Want to level up your game before you even step onto the field? The secret might not be in your training routine — but in your mindset.
We spoke with Peter Lucchio, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with the Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital, to find out how a sports psychologist can help athletes and performers unlock their full potential.
Here’s what you should know.
1. Crush your goals, on and off the field.
If your mindset has you stuck on the sidelines, it might be time to get support.
“Whether you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, a sports psychologist can help you push past mental barriers that hold you back in sports or at the gym,” says Dr. Lucchio.
Mental performance specialists can help you reach your goals in many ways, including:
- Tackling performance anxiety or game-day jitters.
- Building confidence.
- Setting and achieving goals.
- Boosting motivation.
“Athletes are people, and people have emotions,” adds Dr. Lucchio. “Mental performance specialists can help you manage challenging thoughts with skills like mindfulness, visualization or breathing techniques to work toward your goals.”
> Related: Manage Game Day Jitters With These 3 Sports Psychologist-Approved Strategies
2. Bounce back stronger from injuries.
Getting injured isn’t just about healing your body — it’s about healing your mind, too.
“Recovering from an injury often involves coping with the psychological side of things, not just the physical,” says Dr. Lucchio. “Professional support can help people through this process.”
And if you’re dealing with re-injury or chronic pain, it might be time to work with a team that combines rehabilitation, exercise science and sport psychology.
> Related: How Injury Prevention Screenings Can Help Athletes Stay Healthy
3. Fall in love with the game again.
If the joy of your sport feels out of reach, it can be a tough hurdle to overcome.
“Being an athlete can come with strong emotions,” says Dr. Lucchio. “At any level, athletes can feel deeply tied to their identity, struggle with overcoming injuries or get stuck dwelling on mistakes.”
Sport psychology providers can help you navigate those feelings, push through tough moments and reconnect with the “why” that brought you to the game in the first place.
> Want more health news? Text StartHere to 85209 to sign up for text alerts
4. Navigate life beyond the game.
Thinking about stepping away from your sport or preparing for life after it?
“Sport psychology can be a valuable resource,” says Dr. Lucchio. “It helps athletes work through the loss of identity and discover a new way to be involved in sport outside of play or a new sense of purpose beyond their sport.”
5. Strengthen your dream team.
If your goal is to boost your team’s performance, sport psychology can make a difference.
“Team-based interventions can help bring people together,” says Dr. Lucchio. “Mental performance specialists work with coaching staff to build a stronger team culture and improve collaboration.”
Get started today.
Your first appointment sets goals tailored to your age, injury history and training experience.
“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” says Dr. Lucchio. “Many top-level athletes and performers work with sport psychology specialists.”
But don’t expect instant results.
“Mindset skills often take months of practice to show results,” says Dr. Lucchio. “Get ready to be challenged—some people need a gentle push to meet their goals while others need guidance to pull back and make their efforts more sustainable and consistent.”
