Sports Psychology
Sports psychology and mental coaching teach effective mental skills to athletes and coaches to improve performance and consistency in sports. The goal of sports psychology is to help athletes and teams overcome disruptive mindsets by teaching them mental skills and peak performance strategies to enhance their well-being and performance during training and competition.
Sports psychologists help athletes overcome problems with low confidence, focus and motivation. Athletes having trouble communicating with their coach or teammates, controlling their emotions during competitions or recovering from an injury also seek help from sport psychologists.
Alain Massen
Psychotherapist & Sports Psychologist
Frank Muller
Sports Psychologist
Alioune Touré
Sports Psychologist, PhD
For psychiatric support, the LIHPS collaborates with Dr Katy Seil-Moreels
Purpose
Athletes and coaches should not just consult a sport psychologist, when they are having difficulties. Mental Coaching should be part of any athlete’s basic training program, because it helps athletes to:
- Enhance their performance
- Mentally prepare for competitions
- Cope with pressure & stress
- Keep their motivation high
- Set and achieve specific goals
- Communicate better
- Enjoy their sport
A mental training program, that help athletes achieve these goals and thus more of their athletic potential can include different exercises and strategies:
- Goal setting
- Enhancement of self-confidence
- Emotional control
- Self-talk
- Improvement of concentration & focus control
- Mental imagery (visualisation)
- Relaxation & energizing techniques
- Building mental toughness
- Enhancement of team cohesion & communication
- Coach the Coach