Strength Looks Different Here.
At GRIT INSTITUTE, strength is understanding yourself, knowing when to ask for support, and developing the tools to move through challenges with resilience and purpose.
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We believe the person comes before the performance. Because your mental health matters whether you win, lose, play, or don't.
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Through individual counseling, team training, and athlete-centered yoga, GRIT INSTITUTE brings mental health support into the spaces where athletes live, train, compete, and grow. Our approach supports the whole person, helping athletes better understand themselves, build resilience, manage pressure, strengthen relationships, and develop skills they can carry with them far beyond their sport.
When you strengthen the human behind the jersey, you build something that lasts far beyond the game.
Empowerment through resilience and self-discovery is at the heart of our mission.
FOUNDER
Nick Geissler
MS, LPC, LCADC, ACS
Nicholas Geissler, MS, LPC, LCADC, is an EMDR-trained therapist, clinical leader, yoga teacher, former collegiate athlete, and person in long-term recovery with more than 15 years of experience in the mental health and substance use treatment field.
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A lifelong athlete, Nick went on to play collegiate baseball at Western New England University. When two shoulder surgeries unexpectedly ended his playing career, he struggled with the loss of the sport that had shaped so much of his identity. What followed were years of depression, substance use, and searching for a sense of purpose beyond the game.
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That experience, combined with his professional career in behavioral health, shaped Nick’s approach to his work today. Using evidence-based and mind-body approaches, he works with individuals, student athletes, and high performers navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, identity, life transitions, and the pressures that come with performance.
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Through GRIT INSTITUTE, Nick helps people better understand themselves, regulate emotions, navigate pressure, build resilience, and develop practical tools that support their mental health in sport and long after the game ends.
frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between therapy and mental performance consulting?
Mental performance consulting primarily focuses on skills like confidence, focus, and performing under pressure. Therapy can address those same performance concerns while also treating underlying mental health factors such as anxiety, depression, identity, emotional regulation, and substance use. At GRIT INSTITUTE, the focus is on supporting the whole person, not just their performance.
Do I need to be an athlete to work with GRIT INSTITUTE?
No. While GRIT INSTITUTE specializes in working with athletes, Nick also works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, identity, and other mental health challenges. You don’t have to play a sport to benefit from the same tools for resilience, self-awareness, and growth.
What ages do you work with?
GRIT INSTITUTE works with preteens, teens, and adults, providing support tailored to each individual’s age, experiences, and needs.
Do you work with parents and coaches?
Yes. GRIT INSTITUTE works with parents, coaches, and teams to help create supportive environments that prioritize mental health, strengthen communication, and help athletes thrive both in sport and beyond.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. GRIT INSTITUTE offers both in-person and virtual counseling sessions, providing flexibility based on your needs and location.
Do you accept insurance?
GRIT INSTITUTE is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance directly. Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
How does team training work?
Each team training is customized around the unique needs, challenges, and goals of the team. Sessions can focus on communication, trust, mental health awareness, leadership, resilience, and navigating pressure and adversity together.
Do athletes need yoga experience?
Not at all. All experience levels are welcome, from athletes completely new to yoga to those with an established practice. Sessions are designed to meet athletes where they are, with a focus on movement, recovery, breathwork, mindfulness, and the connection between mind and body.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out by email or phone to tell us a little about what you’re looking for, and we’ll connect with you to discuss your needs and the best next step.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you’re an athlete looking for support, a parent searching for the right resources, or a coach interested in bringing GRIT INSTITUTE to your team, we’d love to hear from you.
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Reach out to learn more, ask a question, or take the next step.
207 Shore Road,
Somers Point, NJ 08244
609.303.5871
gritwithnick@gmail.com
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.