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about 4th & goal, Inc.​

 

​"4th and goal" is a term from American football that signifies a pivotal moment when a team is 10 yards (or less) from the goal line and on their final down. It's their last chance to score before the other team takes possession.

 

This concept became my guiding principle during my dissertation process—it represented my final effort to complete my degree and achieve my goal.

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This idea applies to many aspects of life. Sometimes, a single decision or play can change the course of the game, and the game of life. Such high-stakes moments can heighten anxiety and hinder one’s ability to enter the flow state, or the zone of optimal performance.

 

Our therapy sessions will focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of these mental blocks, or "yips," that prevent peak performance. By breaking down barriers and confronting issues directly, we create space for growth and reduce fear and anxiety for you or your team.

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About Me

Dr. cynthia stern, lmft, CMPC®

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist License #106744

Experience

  • Extensive experience working with clients across various industries and at all levels, from entry-level employees to CEOs, as well as youth to professional athletes.

  • Industry experience:

    • 1st Responders

    • Academia

    • Entrepreneurship

    • Fashion

    • Health & Wellness

    • Music & Film

    • Psychology

    • Sports

    • Technology

Education:

  • PhD Organizational Leadership

    • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • MS Counseling Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy

    • Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles

  • BA Communications

    • Arizona State University

Certifications:

  • Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology

Bio

Dr. Cynthia earned an MS in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, from Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles. During this time, she began teaching as an adjunct faculty member. She later completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she served in the Marriage and Family Therapy department and as Associate Director of Clinical Training. Her clinical expertise expanded through her role as Clinical Director at an eating disorder residential treatment program, her work at a detox and residential treatment center for substance use, and her private practice.

 

Dr. Cynthia’s lifelong passion for sports, both as an athlete and a dedicated fan, led her to expand her professional focus into sport psychology and mental performance. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, a credential that reflects specialized education, applied experience, and professional competency in mental performance.

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Drawing on her combined background in clinical psychology, organizational leadership, business, and sport psychology, Dr. Cynthia works with athletes and other high performers to strengthen mental skills, build confidence and resilience, manage performance pressure, and develop the mental toughness necessary to perform consistently and achieve their goals. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to address both the psychological and performance demands individuals face in competitive and high pressure environments.

My Approach

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic#106744), I specialize in supporting athletes, creatives, entrepreneurs, working professionals, and top performers in navigating the challenges of high-pressure environments. My work focuses on enhancing individual performance by addressing mental blocks and anxieties that hinder peak potential. Through a collaborative approach, I help clients develop tailored strategies that empower them to achieve their goals with confidence, whether they are seeking personal growth, improved relationships, or professional success.

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I integrate therapeutic techniques from clinical psychology, sports psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology, using modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). EFT helps clients explore their emotions and their impact on relationships, while CBT focuses on reshaping negative thought patterns and behaviors to build resilience and mental strength. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness, visualization, and reflective practices to help individuals overcome performance plateaus and navigate significant life transitions, such as career changes or identity shifts after retirement. I also support leaders in enhancing their efforts by applying a transformational leadership approach, empowering them to inspire and motivate their teams while fostering meaningful growth and connection.

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Working from a systems perspective, I address relational dynamics alongside individual concerns, helping couples identify negative patterns and foster unity while maintaining individuality. My approach is also informed by a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, which allows me to guide high performers in balancing work and family life. By exploring value alignment, setting boundaries, and addressing challenges like substance use and overworking, I aim to restore balance, reduce anxiety, and promote a fulfilling and harmonious life for clients and their families.

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