Mind-Body Connection
Train your mind and body using the Mind-Body Connection to achieve peak performance…
World class athletes spend a great deal of energy on mastering their mind-body connection. This is their mental game, understanding that what happens in their mind can either hinder or help physical performance.
Believing in yourself and visualizing the successful execution of a play increases a positive outcome.
In my approach, I focus on the Mind-Body Connection using a blend of…
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
As a sport psychotherapist, I focus on how the mind affects performance. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, athletes gain insight into how their body manifests negative beliefs and self-talk. They come to realize that beliefs are learned and that they can figuratively ‘clean house’, keeping only those beliefs that enable optimal performance. Using thought stopping, cognitive restructuring, and positive self-talk, athletes develop the proper mindset to regulate their emotions and behavior to achieve the Winning Edge.
Mental Skills and Mindfulness Training
Many athletes come to me with underperformance issues and are often focused on past mistakes and/or preoccupied with outcome. I believe that playing in the here and now is a key component to peak performance and teach mindfulness-based strategies to accomplish this. I also provide training in guided imagery to help with skill acquisition and mental preparedness and relaxation training to reduce anxiety.
Relationship Counseling
I have found that an athlete’s relationship life off the playing field can either hinder or support optimal performance and deserves attention just as much as the acquisition of mental skills. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I address relationship issues causing stress and underperformance. I believe that when an athlete internalizes his or her feelings, stress and tension result which hinders performance. I teach athletes positive communication skills so that they can express themselves directly, resolve conflict, and achieve a sense of camaraderie with others.