Sports Psychology Seattle

 psy·chol·o·gy n.[sahy-kol-uh-jee]

1. The science that deals with mental processes and behavior.
2. The emotional and behavioral characteristics of an individual, a group, or an activity.

The quality of your performance is determined by the quality of the communication you have...with yourself.

How do you do accomplish this?

"Craig puts it in a way that really allows kids to take the information in"

There are countless works on Sports Psychology.  Should you be devoting your every spare waking minute to reading these in order to become more proficient in your mental game? Of course not. 

Having spent countless hours myself in these works, allow me to summarize what I believe is the framework for you to be able to use your mind to achieve your potential in your sport.

First, let's get a meaning for the word "mind." Most folks use the word "mind" interchangeably with "brain." This is completely not true. Most scientists would also include the entire nervous system in the functions of the "mind." More recently, even more neurologists and others in this field are concluding that the entire body is part of the mind. From my studies, I agree with that.

Next, the larger concept you should understand is the idea of the "duality" of our mind.

This suggests that our mind functions on 2 levels, The Conscious  and The Unconscious (or Subconscious).

The Conscious Mind functions are to: look, listen and to learn. It does all the analyzing, criticizing, reasoning and judging. It has the responsibility to accept or reject any thought or idea.

The Unconscious Mind, conversely, is irrational and makes no decisions. It only acts on what it is programmed to do by instinct, genetics, habit, or repetitive thought. It's main functions are to run and preserve the body, store memories, regulate emotions and energy, maintain perceptions and filters, and all automatic functions that you never have to think about.

Once you understand the differences, you can begin the work of dealing with your issues and installing new belief systems that put you on track to achieve your goals.  Many athletes (and most average folks) are never even exposed to this possibility their entire life and go about their daily routine always wondering why they just can't change the things they want in their life. They just keep repeating the same patterns over and over.

These thoughts, patterns, and habits generally reside at that unconscious level of the mind. There are many ways to get to this storehouse. Sometimes, it could be that your coach just happens to say the right thing at the right time and then something clicks or jells inside of you.

You then have a different way at looking at events, situations, and yourself such that the emotions and feelings come up that allow you to find your zone.

I have identified mental tools and techniques that all top athletes have in common that you will learn to apply in your life and on the field. In our sessions together, we will utilize many sports psychology principles and tailor them to your unique personality in order to get you to the next level.

I have studied and partnered with Dr. Tom Kubistant on mental game products for athletes. He is one of the pioneers of sport psychology having devoted his practice entirely to sport since 1971 working with thousands of professional and Olympic athletes since then. I am very proud to call him a mentor and my clients also receive the benefits of his teachings.

Call for an appointment 425-457-7777