For every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. We suspect you’ve heard that saying before? It can indeed be the case though, even with a global pandemic.

Our students have been training during a period of great change in the therapeutic world. A change that most therapists wouldn’t have thought possible.

As we come out of lockdown, therapists are now moving back to face-to-face sessions. However, we suspect the vast majority of them will move forward offering both face-to-face and online sessions. Whereas prior to the pandemic, it was rare to have online therapy sessions.

Taking the Plunge:

It’s interesting that we’ve come across many clients, who prior to the Covid outbreak wouldn’t have considered online sessions.  They quickly realised, that once they took the plunge, they benefitted greatly.  In fact, studies have shown online therapy to be very effective.  One study from Georgetown University states:

“Women appear to have better outcomes following virtual interventions than in-person interventions”

A Cautious Flexibility:

It’s important to note that with online sessions you do need privacy and a good internet connection in order to feel comfortable and to get the most out of them. But working online and face-to-face gives both the therapist and their clients more choices.  So, speaking for ourselves, we’re going to put that down on our list as one of our silver linings.

More Silver Linings:

It’s interesting to contemplate how many other silver linings a pandemic might have brought to light? Some people have discovered a quieter life and are rather enjoying it, whilst others might appreciate the break from commuting for hours. Hopefully, as we continue to come out of the lockdown, we can take advantage of enjoying the freedom of simple things, like having a cup of coffee with a friend, and appreciate those little things all the more.

So, what are your silver linings? You might find you discover one or two hidden ones if you really think about it, despite what the negatives have been.

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapists can help people improve their sports performance, from beginners to professional athletes.

As Covid restrictions are lifted, we are already seeing outdoor sports facilities reopening. These include golf courses, tennis, basketball courts and outdoor swimming.

Physical practice is essential, I think this goes without saying. But it will never allow the athlete to achieve the perfect swing, or the best run or the textbook corner. The brain doesn’t work that way. Knowing how our brain stores our movements is helpful. In fact, it allows the client to accept bad shots, poor times and mistakes. Furthermore, the client will be better able to recover and avoid mistakes in the future. It’s real brain stuff!

Sports performance is one of those fascinating areas. As far back as 1968 the Swiss Olympic ski squad used imagery and went on to win 3 medals and more in 1972. In 1959 Ingmar Johannson used hypnosis training to win the heavyweight boxing title from Floyd Patterson. Jimmy Connors used hypnosis in winning the US Open championship. Tiger Wood’s mental coach, Jay Brunza, hypnotised him to block out distractions and focus on the golf course. In May 2000 Glenn Catley became World Super Middle Weight Champion. He describes the greatest help that Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy gave him was confidence in his own inherent ability.

How can we help our sports performance clients?

We, often hear sports people describe how they can perform well when they play with their friends. But when there is a competition, they go to pieces! It’s so true that playing sport is as much a mental game, as it is a physical game.

A study in 2020 by Prediou et al Visualisation in sport describes the use of visualisation techniques which can improve motor skills, self–confidence and decrease anxiety. Through the use of imagery, pain management, endurance, motivation and physical performance can be enhanced.

We can help clients focus on realistic goals and increase their self-belief. Learning to concentrate for long periods of time helps to avoid distractions. Getting into ‘the zone’ is key and we can help sports people maintain this.

Likewise, improving specific skills can be enhanced by using mental rehearsal techniques and we can teach our clients how to do this. During our hypnotherapy training, you can hear about Glenn Catley’s story on how the Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy sessions improved his performance.