Sports Performance
Optimal sports performance not only takes skill, talent, and personality, it encompasses psychological training, too.
There are many techniques I use in my private sessions for performance enhancement that allow the release of negative emotions and for the recovery process to correct debilitating negative effects. Some of these techniques are Brainspotting (discovered by Dr. David Grand), Neuro-Linguistic Psychology (NLP), guided Imagery, hypnosis, emotional freedom techniques, and bilateral stimulation.
My purpose and passion is to get in front of as many athletes as possible to teach sports performance and to resolve issues that get in the way of excellence.
The common states of mind I observe when it comes to any type of performance are high anxiety and negative thoughts; especially when an injury occurs. Another issue I observe when mistakes or poor performance happens is a loss of confidence (i.e., yips).
Many sports psychologists work on the mechanical problems facing athletes, such as stance, swing, and breathing. With my many years of experience, I have determined that there is much more below the surface. Top athletes and other people bring all of their life experiences to the plate. It seems that panic, the yips, and anxieties appear from nowhere.
Performance problems of all types arise from negative or traumatic experiences or stressors, such as not being able to "get the ball across the plate." This causes fear or humiliation. Negative experiences can, and do get stuck in the nervous system and, as a result, get re-triggered. Sports or head injuries, especially in childhood and adolescence can cause future performance anxieties and inhibitions, such as yips, breathing problems, and freezing up. Athletes and non-athletes alike can become victim to their emotions and have high levels of sports performance anxieties.
It is so gratifying to see athletes recover quickly and go on to do their personal best and even score gold medals! It makes my heart sing every time I hear from a parent or athlete reaching their goals more quickly.
