FAQS
Your Questions Answered
WHAT IS SPORT PSYCHOLOGY?
What Is Exercise Psychology and Sport Psychology?
Exercise psychology and sport psychology involve the scientific study of the psychological factors that are associated with participation and performance in sport, exercise and other types of physical activity. Sport psychologists are interested in two main areas: (a) helping athletes use psychological principles to achieve optimal mental health and to improve performance (performance enhancement) and (b) understanding how participation in sport, exercise and physical activity affects an individual's psychological development, health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
For more information, visit the following link: http://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/about/resources/what-is.aspx
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACHING AND THERAPY/COUNSELING?
Mental performance coaching focuses on skills — confidence, focus, goal-setting, handling pressure — to help you perform at your best. Counseling addresses clinical mental health needs like anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma. Sometimes the line blurs — competition anxiety can have clinical roots. I hold both a sport psychology background and clinical counseling training, so if what you need is closer to therapy, I can talk through that with you or point you toward the right resource.
EPIC MENTAL SKILLS COACHES ARE NOT THERAPISTS
We do not diagnose, treat, or provide psychological or therapy based services to treat things such as depression, eating disorders, or drug abuse. However, we do have an extensive network of qualified psychologists to refer you. We are happy to provide referrals.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONTACT A EPIC MENTAL SKILLS COACH?
What mental skills coaches do:
Athletes seek help from a mental skills coach when they experience problems with their sport.
Some athletes may get anxious or lose focus during competition, for example, a lacrosse player may have trouble communicating with her teammates, controlling her temper, or she may have a tendency to choke at key moment(s) during a game.
Athletes don't just consult mental skills coach when they're having difficulties. A mental skills coach can also help athletes who are seeking to gain that edge to perform optimally. It could be as little as a 1% gain that can put you over the top.
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Enhance performance: mental strategies like imagery (visualization), self-talk, and relaxation techniques, can help athletes overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
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Coping Skills: sports mindset coaches can help athletes at all levels deal with pressure from parents, coaches, and their own expectations.
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Recovering from injuries. post injury, athletes may need help tolerating pain, adhering to their physical therapy regimens, or adjusting to being sidelined.
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Maintaining an exercise program. Even those who want to exercise regularly may find themselves unable to attain their goal. A mental skills coach can help athletes increase motivation and tackle any related concerns.
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Have Fun! Coaches may hire a mental skills coach to help their team get back to enjoying what they do.
A mental skills coach can even help people who aren't athletes. The same strategies that a mental skills coach uses to teach athletes — relaxation techniques, mental rehearsals and cognitive restructuring, are also useful in the workplace and other settings.
HOW DO WE MEET?
Sessions are 50 minutes. With individual athletes we can meet in person or via Zoom, Skype, or Face Time.
Depending on the competitive level of athlete, we can travel with athletes to competitions (additional costs included).
Team Sessions are usually at the athletic team facility or school. These sessions can range from 30min to a weekend of intensive training.
For more information, contact us and lets chat!