Sportsmind Gold Coast

Unlike a stage hypnotist whose motive is to ‘entertain’ by having someone run around on stage acting like a chicken, Sports Hypnosis can be used to help athletes change unwanted behaviours, release limiting beliefs, control pain or assist injuries to heal more rapidly, increase confidence, and ultimately improve sporting performances.

As a clinical hypnotherapist, I will guide you through an induction process to allow you to access the resources and abilities of your unconscious mind. This natural, trance-like state is simply an altered state of perception, similar to when you are day-dreaming or meditating. You are already ‘hypnotising’ yourself through self-limiting mantras, such as “I’ve got a weak backhand” or “I’m a slow learner”, however Sports Hypnosis can help you replace these limiting beliefs with more empowering ones.

No one can hypnotise you or control your mind – only you can choose to hypnotise yourself. If during the session you consciously try to maintain control rather than cooperate with your unconscious intelligence, then you will not achieve the desired results.

In essence, NLP is the way we use our minds and senses to think (neuro); how we use language and non- verbal communication (linguistic); and the ability to organise our communication and thinking patterns to achieve specific desired goals and results (programming). A premise of NLP is that we can improve our own performance by modelling the behaviour of those who are displaying excellence. Sportsmind will help you to address any mental processes and emotions that are limiting you from performing at your very best, and instead adopt champion thoughts and feelings.
What preparation is required for my first session?
No preparation is required. Typically, the first session is an opportunity to discuss your personal objectives, address any concerns, and of course dispel any myths associated with sports hypnosis and NLP. During this initial meeting I will coach you to clearly identify your sporting goals and develop strategies for achieving them, using our SUCCESS model. Not having clearly defined, compelling goals (and visualising them correctly and regularly) is one reason why many athletes don’t reach their full potential.

No. We are not psychologists or ‘therapists’. If you have been diagnosed with any mental illness, depression, or a personality disorder, we recommend you see your GP or mental health specialist first. Sportsmind provides coaching in mental skills for improved sports performances, using motivational techniques and high achievement processes in conjunction with Neuro Linguistic Programming and Sports Hypnosis.

Albert Einstein reportedly once said “your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions”. What we visualise or imagine on a consistent basis, tends to dictate what happens in our life, as we move towards what we focus on.

So as an athlete, you need to make sure your thoughts are positive, and that you are thinking about what you WANT, not what you don’t want! In fact, neurologically, your body can’t tell the difference between a ‘real’ experience, and a vividly imagined one. It has been proven that visualisation has a measurable, physiological effect on our body, so when you visualise doing a movement, play, stroke, shot, or performance, there is a measurable response by the specific muscles used in that activity in response to your imagined movements.

Sportsmind uses their unique Elite Athlete Six Step Visualisation program to help you to correctly and effectively visualise your desired outcome. This might be an improvement in a particular skill, seeing yourself being more confident taking penalty shots, overcoming anxiety associated with an impending performance, or even achieving a cherished goal.

All! The principles used in Sportsmind coaching can be applied to any sport. The techniques are useful for any performance. Clients have included models, actors, public speakers, sales executives, athletes. Sports have included snow-boarding, tennis, football, rowing, surfing, swimming, equestrian, windsurfing, boxing, mixed martial arts, cycling, lawn bowls, golf, polocrosse, and long-distance running.

You wouldn’t go to the gym and expect to be physically fit in just one session, likewise it is unrealistic to expect to be mentally fit overnight. It is recommended clients book a minimum of 5-6 Sportsmind sessions, and then schedule adhoc ‘top up’ sessions as required. Discounts apply for 5 or more sessions. After 6 sessions you can expect a myriad of benefits. These vary for each client, but typical benefits would include being able to overcoming anxiety prior to a game; improvement in focus, confidence, and self-belief; establishing ‘triggers’ to use at a later stage to access a positive emotion, and ultimately, achieving your clearly defined, compelling goals. Packages are available for 6, 12, and 24 sessions, and include access to resources such as booking and recordings.

Many factors are important in determining your results, including the requirement that you actively engage in the session and follow through with any additional recommendations outside the session. Therefore, there is no guarantee you will achieve the same success as other athletes.