The Sport Psych Show

I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Josie Perry in this week’s episode. Josie is a chartered sport psychologist, working mainly 1-1 with athletes – from novice athletes just starting out through to world champions. She teaches athletes the skills they need to overcome barriers to success and ensures they feel more comfortable and confident when they compete. Josie is also an author, writing features for magazines including cycling weekly. In this episode we discuss her latest book “ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success”. The book illuminates the ADHD brain in sporting environments, looks at the benefits of exercise on ADHD, the impact of ADHD traits on sporting performance, has chapters full of tools to help wellbeing, training and competition, information on cooccurring conditions and ADHD medication in sport and concludes with chapters for coaches, parents and partners.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Dorland, a former Olympic rower and now a coach, shares valuable insights from his athletic journey. He reflects on the transformation from competition to collaboration, emphasizing mental well-being in sports. Jason dives into the aggressive mindset of rowing, revealing its long-term impacts. He discusses the unique culture of the Olympics, highlighting the bonds formed among athletes. Lastly, he stresses the importance of vulnerability in coaching, advocating for a more personal approach to training.

Dr. Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist with experience in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and elite military units, shares his insights on the mental challenges of high-performance environments. He discusses his new book, which aims to guide athletes in the pursuit of excellence, bridging mental health and peak performance. Topics include the importance of mental resilience, self-regulation, and daily habits in achieving peak performance. Auerbach also highlights innovative therapeutic approaches that enhance psychological flexibility, essential for sustained excellence.

Dr. Matthew Andrew, a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, shares compelling insights on talent development in female soccer. He discusses a study that reveals the key developmental activities for professional players in England. Matthew emphasizes the importance of structured practice blending enjoyment, while also highlighting the influence of coaching and mixed-gender training. He compares the talent identification processes in women's soccer between the US and the UK, offering cross-cultural insights that could enhance future talent development strategies.

In conversation with Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a seasoned clinical sport psychologist and the founder of Texas Optimal Performance, the focus is on supporting athletes through trauma. Hillary discusses her journey in breaking down mental health stigma in sports and highlights the crucial role of psychologists in fostering open communication. She introduces a traffic light system for performance psychology to enhance trust in teams. The discussion also dives into the intricate links between mental health and performance, advocating for a systemic approach to athlete wellness.

Dr. Sebastian Harenberg, an Associate Professor in Sport Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, dives deep into the nuances of positional competition in team sports. He reveals how team hierarchies and player evaluations impact athletes' mental health. Understanding the psychological challenges faced by 'bubble players,' he emphasizes the need for empathetic communication and effective coaching. Harenberg also discusses the significance of ongoing research to enhance athletes' experiences and foster better team dynamics.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Caz Nahman, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with a focus on youth sport and mental health issues, teams up with Dr. Andrew Kirkland, a Lecturer in Sports Coaching and BASES Accredited Sport Scientist. They delve into the importance of language and environment in supporting mental health among athletes. Topics include the integration of athletic identity in mental health treatment, the need for healthier training approaches, and the significance of effective communication and psychological frameworks in fostering athlete well-being.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sam Thrower, a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University specializing in youth sport and parent-child dynamics, teams up with Prof. Chris Harwood, a renowned expert in athlete development at Nottingham Trent University. They dive into the pivotal role parents play in youth sports, exploring strategies for effective communication and support. Highlights include the development of educational programs for parents, the transformation of parental perceptions, and methods to improve young athletes' confidence and enjoyment in their sport.

Join Rusty Earnshaw, a former professional rugby player turned coach, and Danny Newcombe, a Senior Coach Development Manager at the Premier League, as they dive into the art of coaching. They discuss the powerful influence of psychology in sports, sharing insights on building emotional intelligence and effective communication. Rusty and Danny explore the importance of empowering players through independence and adaptability, and the significance of game intelligence in enhancing performance. Their engaging conversation offers valuable strategies for coaches at all levels.

Johnny Gorman, a trainee clinical psychologist and former professional footballer, dives into the often overlooked psychological struggles of young players released from clubs. He sheds light on his research about the lasting impacts of being deselected, including increased risks of anxiety and depression. Johnny emphasizes the need for youth to develop identities beyond sports and the importance of systemic support from clubs. He shares insights on how these young athletes can navigate their emotional challenges, aiming to foster greater awareness and care in football culture.