Sports Psychology
If you are looking for support on the field or in the workplace, a psychologist with special interest in Sport and Performance Psychology can help. Our registered psychologist provides evidence-based therapy and can work with you in our clinic in Wilston and also via telehealth (video call).
A Sports Psychologist can help with performance both on the field and in the workplace.
What is Sport and Performance Psychology?
Sport and performance psychology examines how thinking patterns, emotional and physical responses can impact behaviour, attention and motivation in demanding environments.
Although commonly linked with athletes and sporting teams, this field also supports a wide range of performers, including:
-
Coaches
-
High-performance support staff
-
Performing artists
-
Business and corporate leaders
-
Defence Force personnel
Broadly, sport and performance psychology targets two connected outcomes: enhancing performance and supporting psychological wellbeing to enable reliable, sustainable output. In sessions, clients develop practical mental skills and self-awareness to help them function effectively in high-pressure situations.
Therapist Profile
Maverick Ryan holds a Masters of Psychology (Sport and Exercise). He has supported athletes from cricket, volleyball and rugby.
As a program psychologist, Maverick delivered team workshops, leadership programs, coach sessions, provided one on one consults and designed mental performance profiles for athletes.
How is sport and performance psychology different from general or clinical psychology?
General psychology typically addresses mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and broader life stressors. Sport and performance psychology, by contrast, focuses specifically on psychological factors that influence functioning in performance settings.
Common focus areas include:
-
Performing under pressure
-
Building confidence and self-belief
-
Improving attention and concentration
-
Bouncing back from errors
-
Strengthening motivation and commitment
-
Decision-making in high-stakes moments
-
Communication and leadership capability
Work in this area may also include strategies that promote consistency and long-term sustainability, such as:
-
Mental preparation and performance routines
-
Energy management and burnout prevention
-
Psychological adjustment to injury and rehabilitation
-
Mental recovery strategies
-
Managing setbacks and career transitions
-
Training structure and habits
-
Sleep optimisation
-
Developing identity beyond performance
Do I need to be an elite athlete to benefit from sport and performance psychology?
Not at all. Sport and performance psychology can be valuable for anyone aiming to perform at their best when it counts.
While many tools originate from elite sport, they are highly transferable and commonly used by:
-
Developing and youth athletes
-
Coaches and support staff
-
Corporate and business professionals
-
Individuals working in high-pressure roles (e.g., surgeons, Defence Force personnel).
The focus is on building the psychological capacity to execute effectively, regardless of competitive level.
Is it only about performance enhancement?
No. Sustainable performance depends on both capability and wellbeing.
If challenges such as anxiety, burnout, adjustment difficulties, or dips in motivation are present, these are addressed directly within the work. A sport and performance psychologist supports both performance outcomes and psychological health, recognising that long-term excellence requires both to be in balance.
What happens during a session and how long does it take to see results?
The initial session typically focuses on:
-
Gaining a clear understanding of you, your environment, and performance demands
-
Mapping current mental strengths and development areas
-
Establishing short- and longer-term goals
Subsequent sessions may involve targeted skill development to enhance performance, or evidence-based strategies to strengthen mental and physical wellbeing for greater consistency.
Some clients notice meaningful changes within a few sessions, while others engage over a longer period to embed durable habits. Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the goals, performance context, and individual needs.
Can sport and performance psychology help with performance anxiety, confidence, pressure, or slumps?
Yes, these are among the most common reasons people seek support.
Clients may experience:
-
Pre-performance nerves or heightened tension
-
Fear of mistakes
-
Drops in confidence following setbacks
-
Distraction from external pressure
-
Difficulty shifting attention during key moments.
Rather than relying on simple “positive thinking,” sport and performance psychology uses structured, evidence-based methods to help regulate physiological arousal, direct attention effectively, and rebuild confidence through systematic preparation and rehearsal.
How does working with a sport and performance psychologist fit with my training schedule and other support?
Working with a sport and performance psychologist is similar to physical training; it develops the mental systems that support execution under pressure. Sessions are designed to integrate smoothly with your existing training and support network (e.g., coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, strength and conditioning staff).
-
Appointments are scheduled around training loads and may taper near key competitions
-
Psychological strategies are embedded into training drills and routines where possible
-
Exercises are kept targeted, practical, and time-efficient
-
Support can be short-term (event focused) or longer-term (season or career development).
