How Sport & Performance Counseling Can Benefit Athletes
Written By: Brianna Peed, LPC-A
Sports are not just about physical skill; they also require mental skill.
Whether you are a professional, youth, or amateur athlete, mental state plays a significant role in performance. This is where sport and performance therapy can come into play, offering athletes a unique resource to unlock their true potential. So, what is sport and performance counseling and how can it benefit athletes?
Sport and performance therapy utilizes principles from sports psychology and focuses on improving an athlete’s mental and emotional well-being to enhance their performance. The goal is to identify what may be holding an athlete back from their overall goals and then working to overcome those barriers. The mental aspects of sports will be explored helping athletes develop the mental skills and strategies needed to excel in their chosen sport. If an athlete feels like they are doing “all the right things” on a physical level, showing up to practice, eating right, working out, etc, but feel like they aren’t getting the results they would like to, then there is likely a mental barrier that can be addressed with sport and performance therapy.
Here are some of the specific ways sport and performance counseling can benefit athletes:
1. Managing anxiety and nerves:
High stress situations are an inherent part of sports. Athletes can learn tools to manage anxiety and nerves, so they do not negatively impact them in the moments where their performance counts the most. If you are an athlete who performs better in practice than in competition, then it may be nerves taking over and that is something that can be addressed.
2. Stress management:
The demands of training, competition, and life outside of sports can create significant stress for athletes. Learning to manage stress not only enhances performance but also contributes to overall mental and emotional well-being.
3. Building resilience:
Athletes face setbacks, injuries, and losses throughout their careers. Building resilience can help athletes bounce back from disappointments. Learning to adapt to adversity, maintain a positive mindset, and stay committed to their goals is essential for long-term success.
4. Goal setting and motivation:
Setting clear, attainable goals is one of the keys to athletic success. Sport and performance therapy helps athletes set and track their performance goals, keeping them motivated and providing a roadmap to success.
5. Improved concentration and focus:
Maintaining concentration during a competition or game is crucial. If this is a struggle for an athlete then they can learn skills to stay in the zone, block out distractions, and make split-second decisions with precision.
6. Team dynamics:
For team athletes, understanding and managing team dynamics, communication, and leadership are crucial elements to success. Therapists can work with teams and assist athletes in fostering positive team cultures, resolving conflicts, and building effective leadership within the group.
Sport and performance counseling is a valuable resource that empowers athletes to excel in their sport by strengthening their mental game in many ways. Athletes who invest in their mental well-being often find themselves not only achieving peak performance but also enjoying a more fulfilling and balanced athletic journey. This may be the missing piece that helps you unlock full potential.
If you have any questions about whether this could benefit you or an athlete that you know, don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Brianna.
About the Author:
Brianna Peed, is an LPC-Associate who specializes in working with Athletes, Performers, and Other Individuals who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Mental Blocks/Mindset, Confidence/Self-Esteem and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. Brianna is based in Houston, TX and offers convenient online booking for in person appointments in our Champions and Heights/Montrose Location. In her free time, Brianna loves spending time with her two dogs, her horses and her family. She loves to read, cook, and try new coffee shops.
