What is Sports Psychology (Mental Game)?

Sports psychology is the process of learning how to compete in a way that enables an athlete to get the best performance out of what they have that day. Anyone can perform when the stars are aligned and everything seems to be going your way. However most competitive experiences don’t go that smoothly. Thus, the mental game (i.e. Sports Psychology) is about learning to handle adversity by controlling your attitude, where you focus your attention, and the actions that you choose to take. Sports psychology will teach you how to invest your entire self into your performance in a way that sets aside any concern for the potential consequences, thus enhancing your odds for success.

Approach and Philosophical Background

My approach is influenced by Humanistic, Existential, and Phenomenological philosophies. Together these philosophies are the foundation to an athlete-centered approach. Essential to this approach is the establishment of a trusting relationship built from a non-judging attitude, unconditional acceptance, empathy, and the belief in the uniqueness of individual experience and the meanings we attach them. Lastly, the two existential concepts of freedom and responsibility emphasize the individual’s freedom and responsibility to make choices. Specifically, in regards to performance, it is one’s responsibility to choose to control their attitude, attention, and actions.

Theoretical Background

My performance enhancement strategies are derived from cognitive-behavior and mindfulness-acceptance based theories of behavior change. Simply stated these theories teach us how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors all interact to affect an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. Mindfulness-acceptance based strategies teach us how to meet life’s challenges with a non-judging and flexible attitude, which is accepting of present circumstances. However, this is not a passive approach. Instead, it is a proactive approach that focuses intently on the task at hand with a calm-confidence in one’s ability to meet any challenge that presents itself, when it presents itself.

As such, the foundation for change and for performing at one’s optimal potential is awareness. With awareness comes the power to choose. When we are aware of our state of focus and actions we are prepared to make choices that facilitate performance. This is in contrast to performing mindlessly, where emotions and automatic behaviors may lead to a negative spiral of actions that are detrimental to performance.

What Does the Initial Meeting Look Like?

The initial meeting is a basic introduction in which we will learn if we think we can work successfully together.

The discussion will be centered on:

1. Why do you play your sport, what is it that you love about it?
2. What are your goals for your sport?
3. What is your level of commitment, what sacrifices are you willing to make?
4. What have you done during your best performances (preparing for and while competing)?
5. What have you done during your worst performances (preparing for and while competing)?
6. What do you feel like you need in order to perform at a higher level more consistently? How can I help You?

In sum, my role is as an educator and a facilitator of optimal performance. Together we will develop an individualized performance program that is enables you to perform optimally more consistently. Ultimately, it will be your responsibility to learn from your athletic experiences, find meaning in why you play your sport, and to make a commitment to pursue your goals with a sense of purpose each and every day. I can help you achieve this level of responsibility and commitment. My goals will be to help you become an independent evaluator and coach of your own mental game and see you reach your optimal performance.