Do you ever get nervous before playing in a soccer game? Do you get the yips before playing golf? Do you become anxious before participating in a basketball tournament or tennis match?
If so, then you may well be experiencing sports performance anxiety, a very common problem among athletes.
Now, being a little nervous can be good. It shows that we care, and that we have high standards. It may even motivate us to practice more. It can also keep us focused, thus allowing us to play better.
But sometimes, the worrying gets out of control. When that happens, we may experience the “flight or fight phenomenon.” That’s right! We may notice our hearts racing, some trouble breathing, “butterflies” in our stomach, and/or our muscles getting tight. We may then have trouble concentrating, and trouble focusing. And that can lead to not performing at our best.
The good news is: sports hypnosis may help!
This is the use of hypnotherapy, also known as visualization, guided imagery, mental imagery, or guided meditation, to improve your performance. Virtually all elite athletes utilize this technique.
You may be wondering, “How does it work?”
Patients choose a specific therapeutic goal, such as, “I want to serve better,” or, “I want to putt better,” or “I want to pass and shoot better.” Then, we help them to create an empowering experience, in their minds, that allows them to realize that they are able to do something that they didn’t realize they could do. And, sports hypnosis is like any other skill that needs to be learned and practice.
My patients are told, “We are a team and I am your coach and will teach you new skills. And, just like kicking a soccer ball, or playing the piano, the more you practice, the better you get at it.
And the more you practice, the easier it gets.
And the more you practice, the faster you get at it.”
I have had the privilege of helping patients of all ages, and all levels of ability. This includes kids, middle-age kids, high schoolers, college students, middle-aged adults, “Weekend warriors,” Olympians, and professional athletes.
Patients receive help for individual sports, as well as team sports. And, when you think about it, even people playing on a team want to improve their own individual performance.
My patients have achieved rapid success in soccer, football, basketball, baseball, track and field (including shot put), swimming, water polo, racquetball, marathons, and even equestrian show jumping.
Medical hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, and powerful, motivational tools are incorporated into the treatment plan.
Typically, there is significant improvement after only 1 to 3 visits.
And, what is even more important, rather than simply taking a temporary pill, patients learn a lifetime skill that they’ll be able to use in the future in ways that they’re not even aware of.
