Hi, I’m Dalma
a Sport and Exercise Psychologist in Training
My story
Growing up in Hungary, I tried a lot of different sports. I did ballet and danced during kindergarten, then I swam and played tennis in primary school. At the age of 11, I joined a basketball club in Budapest, and I ended up playing there for eight years.
For those eight years, basketball was a huge part of my life. I had four or five training sessions a week, and one or two games on the weekends. Besides school and basketball, I didn’t have much time for other hobbies, but I didn’t mind at all. My team became my second family. We supported each other through the good times and the bad; we laughed and cried together.
But as we got older, the failures, the lost games, the injuries, and the constant physical and mental pressure began to take a greater toll on all of us. I struggled to cope with expectations and my fear of failure. I didn’t want to let anyone down.
Toward the end of my basketball career, it all became overwhelming. The enjoyment I used to feel slowly faded, and eventually, I stopped playing. I couldn’t beat my strongest opponent—myself.
Upon retiring, I wanted to understand my experiences. I had so many questions, such as, “Why did I feel so nervous before games?” and “Why couldn’t I do the things in games that I could confidently do in training?”
After graduating from secondary school, I set out to find answers. I completed my BA in Psychology in Hungary, then moved to England to complete my MSc in Applied Sport Psychology at the University of Winchester.
By the end of my studies, I had found answers to many of the questions I’d had about nerves and hindered performance. Even though I couldn’t go back and tell my younger self how to cope, I knew I could help others with similar experiences.
So, I decided to become a sport and exercise psychologist. In 2022, I began my journey with the British Psychological Society to become an HCPC-registered, chartered sport and exercise psychologist.
“Peak performance doesn’t mean you’re thriving inside. And poor performance doesn’t mean you’re not mentally tough.”
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.
Workshops for sports teams
I offer interactive workshops tailored to your team’s unique needs and goals. The workshops promote collaboration, develop psychological and somatic skills, and facilitate confidence and trust amongst team members and coaches.
Parent education sessions
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.