Frequently Asked Questions
Can you guarantee I will win?
Unfortunately there are no guarantees when it comes to winning. However, I can guarantee that you will be better prepared mentally for your practices and competitions. You will be better able to handle whatever comes.
What happens in an initial consultation?
In an initial consultation, we will discuss what you are looking to accomplish, how you feel about your current performance and any areas you are concerned about.
What is a Needs Assessment?
During and after the initial consultation, I will take what I have learned and observed and put together an assessment of areas that need to be addressed in our sessions.
What if it's not working?
Based on goals we set in the needs assessment, we should be able to tell whether we are on track, or perhaps need to reassess our goals or methods. If you are committed to your program, you should see results.
How old do you have to be to start?
Athletes of any age can benefit from mental performance training. Age-specific exercises, combined with commitment and cooperation from both athlete and parent, can provide excellent results.
How many sessions does it typically take?
There is no "typical" number of sessions, just as there are no "typical" athletes, coaches or parents. We will determine together how many sessions we will have before we make an evaluation of your progress. From there we can decide to continue for as long as you need.
Do you just work with the athlete, or their coach, too?
Ideally the training is done with the cooperation of the coach, making it easier to integrate what you are learning with what you are doing in practice or in a competition. However, it may certainly be done with the athlete individually.
Can it work for a whole team or just individuals?
Absolutely, whole teams can benefit from performance enhancement techniques!
How can you help me if I have had a concussion?
Injury of any type can be difficult mentally, since it is typically an unexpected event which subsequently keeps you away from doing what you love to do for a period of time. Concussion presents further challenges. It is an individual injury, no two are alike, and this can sometimes cause confusion about treatment and feelings of anxiety or sadness when it seems recovery is not happening quickly enough or according to plan. Returning to play following concussion can be daunting. A slow, steady progressive return is best so as to avoid the return of symptoms. I guide you through each step, helping you process your feelings about return, and giving you tools to use to ensure when you do return, you do so as if you had never missed a practice. We use visualization, positive self-talk and imagery, among other tools to build and maintain confidence.