By Dr. John F. Murray
Hi, this is Dr. John F. Murray. See if any of the issues below pertain to you, your kids, or your students. My name is Dr. John F. Murray, a clinical and sports psychologist in Palm Beach, Florida. I have been licensed and in practice since 1999, providing a variety of mental coaching and psychotherapy services to athletes, business people, and people just looking to live a healthier or more successful life. This work can occur in the office, by phone or Skype, or at client locations, and I also deliver workshops and speeches worldwide.
While I believe clinical psychology skills and training are vital in providing sports psychology services, it is interesting that the vast majority of people who have hired me come in initially seeking performance enhancement for their sports, businesses, or performing arts. Today, as I look back on over two decades in private practice, I would like to share what I believe to be the top 10 issues that I have dealt with in working with clients.
At a Glance: Top 10 Performance Roadblocks
- 1. Performing in Practice vs. Games
- 2. Performance Anxiety
- 3. Low Self-Esteem & Confidence
- 4. Poor Focus or Concentration
- 5. Anger and Frustration Management
- 6. Relationship Stress & Social Support
- 7. The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
- 8. Clinical Depression in Athletes
- 9. Low Motivation & Burnout
- 10. Trauma, Substance Abuse, & Eating Disorders
1. Performing Well in Practice but Not in Games
Athletes often get in my door with this one. They tell me practice is great, but actual live games are a total mess. While there may be many reasons for this, competitive pressure comes to mind as a frequent culprit. Learning to face the pressure through guided imagery, relaxation, goal setting, and cognitive restructuring can work wonders.
2. Managing Performance Anxiety
People in all walks of life think too much, obsess, and worry about what others think—often coaches, parents, or teammates. They botch the boardroom presentation long before it even begins. Luckily, anxiety is one of the problems that resolves best with treatment. I use a variety of techniques, including classical conditioning and guided imagery, to help clients regain control.
3. Overcoming Low Self-Esteem or Low Confidence
Confidence is a tool that needs to be sharpened and continually used in battle to gain the edge. The most typical problem is when an athlete is in a slump or bombarded by perceived failure. I build confidence through education, self-talk modification, and solid cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
4. Improving Focus and Concentration
Human beings are naturally susceptible to distractions. Add to this the number of clients I have seen with ADHD, and you soon realize that focus is never guaranteed. Like any mental skill, it needs to be practiced. I use pre-performance routines, key words, and goal setting to ensure a person is optimally tuned in to the moment.
5. Handling Anger and Frustration
Competition can bring out the best and worst in us. Anger can explode at the wrong time, wreaking devastation on a tennis player’s match or an MMA fighter’s poise. Like anxiety, treatment for anger has very high success rates. We work on breaking the pattern and rehearsing new behaviors in imagery before they become habits.
6. Navigating Relationship Stress
In my doctoral dissertation on the 1996 national champion Florida Gators, I learned how vital social support is for success. However, the stress of competition can spell disaster for relationships. Helping people communicate more effectively and learning to be assertive without being aggressive is key to maintaining a winning environment.
7. The Dangers of Perfectionism
The perfectionist is never really satisfied, and despite extraordinary attempts to be the best, they usually sabotage performance. I help my clients see the pitfalls of perfectionism and encourage them to strive for excellence, which is a far healthier and more sustainable recipe for advancement.
8. Addressing Clinical Depression
Over 25% of people will experience depression in their lifetime—including world-champion athletes. Those with serious clinical depression are often more impaired than a person with a broken leg, yet they face an unfair stigma. I use an eclectic approach, primarily cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, to help clients perceive their world differently and find hope.
9. Low Motivation and Wanting to Quit
An athlete who has done well for years might suddenly lose the fire. This can be caused by staleness, burnout, or stress. As a clinician, I determine if there is a serious clinical disorder or if a temporary phase is at play. Passion and joy are essential for success, and sometimes a strategic “time out” combined with mental coaching is the best solution.
10. Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Eating Disorders
Past traumatic events can play themselves out later in life. This is why many professional athletes with the world at their fingertips may struggle with domestic violence or drug use. These serious clinical problems require a licensed psychologist who can provide deep psychotherapy, rather than just a “mental coach.”
Take the Next Step in Your Performance
If you recognize any of these 10 patterns in your own performance or your child’s game, let’s address them together. Cli ck Here to Schedule a Consultation with Dr. John F. Murray or visit my Sports Psychology Services Page for more information on how we can unlock your full potential.