| Sport and Performance Psychology
Sport Psychology is a discipline used by an increasing number
or professional and Olympic athletes and their coaches. The
performance enhancement benefits prove that the mind is as
important as the body in obtaining victory. The staff at
Behavioral Associates are experts in the treatment of emotional
conflicts, lack of mental training, or social problems that are
all too common and need to be addressed in order to achieve
optimal success in sports.
If you are experiencing problems with consistently winning,
drugs, team conflicts or other psychological or social
difficulties related to sports, performance enhancement
services provided by the staff of Behavioral Associates would
be useful. On-site visits are available through out the United
States and Europe with proper notice.
On Site Visits and Game Analysis
The outcome of a game, a round or a match is often due to
psychological or emotional factors. Valuable information can be
gathered by having a sport psychologist observe players before,
during, and after a game. The following is the structure of an
onsite visit conducted by the staff of Behavioral Associates:
Interviews with the coach or players prior to the game to
determine their understanding of the psychological issues they
bring to the playing field.
Careful analysis of the game, match or race with reference
to the initial psychological concerns with an emphasis in
making the proper diagnosis of the issues.
Post game interview in order to review the psychological
issues and conflicts that emerged during the game or match.
Recommendations to resolve the psychological issues
inhibiting victory.
Performance Enhancement
The staff of Behavioral Associates have extensive experience
in helping individuals and teams achieve consistent peak
performances. Elite athletes need to learn the proper tools
based upon behavioral techniques to help them improve focus and
screen out anxiety and anger.
Anxiety Control: Anxiety, commonly called “choking,”
is inevitably felt by every athlete. Your ability to master it
will determine how far you advance. Techniques such as
biofeedback are available to help overcome anxiety and conflict
about winning or losing.
Focus training: Clarity of attention to the athletic
task is the key ingredient to athletic success. The ability to
focus can enhance performance and it can be learned. Focus
training enables the athlete to release tension and fully commit
to the task, no matter what level of pressure or how long the
game.
Anger Release: Many athletes harbor unrealistic,
perfectionistic attitudes towards their performance. This
invariably produces disappointment, anger, fatigue, and a
premature letting down on the playing field. This subtle, but
common, problem is addressed through discussion and anger
release tools.
Aggression Enhancement: Many athletes have hidden
fears of aggression and this inhibits performance. Insight into
this problem can release natural dominance and improve success.
Enhancing Motivation: Maintaining the desire to practice
and to win is critical for success. Fatigue, boredom, burn out,
fans, and endorsement commitments are a few of the many
distractions that athletes must face. All of these potential
conflicts must be properly managed to insure a continual desire
to practice and to play.
Common Psychological Issues
The world of professional athletics is demanding and filled
with stress. Considerable time is put into training the
athlete’s body, but the mind and emotions are often neglected.
It is often necessary to resolve these emotional issues so that
individuals can achieve to the fullest of their abilities
consistently. The following are some common problems seen and
treated by the staff of Behavioral Associates:
Anxiety: One of the greatest obstacles that athletes
face in achieving peak performances is the ability to control
their anxiety. Whether it be nerves before or during competition
this can have a significant impact on their performance. Through
the use of biofeedback and other techniques, the staff at
Behavioral Associates can help athletes control their anxiety so
that they are consistently able to perform to the fullest of
their abilities.
Sports Injuries: Psychological issues often produce
injuries and can slow proper recovery as well. Fear, impatience,
and depression are feelings that must be addressed if the
injured athlete is to make a full recovery.
Drug Counseling: Recreational and performance
enhancement drug use is a widespread problem in sports and one
that requires professional help. If left unattended, this
problem can be career threatening. Behavioral Associates has
experience managing these problems safely, effectively, and
confidentially.
Eating Disorders: the intense attention athletes give
to their body can lead to distortions in body image and
inappropriate eating habits such as bulimia or anorexia.
Behavioral Associates is successful in the diagnosis and
treatment of eating disorders in athletes.
Travel Problems, Loneliness, Depression and Boredom:
the professional and Olympic athlete spends an inordinate amount
of time on the road faced with loneliness and boredom. This can
lead to depression, drug use, resentment or a general sense of
aimlessness. These problems must be understood and structured
alternatives given to help the athlete cope with his or her down
time when on the road.
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