Performing well doesn’t always mean you’re okay.
Sport Psychology
For people who seemingly have it all together, but behind all of that feel alone, unheard, misunderstood or simply exhausted.
About power in mind
Power in Mind is a sport and exercise psychology consultancy based in Andover, Hampshire, UK. It was founded to support individuals in high-performance environments who function and perform well, but doesn’t feel okay.
For me, sport psychology support isn’t about learning another mental skill or finding another way to perform better. It’s about making sense of our experiences, developing a curious attitude towards whatever we may be feeling, and learning to work with our nervous system rather than against it.
I approach my work through a collaborative, person-centred lens. This means making sense of what you’re going through together, while holding the belief that you are the expert of your own experience. My goal is to understand as much as possible what it is like to be you, and to experience the world, other people and yourself from your unique perspective.
Because our nervous system plays an important role in how we experience and respond to situations, we also pay attention to what shows up in the body. Alongside developing insight and understanding, we can explore these embodied experiences and build greater awareness of what your system may be communicating, so that you can respond more flexibly to life’s challenges.
Ultimately, I want to create a space where you don’t have to have it all together. A space where you feel safe to be unapologetically you. A space where you can be heard, understood and met as a whole person, not just as an athlete or performer.
I work from an integrated somatic, person-centred and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) approach, which is 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
PERFORMERS
I offer one-to-one sessions designed to help you better understand yourself, make sense of your experiences and learn how to befriend your nervous system.
In our work together, I will provide a safe and supportive space where you can be unapologetically yourself. You may have to perform at work, in your sport or even at home, but you will never have to perform for me.
Together, we will explore what is happening for you, both in your mind and your body, and work towards meaningful change. You’ll develop greater self-awareness and insight, and learn to listen to and understand what your body is communicating with you.
SPORTS TEAMS
I offer interactive workshops tailored to your team’s unique needs and goals. These workshops promote collaboration, develop psychological and somatic skills, and build confidence and trust among team members and coaches.
PARENTS /CAREGIVERS
Parent/caregiver education sessions are designed to help family members better understand their own experiences of supporting someone in their performance. These sessions are not just about how you can best support your child’s unique needs and goals, but also about understanding what this experience is like for you and how you can look after yourself as you navigate this journey together.
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 and understand the psychological aspects of sport participation and performance.
However, I believe my role as a sport psychologist is about much more than helping you perform better. For me, your wellbeing matters just as much as your performance.
So, what do I do as a sport psychologist? I create a space where you can come as you are and explore what it is really like to be you. What it feels like to perform under pressure, experience an injury, lose your motivation, not be selected for a team, or find yourself no longer able to participate in your sport in the way you once did.
So, we talk. But we don’t stop there.
We also slow down and pay attention to what is happening in your body and nervous system, and to the patterns that show up in the way you respond to different situations. Together, we make sense of these experiences and explore what you might need to feel more connected to yourself and more able to respond in ways that work for you.
The aim isn’t simply to help you cope better or find another technique to add to your toolkit. It’s about supporting meaningful, sustainable change that can help you feel better in yourself, and perform in a way that feels right for you.
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?
If you function and perform well in different areas of your life, but somehow still feel like you’re not okay, I’m here for you. And, if you can’t function or perform well, I’m here for you too.
Together, we’ll make sense of your experiences and explore what you need to move beyond simply powering through training sessions, competitions or life in general, so that you can actually feel okay while you’re doing it.
If that feels a little vague, don’t worry – it is. You’re a whole person, and your experiences don’t always fit neatly into a box. That’s why I’ve provided a list of different areas of performance and wellbeing that you may want some specific support with:
- Confidence
- Motivation
- Injury recovery
- Anxiety
- Transitions
- Communication
- Burnout
- Resilience
- Team dynamics
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Emotion management
Who can benefit from the services?
Some sport psychologists choose to work exclusively with athletes, but we are actually trained to work with anyone who performs. That might be a student, a parent, a company CEO, a firefighter, a doctor, a teacher, a coach or an athlete.
Performance requires certain shifts and changes in our body’s physiology and it often invites thoughts and emotions related to failure, self-doubt, letting people down, or not achieving goals. Everyone’s body and mind respond to performance differently, but what we all have in common is that something changes in our bodies when we have to perform. You may experience tension, high levels of energy or you may feel numb and sluggish. Sometimes how your body responds may not make sense to you or it may even get in the way of performing in the way you want to. You might feel disconnected from your body, struggle to rest after performing, or find your muscles have become rigid.
If you have experienced any of this, don’t be afraid to reach out. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from sport psychology. I am here for you regardless of your background.