The Mental Golf Show

Dr. David Spiegel - Hypnosis, Trauma, the Yips, Breathing, and Why Golf is So Hard

8 snips
Jun 17, 2025
Guest
David Spiegel
Dr. David Spiegel, a renowned Stanford psychiatrist and co-founder of the self-hypnosis app Reveri, shares insights on overcoming golf trauma and the psychological hurdles that golfers face. He discusses how hypnosis can enhance performance and self-image, while also addressing the notorious 'yips.' Spiegel emphasizes the importance of a structured pre-shot routine and self-hypnosis for boosting focus. He introduces techniques like visualization and breathing exercises to manage anxiety on the course, revolutionizing the way we perceive challenges in golf.
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INSIGHT

Golf Trauma and Dissociation

  • Golf trauma differs from severe trauma but can cause dissociation by threatening self-image and confidence.
  • Hypnosis helps recognize mistakes without losing identity, reconnecting mind and body for performance.
ADVICE

Focus on Body, Not Outcome

  • Focus on your relationship with your body rather than the outcome or distractions during golf.
  • Hypnosis trains you to clear distractions and maintain attention on your body's movements and technique.
ADVICE

Hypnosis Enhances Focused Attention

  • Use hypnosis to intensify focus and reduce distractions by shutting down your brain's alarm and self-reflective networks.
  • This allows better attention on how your body is working to perform the desired action.
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