I am working with many clients these days on goal-setting. That, by itself, is not a big switch. We still focus on SMART Goals. We focus on setting process goals that are within one's control. The switch is that we're using a really cool tool called "Goalscape." You can see it pictured below. With Goalscape, we're able to prioritize [...]
Four Stages of Performance Let me preface this conversation by saying we can help our clients manage stress within four different stages of performance: Baseline Pre-performance During performance Recovery We probably want to significantly reduce stress during baseline and during recovery (especially deeper, longer recovery, which becomes our next baseline). We want to optimize stress levels pre-performance and during [...]
When athletes are sidelined by injury, their minds often race backward and forward—replaying the moment of injury, worrying about lost progress, or fearing re-injury. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can be powerful tools for helping them return to the present moment and reconnect with their bodies during rehabilitation. Staying Present During Recovery Injured athletes frequently find themselves stuck between past and [...]
Written by W. Logan Kreisl The Hidden Strain on Student-Athletes High school student-athletes face a perfect storm of pressure: academic expectations, competitive performance, and the pursuit of scholarships or professional dreams. In fact, 91% of student-athletes report feelings of stress related to their sport (Ward et al., 2023). While collegiate programs have integrated mental-health services and sport psychology into [...]
Uncertainty is a constant in our lives—whether you're an athlete, other high-performer, or navigating everyday life. It shows up in our work, relationships, sports, health, society, environment, etc. It shows up everywhere and can come out of nowhere. At times, uncertainty can feel paralyzing and stop us in our tracks. At other times, uncertainty can feel like an annoyingly [...]
Process Over Outcome: Focusing on Controllable Processes Builds Success and Fulfillment In performance settings—from athletics and academics to the workplace and everyday life—it's easy to become preoccupied with outcomes: results, grades, promotions, wins. But high-level performers across disciplines increasingly find that the path to excellence is not paved by obsessing over results. Instead, it’s built through consistent attention to [...]
An old colleague recently posed this question on social media. I didn’t know there was a character limit (LOL). So I guess it’s a blogpost instead… He wrote: “Ethically is a psychologist supposed to talk to a client in public? AI answer: Generally, it's considered unethical for a psychologist to initiate a conversation with a client outside of a [...]
3-Day Sports Performance Workshop (March 2, 9, 16, from 4:30-6:00pm) ***New! There will also be a section for high school athletes; same days/times (register today!)*** Unlock your full potential with our comprehensive in-person Sports Performance Clinic, designed for 5th–8th graders who want to enhance their athletic skills and build a strong foundation for future success. Led by experienced professionals in [...]
“Sport psychologists” and/or “Mental Performance Consultants (MPCs)” can do tremendous good when embedded directly into a sports organization. (In the U.S., “sport psychologist” implies sport specific training plus clinical licensure, whereas MPCs focus on performance not mental health, and may or may not be licensed.) Both can teach mind-body skills that facilitate optimal performance, provide a process to tap [...]
Tim Herzog Seth Rose Carla Carter Tim Herzog, EdD, CMPC, Reaching Ahead Counseling and Mental Performance Seth Rose, PhD, CMPC, KBR Inc. Carla Carter, EdD, CMPC, The Cognitive ClinicSpoiler alert! This article will dissect several scenarios from the AppleTV+ show Shrinking looking at the lovable (but challenged) character Jimmy. Snippets from eight different episodes will be shared; with each snippet, [...]
Adolescence into young adulthood is a period of questioning, including “who do I want to be?” and “who am I?” During this time, between pre-teen and young adulthood, life is riddled with decisions regarding paths and roles. Young people may find themselves identifying as a ”kid,” a “student,” and/or as a “friend” during this time. Some pursue sports, music, [...]
Like it or not, all sport careers eventually end. Age, injury, family decisions, or other factors will determine how your competitive athletic career will end or be adapted. Like many athletes, especially elites, you may feel that the transition is abrupt. Your life and identity may revolve around sport. Your loss may cause emotional, financial, or personal challenges that [...]
Maryland Athletic Trainer's Association Symposium 2021 "Managing Evolving Covid Related Stress in Athletics" Presented by: Dr. Tim Herzog Dr. Herzog had the opportunity to speak to the Maryland Athletic Trainer's Association at their annual symposium. He spoke about the ever evolving nature of stress related to the Covid pandemic in the sporting world, and how this has [...]
Exercise can help modulate stress and anxiety but being an athlete does not necessarily prevent mental health concerns. Anxiety Disorders are some of the most common mental health concerns for elite athletes. Specifically, student-athletes have additional stressors such as staying on top of classwork and grades. Luckily in recent years, elite level athletes have been open about seeking treatment. [...]
Within this past year there have been many triggers for fears, worries, and/or intrusive thoughts. Uncertainty about the future, missed opportunities, worries about family members, and social isolation can all lead to feelings of anxiety. During a June 2020 survey the CDC reported that 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms [...]
You weren’t playing your finest (or maybe you were!), and now….you’ve been benched. Is it the end of the world? It can sure feel like it (but it’s not). Is it permanent? Nope, but again… it can sure feel that way. Consider some different perspectives and associated tips to turn bench time into your secret weapon on the court. [...]
