by Lydia Black | Dec 4, 2024 | athlete burnout, Coaching, Mental Health, Parenting, Performance Psychology, Psychological Safety in Sport, psychology, Self Care, sport psychology
Why Psychological Safety in Sport Matters “I can’t tell my coach how I really feel. What if they think I’m weak?” I’ve heard this countless times in my work with athletes, from grassroots to elite levels. It’s a stark reminder that, for many athletes, the...
by Lydia Black | Feb 7, 2024 | ADHD and Athletes, athlete burnout, mental health, Parenting, Self Care, sport psychology
For many, this is a time of year for new beginnings, especially for young people setting their first steps toward independence. For young athletes transitioning, this crucial shift from the security of home to the broader world’s challenges is a significant...
by Lydia Black | Nov 21, 2023 | athlete burnout, Coaching, Performance Psychology, sport psychology
Do Coaches Understand Low Energy Availability and the Importance of Fueling for Recovery in Athletes? Recently, during a consultation, a young athlete shared something concerning. She mentioned her coach had advised her team to avoid overeating during a tapering week,...
by Lydia Black | Nov 12, 2023 | EMDR, Mental Blocks, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, sport psychology, Uncategorized
As a psychologist who works with athletes, I often meet those with mental blocks. Recently, Simone Biles, a highly accomplished American gymnast, secured her eighth national title at the 2023 U.S. National Gymnastics Championships. This remarkable...
by Lydia Black | Nov 5, 2023 | EMDR, EMDR Therapy, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, sport psychology, Trauma
Athletes often encounter invisible barriers that significantly hinder their performance—barriers not due to a lack of skill or training but psychological blocks that can seem insurmountable. These can stem from a traumatic event, like a bad fall during competition, or...
by Lydia Black | Oct 23, 2023 | mental health, sport psychology, Uncategorized
Vetting Mental Health Professionals in Sports: A Club’s Responsibility More attention to mental health is great. There’s been a welcome uptick in professionals and groups offering mental health education to local sports clubs, schools, and other...