by Lydia Black | Jun 2, 2026 | Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology
Experiential avoidance in sport is incredibly common. It happens when athletes try to escape, avoid, suppress, or control uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, or pressure. And while avoidance can feel helpful in the short term, it can quietly get in...
by Lydia Black | Sep 20, 2025 | Mental Blocks, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, sport psychology, Visualisation
In my work with athletes, I’m often asked about visualisation techniques. To be honest, I’ve tended to shy away from recommending them in the past. The main reason? I’ve always seen mixed messaging about how effective visualisation really is, and I’ve worried about...
by Lydia Black | Dec 17, 2024 | Mental Health, Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, psychology, sport psychology
Performance anxiety – it’s something every athlete has dealt with at some point. Whether it’s before a big competition, in the middle of a high-pressure moment, or when expectations feel sky-high, the weight of it can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing:...
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 21, 2023 | Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, Self Care, sport psychology, Uncategorized
Stomach Problems in Athletes: anxiety or upset The term “gut feeling” can have dual meanings in sports and competition. On one hand, athletes can experience anxiety-induced gut issues that may feel similar to “butterflies” in the stomach. On...