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 | May 7, 2025 | Mental Health, Performance Psychology, Self Care, sport psychology, Uncategorized, Values, Wellbeing
Three Options in High-Pressure Moments Inspired by the work of Dr Russ Harris The Challenge Formula In high-performance sport, there are moments that test you, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. That is where the Challenge formula comes in. Maybe...
by Lydia Black | Feb 28, 2025 | ADHD, ADHD and Athletes, Wellbeing
“ADHD is just an overdiagnosed excuse for laziness”. I heard this from a parent of one of my clients this week, but the reality couldn’t be more different. Despite growing awareness, ADHD remains widely misunderstood. Some dismiss it as an excuse for a...
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 | 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...