What I help with
The mental side of sport
From performance anxiety and nerves to confidence, focus and motivation. Each one fits into the 5 C's, so we can measure it and build it.
Most athletes don't come to me saying "I need to work on control". They come because nerves are taking over, they freeze in big moments, or they've lost their confidence. Below are the issues I help with most, grouped by the C they belong to. Looking for help with nerves or performance anxiety? Jump to Control.
1Commitment
Motivation and loving your sport
Lasting motivation comes from knowing why you do it. Your values are the starting point.
Motivation dips and burnout
Training feels like a chore and the enjoyment has gone. We reconnect with what matters to you and look at the load you're carrying.
“I've lost the love for it.”
Balancing sport and life
School, college, work, sleep and family all compete with training. We plan around what matters most so sport fits, not takes over.
“I never switch off from it.”
Transitions
Moving up an age group, joining an academy, changing clubs or stepping away from sport. Big changes deserve a plan.
“I don't know who I am without my sport.”
2Communication
Teams, coaches and parents
Performance happens in relationships. Small changes in how people talk to each other can change the whole environment.
Team roles and speaking up
Knowing your role, leading others, or finding your voice in a new squad.
“I never say anything in the changing room.”
Coach and athlete relationships
Clear, honest communication with your coach about goals, feedback and selection.
“I don't know what my coach wants from me.”
Supporting as a parent
How to help a young athlete's confidence and enjoyment without adding pressure, before, during and after competition. See my workshops for coaches and parents.
“What do I say in the car on the way home?”
3Concentration
Focus and performing under pressure
Pressure changes where your attention goes. These are skills for keeping it on the things you can control.
Choking under pressure
Performing well in training, then tightening up when it matters most. We look at where your attention goes under pressure and build pre-performance routines that keep it on the task.
“I'm brilliant in training but freeze on the big day.”
The yips
A sudden loss of a skill you've done thousands of times, such as a putt, a serve or a kick. It can feel frightening, and a calm, structured plan helps.
“My putting stroke has just gone.”
Dwelling on mistakes
Replaying errors, overthinking, or being pulled away by the crowd, the coach or the scoreboard. We build simple ways to park it and refocus.
“I can't stop thinking about the last miss.”
4Control
Nerves, anxiety and staying composed
When pressure rises, your body and mind react. These are skills for reading that reaction and bringing it back under control.
Performance anxiety and nerves
A racing heart, tight muscles and worrying thoughts before you compete. Some nerves help you perform, too many get in the way. We work out what drives yours and build routines that bring them back under control.
“I feel sick before every match.”
Getting in the zone
Everyone has an ideal level of arousal for their sport. Too flat and you're slow to react; too wired and you rush. You'll learn to read where you are and to calm down or switch on when you need to.
“I'm either flat or completely hyped.”
Frustration and anger
One bad call or mistake can spiral. Using the red-to-green reset, you'll learn to spot it early, let it go and get back to the next action.
“One mistake and I lose my head.”
5Confidence
Belief that holds up
Confidence that only follows good results is fragile. We build belief from evidence you control.
Self-doubt
When your confidence rides on your last game, every mistake feels bigger. We build a steadier sense of what you're capable of.
“I'm only as good as my last game.”
Coming back from injury
Your body has the green light, but your mind hasn't caught up. Fear of re-injury and loss of trust in your body are normal and can be worked through.
“I'm cleared to play but I'm holding back.”
Being dropped or overlooked
Selection setbacks hit hard, especially for young athletes. We focus on what you can control and how you respond.
“I don't know if I'm good enough any more.”
Knowing when to refer
Sport-focused, and honest about limits
I work with the mental side of sport performance, including performance anxiety. If anxiety, low mood, eating concerns or anything else is affecting everyday life outside sport, I'll help you find the right clinical support, such as your GP or a clinical or counselling psychologist, and can work alongside them where appropriate.
As a Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist, I work under supervision and follow professional ethical standards on confidentiality and safeguarding.