Dr. Zarina Giannone is a Vancouver-based Licensed Psychologist (#2613) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) working at the intersection of mental health and performance in high-pressure environments. As one of Canada’s few dual-trained practitioners in clinical and sport psychology, she partners with individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve sustainable excellence.
Dr. Giannone has worked across professional and amateur sport, including roles as Team Psychologist for the BC Lions and Clinical Psychologist with the Vancouver Canucks. She has also supported Olympians and Paralympians through her work with the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport, and as Mental Health Lead with the Shooting Federation of Canada.
In her private practice, Dr. Giannone works with performers across domains—from athletes and executives to pilots and surgeons—providing psychotherapy, mental performance consulting, and psychological assessment. She also collaborates with sport organizations to design and implement tailored mental health systems, education, and policy.
In addition to her applied work, Dr. Giannone has held academic appointments as an Adjunct Professor in the Counselling Psychology Program at the University of British Columbia and as an Instructor in the UBC Department of Psychology. A leader in her field, Dr. Giannone has served on the Boards of Directors for both the Canadian Psychological Association and the British Columbia Psychological Association. She currently serves as a Director with the Sport Information Resource Centre and as Co-Lead of the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association.
Dr. Giannone earned her PhD from the University of British Columbia, where she was a member of the UBC Women’s Soccer Team and helped secure the 2006 CIS National Championship. Her award-winning research focuses on identity development and intervention across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on athletes navigating sport retirement, identity loss and mental health difficulties.
