Performance psychology – also frequently known as sport psychology – is the science and art of getting the best out of human performance through mastering the mind.
To maximize human performance a sport psychologist aims to improve several key areas such as:
- Personal wellbeing and mental health
- Sport culture
- Coaching and leadership
- Communication
- Motivation
- Emotion regulation
- Resilience
- Concentration
- Self-belief
- Planning and tracking goal getting
- Enjoyment and finding the zone
This type of psychology can apply to any sport, both individual and team, and to any age or sporting level.
How Performance Psychology can Help
Some may believe psychologists only service the mentally ill, or athletes with significant emotional issues, but that is not the case. A performance psychologist can be utilised to upskill and improve mental toughness and grow resilience to pressure – even in the general population.
In fact, the skills developed in sport and performance psychology are very similar to the skills developed in a life coaching context or a personal development program, and can be easily transferred to improve life performance in many areas. Performance psychologists often work with corporate and executive clients who struggle with aspects of work performance, and they work with actors and musicians with stage fright or confidence issues.
What makes sport and performance psychology different and more credible than life coaching is that it draws on cognitive behavioral science and a wealth of therapeutic knowledge from the field of psychology. The techniques are tried and tested with athletes and within the lab.
A performance psychologist can be very valuable when athletes, sports people or performers experience emotional, physical or social setback in their sporting or personal life. Big transitions, both good and bad, can lead to increased stress and self-doubt. A sport psychologist can assist with injury recovery, reconnecting with the enjoyment of sport, or ending one’s career in sport.
People often find it is hard to discuss their sport or exercise challenges with friends and family. A performance psychologist is a trained professional in helping you offload emotional or mental baggage and begin to work through difficult times.
A typical visit to a sport and performance psychologist involves an initial stage of getting to know you, and learning about your life and challenges. Then the sport psychologist will advise you on what areas they think they can help and may provide you with ideas to learn about, skills to develop and new ways to improve your training and practice so as to build a positive attitude. They can help you work through issues from the past, and to let go of things you have not spoken about or processed.
If you are feeling stuck, and cannot find the silver lining or the passion and confidence you once had, a sport and performance psychologist may be able to help you recover your drive for performance excellence.
Are you looking for a sport and performance psychologist in Brisbane? Contact M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129 today!
To make an appointment try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3067 9129
