Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy in Sports Performance & Physical tests: Seeking the Mental Edge
Both Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy have found their way into the realm of sports performance, aiming to help athletes unlock their full potential by addressing mental barriers and optimising their mindset. While they differ in approach, they share the goal of enhancing focus, managing stress, and building confidence.
Hypnotherapy in Sports
A core principle of life is ‘what you focus on you amplify’ and this is true in the realm of sports performance too. The internally focused and absorbed state of hypnosis allows athletes to select what they place in their focus to assist top level performance. Learning Self Hypnosis (incorporating visualisation and helpful self talk) also allows athletes to ‘mentally rehearse’ their sport, therefore priming for a successful performance. Hypnosis also allows for compartmentalisation before a race or game, allowing an athlete to tune out external factors and tune into an internally focused, calm state. These skills can create a mental blueprint for success and sharpen focus, boost confidence, reduce anxiety and promote optimal performance levels during competitions.