Sustainable performance begins with understanding your experiences
Sport Psychology
Explore and make sense of your experiences, and learn to respond flexibly to challenges as you move towards what matters.
About power in mind
Power in Mind is a sport and exercise psychology consultancy based in Andover, Hampshire, UK. It was founded to help individuals navigate the ups and downs of sport and everyday life, so they can become the person they aspire to be.
When our nervous system is regulated, we are better able to meet the demands and challenges of sport and everyday life. We can think clearly, solve problems effectively, make good decisions, and respond to situations in ways that align with our goals and values. This is when we are most able to perform at our best.
However, situations such as taking a last-minute penalty kick can disrupt this regulation. When that happens, we may experience anxiety, anger, fear, or self-doubt. We might struggle to think clearly, make decisions, or execute skills effectively. Some athletes even find themselves freezing in these high-pressure moments.
Together, we will explore what disrupts your regulation and develop strategies to help you return to a state where you can not only perform, but thrive. We will identify what matters to you, clarify your values, and develop key psychological and somatic skills to help you respond effectively to challenging situations and the difficult thoughts and emotions that inevitably arise in sport. I will be there to support you in building the flexibility, resilience, and self-awareness needed to become the athlete you aspire to be.
I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) approach, grounded in a nervous system-informed and trauma-aware framework. All work is informed and guided by the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Services
ATHLETES & COACHES
I offer one-to-one sessions designed to help individuals better understand themselves, learn how to befriend their nervous system, and move towards their goals.
Throughout your sport psychology journey, I will provide a safe and supportive space where you can develop greater self-awareness and build the skills needed to navigate challenges effectively, both in sport and in everyday life.
SPORTS TEAMS
I offer interactive workshops tailored to your team’s unique needs and goals. These workshops promote collaboration, develop psychological skills, and build confidence and trust among team members and coaches.
PARENTS /CAREGIVERS
Parent/caregiver education sessions are designed to help family members understand how they can best support their athlete’s unique needs and goals.
Athletes’ Experiences
- „I thought the Sport Psychology workshops that you ran were excellent. I think the content was pitched at about the right level, enough to get the boys interested but not too technical to turn them off. There was relatable content, such as the characteristics of a successful football player which they could then link back to their own performances which was good. Thanks again, Dalma, I know the boys all enjoyed it.”
U15 Football coach - “The skills I have learnt are definitely helpful, that’s for sure. If I didn’t have any of those skills, everything would be a lot different.”
Field athlete
Blog
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Choking Under Pressure in Sport: A Polyvagal Perspective
Choking is defined as a significant drop in performance triggered by increased anxiety in high-pressure situations. We’ve all witnessed athletes underperform when it mattered most—missing an open shot or falling out of rhythm. But why does this happen and what can we do about it?
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Tears in Tennis: A Lesson in Resilience
I recently worked with a 7-year-old tennis player on court when, all of a sudden, she got hit in the leg with a powerful ball. First, she looked shocked. Then, after a few seconds, she started crying. And I was so glad that she did.
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How Can I Motivate Myself When Things Get Tough?
If you’ve ever lacked motivation to train or work out, you’re not alone. We all have days when everything feels off – when we’re tired, frustrated, not seeing results, or struggling with things that seemed easy last week. It’s tough. When things are going well, staying motivated is easy. But on those tough days when the world feels like it’s falling apart, it’s a different story.
FAQs
How are the individual consultations conducted?
Our individual sessions are usually conducted online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, ensuring convenience and accessibility for clients worldwide.
What is sport psychology?
Sport psychology is a field that aims to help athletes achieve optimal performance, enhance their well-being, and understand the psychological aspects of sport participation and performance.
What can I expect from the first individual consultation?
In the first session, I will tell you a bit more about the approach I use so that you know what to expect in our sessions. Then we will explore your sporting background and the challenges or obstacles that you are facing and would like some help with. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
How are the team workshops conducted?
Team workshops are usually conducted at one of your club’s facilities.
How much do the sessions cost?
Our fees vary based on the services selected. For detailed pricing, please visit the ‘Services’ page of the website.
Will I have to complete tasks in between sessions?
I might ask you to complete tasks in between our sessions or in your training sessions to help you practice your new skills.
What can you help me with?
We can provide support with a range of different areas of performance and mental health:
- Confidence
- Motivation
- Injury recovery
- Anxiety
- Transitions
- Communication
- Burnout
- Resilience
- Team dynamics
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Emotion management
Who can benefit from the services?
Any athlete, coach or parent seeking to understand the psychological aspects of performance can benefit from our services. Whether you’re facing challenges, aiming to elevate your performance, or simply wish to understand yourself better, our services are for you.