We help performers shift from chasing results to building consistent habits, grounded confidence, and trust in their preparation.
Credentials & Experience
Education & Training
- PhD Candidate in Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky
- MS, Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky
- BS in Psychology, Indiana University
Areas of Specialization
- Sport & Performance Psychology
- Substance Use Treatment
Professional Experience
- Former Executive Board Member, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
- Recovery Village Substance Use Treatment Center
- Lexington VA Healthcare System
- Louisville VA Medical Center
- University of Kentucky Counseling Center
- Transylvania University Athletic Department
- HeadGames World Mental Training
Performance Experience
- Experience working with athletes and performers across 4 countries
- Experience across a range of high-performance environments (e.g., elite gymnastics, baseball, swimming/diving, equestrian eventing)
Next Level
What sets MMP apart is the ability to blend sport and performance psychology with a deep understanding of what it takes to compete, lead, and grow in high-pressure environments.
Our work supports athletes and high performers as they build confidence, resilience, focus, and trust in their preparation — both in and beyond competition.
Ready to Work Together?
We'd love to learn more about your goals and explore how MMP can support your growth, confidence, and performance.