Sports psychologist and mental health first aider Kelly Nicholas is trained to recognise the early signs of mental health struggles. "In equestrian settings, this matters hugely," she says. "Riders often push through stress or self-doubt quietly, which can take a toll over time. How you feel as a rider impacts how you ride..." [ read more ]
As Wimbledon takes centre stage this week, many of us are drawn to the drama, skill, and precision of elite-level tennis. From the outside, it looks like raw talent and physical prowess are what separate the greats from the good. But look closer, and you’ll see that mental preparation plays just as big a role. One key strategy many top players use, from Rafael Nadal to Novak Djokovic, is the pre-performance routine (PPR)... [ read more ]
The off-season is a crucial part of your year as a footballer. While it’s often seen as a time to rest, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on your progress, stay active in a low-pressure way, and start thinking ahead to what you want to achieve next season. Using this time well can set you up to return refreshed, focused, and more prepared than ever... [ read more ]
There are few moments more difficult for a young cricketer than walking off the field after a disappointing performance. You’ve trained, prepared, and visualised your innings, only to be undone early by a misjudged shot, a good delivery, or a lapse in focus. It's frustrating. Sometimes it's heartbreaking. And in these moments, it’s easy for doubt to creep in... [ read more ]
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Badminton Horse Trials for the first time. I went on the Saturday, which was cross-country day, and it certainly lived up to expectations. As someone who works in sport psychology, particularly in equestrian sport, I found myself watching the action with a slightly different perspective. While I was there as a spectator, I couldn’t help but reflect on the mental demands faced by the riders... [ read more ]
It's the night before that super important competition that you've been working towards for months. You’re lying in bed staring at the ceiling, mind racing with "what ifs." Your heart feels like it's beating just a bit too fast, and your stomach twists with a familiar nervous energy. You've trained for months, maybe even years, for this moment, yet doubt still creeps in: Will I perform well? What if I mess up? Am I really ready?... [ read more ]
In the pursuit of optimal health and peak performance, the connection between diet, nutrition, mental health, and athletic prowess is undeniable. The food we consume plays a pivotal role not only in fuelling our bodies but also in influencing our mental wellbeing... [ read more ]
Sport injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes, often causing physical pain, setbacks, and disruptions to their training and competition schedules. However, the impact of an injury extends far beyond the physical. The psychology of sport injury plays a crucial role in an athlete's recovery, resilience, and ability to bounce back stronger than ever... [ read more ]
My aim is to help others reach their goals, by recognising and working through any challenges that are limiting them from achieving their potential.
I work within the ethical guidelines of the BASES Code of Conduct and our work together will be kept confidential unless otherwise requested.
