David Derus, Psy.D, LP

Sports Psychologist

Dr. David Derus is a sports psychologist based in Wausau, Wisconsin. As a lifelong hockey player, Dr. David’s passion for athletics is matched by his dedication to helping others, which inspired his career in psychology. By combining these interests, he specializes in sport psychology, focusing on enhancing athletes’ mental resilience and performance.

Dr. David works with athletes facing a range of challenges, including burnout, performance anxiety, confidence issues, injury recovery, emotion regulation, and improving focus and concentration. He emphasizes the use of grounding techniques, flow state optimization, and positive self-talk, and integrates meditation and mindfulness practices to strengthen mental resilience and overall performance.

Understanding that seeking support can be difficult, Dr. David is committed to cultivating a strong, supportive working relationship with each client. He sees the person behind the athlete, tailoring his approach to meet each individual’s unique needs and recognizing that every athlete’s journey is distinct. His work is especially attuned to the demands faced by athletes, helping them balance the pressures of sport, academics, work, and personal life. By fostering a trusting and collaborative environment, Dr. David empowers athletes to achieve their goals and maintain their well-being.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. David enjoys spending time at the gym, traveling, watching sports, reading, and connecting with friends and family.