The High Performance Hockey Podcast

Behavioral Sports Psychology with Dr. Alicia Naser

Mar 10, 2025

52:37

Today I’m joined by Dr. Alicia Naser, a board-certified behavior analyst who's revolutionizing mental performance in hockey. She's not your typical sports psychologist - she uses applied behavioral analysis to help NHL players optimize their game, focusing on everything from confidence to self-talk. We dive into how environment shapes behavior, the importance of mental resilience, and why understanding your own psychological patterns can be a game-changer. If you want to learn how top athletes build mental toughness, trust me, you're going to want to hear what Dr. Naser has to say - she breaks down complex psychological concepts in a way that'll have you rethinking how you approach challenges both on and off the ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Dr. Alicia Nasser

06:30 Dr. Naser’s shift from working with neurodevelopmental disabilities to professional athletes.

08:45 What are differences between ABA and traditional Mental Skills Coaches?

11:15 The impact of environment on athlete performance.

15:00 What can we do to build mental resilience in young athletes?

24:30 Common reasons players seek help.

28:30 What is the typical process athletes should expect working with you?

32:00 The importance of providing the brain with proof of past achievements.

41:15 What is the impact you’re seeing social media is having on athletes?

42:00 The path to creating long-term success and maintaining behavioral changes.

RESOURCES + LINKS