Sports Psychotherapy

Sports psychotherapy assumes that athletic performance (on any level)--as well as enjoyment--depends on both the body and the mind, that in fact they are both part of one indivisible system. However, in athletic training and competition it is easy to over-rely on just one part of this system: the physical. We can't prepare for a marathon by just imagining running 26.2 miles in our minds, and we can't prepare for the basketball game by thinking about our jump shot. Many miles have to be run, many shots in an empty gym after practice are key to making them in the game. Thorough physical preparation is necessary, and time consuming.

Physical preparation alone, however, may not be sufficient for the performances one is capable of. The mind--thoughts, emotions, psyche, self, spirit--whatever your words for it, is along for the ride, and can help or hurt. For many, the mind helps performance only haphazardly, without intentional training, or consistent application. For others, the mind impedes the performance of the body, getting in the way with unwanted negative critiques or predictions of performance, or anxiety which tightens the muscles impeding smooth and confident execution of athletic motion. However, if the mind is adequately attended to and trained along with the body, training and competition may be enhanced to new levels.  Now, the mind (thoughts, emotions, heart, psyche, self, spirit) does the running, shooting, vaulting as much as the body does, and performance and enjoyment are the better for it.
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Sports psychotherapy sessions are intended to help the athlete restore a more optimal balance between mind and body preparation. They can help any athlete improve performance and the pleasure they get from their sport. And athletes who are impacted by difficult life events, anxiety, negative self-talk, etc. may find those issues receding and their performance and enjoyment of sports increasing again. Beyond these potential benefits for athletics, the things learned in sports psychotherapy sessions and practiced at home, can transfer into an athlete's general life, helping them in their relationships with others and themselves, their self-understanding and esteem, and their overall mental health.

Who can benefit?

• Competitive athletes looking for a means of improving performance beyond physical training
• Casual athletes wanting support to stay consistent, to keep "getting back out there"
• Athletes struggling with performance anxiety, attention issues, negative self-image or self-talk
• Athletes affected by difficult life circumstances, present or past
• Those experiencing loss of enjoyment, burnout
• Runners, triathletes, tennis or football players or gymnasts--any athletic pursuit