Are you a sports psychologist?
No, I do have advanced Ph.D. training in both the fields of Sports Psychology and Organizational Leadership. My specific Sports Psychology training specializes in Assessment, Peak Performance, and Advanced Sports Psychology Interventions. The work we do at AMP is called Peak Performance Training.
What other training do you have?
I also have an MBA, am a certified professional coach, and have a certification in strategic planning. AMP’s Peak Performance Training blends key aspects from each of these fields to tailor an approach that helps an athlete succeed in the precise moment of a pressure-packed competition.
What is Peak Performance Training?
Using a variety of techniques, including The Attentional Interpersonal Styles (TAIS) inventory, Peak Performance Training consultants assess athletes’ strengths and areas for development in the Nine Mental Skills of Successful Athletes. We then encourage, partner with, and challenge them to excel in their chosen performance field by designing custom performance protocols based on their unique goals and circumstances. We follow a cognitive-behavioral approach, focusing on athletes’ thought processes and emotional states.
How does Peak Performance Training work?
We begin with an in-depth interview with the athlete/performer to capture their background, goals, and reasons for coming to see us. We review the methods they are currently using or have tried in the past, to find out what’s worked for them and what hasn’t. In this initial session, we also review the TAIS inventory and tell the athlete how to complete the assessment form online.
Once we have the results from TAIS and any other instruments completed by the athlete, we meet with them to review their perceived strengths and areas for development along the Nine Mental Skills of Successful Athletes. Based on this discussion, we co-create, with the athlete, a development plan to address the development opportunities and establish a schedule for future progress checks. Our goal is a development plan that maximizes the athlete's potential and enables them to achieve peak performance.
What do you mean by "co-create a development plan"?
Unlike some psychologists, who often use the word "intervention"—as in "intervening" on behalf of a client to stop a behavior—AMP takes a collaborative approach. We partner with athlete/performers and discuss alternatives, with the athlete actively participating in creating their own unique development plan to achieve peak performance.
What mental skills do you work on?
AMP’s Peak Performance Training uses the Nine Mental Skills of Successful Athletes as a framework for helping athletes and their coaches understand the mental aspects of high-level performance. We use this framework to assess an athlete’s current mental skills and identify areas for improvement.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a gradual process that trains your brain to function more efficiently. It’s like exercise for the brain. With neurofeedback, we observe your brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information to you, and we reward your brain for changing its activity to more appropriate patterns. At AMP, we use a specialized technique called neurovideofeedback, which includes a video component so you can watch yourself performing while training your brain. Many people report a greater sense of calm and focused relaxation after engaging in neurofeedback training. Learn more.
How do you handle non-performance sports psychology issues?
Through my doctoral studies in advanced sports psychology interventions, I am trained to recognize other psychological issues that may affect an athlete, such as eating disorders or substance abuse. AMP has developed a network of skilled psychologists to whom we can refer an athlete (with their consent) for these types of non-performance issues.
What are the characteristics of being "in the Zone"?
Being in the Zone means achieving peak performance. You are relaxed, confident, and completely focused. Your moves are effortless and automatic. You're having fun and feeling in control. Being in the Zone is one of the goals of Peak Performance Training.
Who can benefit from Peak Performance Training?
Just about everyone! The nine mental skills of successful athletes are associated with success in nonathletic performance situations as well. AMP’s Peak Performance Training can help you be at your best in any performance situation:
- Giving a talk
- Making a presentation
- Going to a job interview or audition
- Taking an exam or driving test
- Testifying in court
- Performing for an audience
- And more!