These symptoms, including a decline in fine motor abilities and psychological hurdles, impede muscle memory and decision-making, rendering athletes incapable of delivering their best performance.
In other words, you choked.
In the heat of competition, as the pitcher releases the ball or the player ascends for a crucial layup, these intrusive thoughts ambush our consciousness, triggering a cascade of reactions within the brain and body. The negative performance fears of danger or doubt happen in less than a conscious moment.
It’s a frustrating dance of “micro-muscles” contracting at precisely the wrong moment, leading to what’s commonly known as “choking” or experiencing the YIPS.
Even with relentless practice, some athletes find themselves ensnared in this mental quagmire, unable to break free. That’s where Brainspotting offers a beacon of hope.
Developed by Dr. David Grand, a pioneering therapist whose accidental discovery revolutionized the field, Brainspotting has been honed over two decades, offering athletes a fast, effective, and accessible solution to reclaim their competitive edge.
By identifying and targeting specific “brainspots” — somatic markers of unresolved trauma or emotional blocks— Brainspotting facilitates a dialogue between the conscious and subconscious realms.
Whether you’re striving for more confidence at the plate or laser-like focus on the court, Brainspotting may hold the key to unlocking your full athletic potential. Regardless of age*, from aspiring young athletes to seasoned professionals, anyone can benefit from this direct approach to mental resilience and enhanced performance.
Uncover how specific experiences may have shaped your performance and unearth opportunities for growth using brainspotting.
I lacked confidence in myself on and off the field. After doing several sessions of brainspotting, I began to notice that my mindset had shifted and I am now more confident in any task I participate in.
It released so much – my life is no longer weighed down by the past. I felt more calm afterwards and relieved of negative experiences affecting me. Ashley is a compassionate healer, and I believe she can help with all kinds of issues.
“The onset of these RSPP’s never makes sense to the athlete, coaches, parents or fans. The athlete hasn’t a clue what’s really wrong and is at a loss about how to “fix” it.”
Just like any other Brainspotting session, our sports performance sessions start with a thorough discussion about your sports journey, experiences, and challenges. We’ll sit down together to ensure you understand the physical systems in our brain and body. This knowledge is crucial for understanding that some processes aren’t always controlled by conscious thought. It’s an essential part of my role as your Brainspotter and PT educator to help you recognize these signals.
We’ll dive deep for five intense sessions initially, and then assess our progress. Many athletes find significant success during this time, but depending on the length and ambition of your sports career, further sessions may be necessary to reach your peak performance level.
For some individuals, the immediate impact is felt in the very next game played. I mention this with genuine humility, not arrogance. The effectiveness of these techniques is truly remarkable, and as you continue to apply them, you’ll notice even stronger results. Brainspotting has been a trusted tool for athletes for decades, from beginners to professionals. Its origins date back to observations made on a professional figure skater twenty years ago. In our sessions, we’ll delve into unique sports performance techniques, sometimes using sports equipment to enhance your experience. Plus, you’ll learn how to self-spot, empowering you to prep for games outside our sessions and effectively process post-game experiences, letting mishaps go.
Take the first step toward peak performance and confidence with the help of Grounded & Growing. Contact Ashley to learn more and embark on your journey to athletic excellence.
*Grounded & Growing serves athletes ages 12 and older.