Sports Psychology Calgary
Our sports psychologists in Calgary provide effective strategies and a supportive environment to help athletes manage performance anxiety, build confidence, and perform at their best.
What is Sports Psychology and How Can it Help?
Performance anxiety is a natural response to pressure, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can interfere with your ability to compete and enjoy your sport. Common signs of performance anxiety include excessive worry before competition, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension, or sweating.
If performance anxiety is not addressed, it can negatively impact confidence, lead to avoidance of competition, and contribute to burnout or declining performance.
Why Should I See a Sports Psychologist for Performance Anxiety?
Sports psychology provides a structured and supportive environment to explore the mental barriers that contribute to performance anxiety, while teaching healthy coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
Working with a sports psychologist can also help athletes challenge self-doubt, develop routines that enhance focus, and build resilience to perform confidently under pressure.
Types of Performance Challenges We Address
Our sports psychologists are experienced in providing tailored strategies to address performance-related challenges, helping athletes gain control over anxiety, sharpen focus, and improve both confidence and overall performance.
Some common performance-related challenges we address include performance anxiety, fear of failure, loss of confidence, burnout, and difficulties with focus or motivation. We also work with athletes coping with injury recovery, managing pressure from competition, and balancing the mental demands of sport with everyday life.
Our supportive, evidence-based approach ensures that each athlete receives the tools they need to manage challenges, build resilience, and perform with confidence.
Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety involves excessive worry or nervousness before or during competition, often leading to physical symptoms like a racing heart, tense muscles, or difficulty focusing.
“How can sports psychology help with performance anxiety?”
Sports psychology helps athletes develop pre-performance routines, use relaxation techniques, and build mental strategies to compete with calm and confidence.
Fear of Failure
Many athletes experience intense pressure to succeed, which can lead to fear of failure and avoidance of competition or risk-taking.
“How can sports psychology help with fear of failure?”
Through goal setting, cognitive reframing, and confidence-building exercises, athletes learn to shift focus from fear to growth, effort, and resilience.
Burnout
Burnout occurs when athletes feel mentally and physically exhausted, often from overtraining, pressure, or lack of balance between sport and personal life.
“How can sports psychology help with burnout?”
Therapy helps athletes re-establish balance, manage expectations, and rekindle enjoyment in their sport.
Injury Recovery
Even after physical recovery, athletes may struggle with fear of re-injury, reduced confidence, or frustration about setbacks.
“How can sports psychology help with injury recovery?”
Sports psychologists provide coping strategies, mental imagery, and motivational support to help athletes regain confidence and return to play successfully.
Benefits of Sports Psychology
Sports psychology offers valuable benefits for athletes facing performance challenges. Some of the key benefits include:
Reducing Performance Anxiety
Sports psychology helps athletes manage nerves and stay calm under pressure.
“How can it reduce anxiety?”
With techniques like visualization, relaxation, and reframing negative thoughts, athletes can perform with greater confidence.
Learning Coping Strategies
Athletes gain practical tools such as mindfulness, breathing, and pre-performance routines.
“What works in the moment?”
These strategies allow athletes to quickly reset, focus, and handle competitive stress.
Building Resilience
Therapy helps athletes bounce back from setbacks and maintain composure in high-stakes situations.
“How can it build resilience?”
By reframing obstacles and building mental flexibility, athletes learn to thrive under pressure.
Improving Confidence
As mental skills grow, self-belief strengthens.
“Will this help me feel more confident?”
Yes — managing pressure and developing positive thinking boosts confidence and consistency.
Understanding Triggers
Sports psychology helps athletes identify performance triggers such as negative self-talk or fear of mistakes.
“How does it help with triggers?”
By recognizing patterns, athletes create strategies to stay focused and in control.
What to Expect During Sports Psychology at Solasta
Our therapists will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Personalized Treatment Plan
Each client’s anxiety is different, so therapy is tailored to your individual needs.
“How will therapy be customized for me?”
After an initial assessment, your therapist will develop a plan that incorporates the most effective treatment techniques for your specific anxiety symptoms.
Evidence-Based Approaches
We use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Exposure Therapy to help you manage anxiety.
“What types of therapy will I experience?”
These approaches are proven to be effective in treating various types of anxiety.
Safe and Supportive Environment
Therapy takes place in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable expressing your feelings.
“Is therapy a safe space for me to discuss my anxiety?”
Yes, we provide a supportive environment where you can openly explore your emotions and fears without fear of judgement.
Common Questions About Sports Psychology Calgary
If you’re struggling with performance anxiety or mental blocks in your sport and wondering if sports psychology is the right choice, you’re not alone.
Many athletes experience performance challenges that affect their training or competition, and sports psychology can provide effective tools for managing them. Here are answers to some common questions about working with a sports psychologist and how it can support you.
How Do I Know if I Need Sports Psychology?
If you notice that performance anxiety, loss of focus, or fear of failure is affecting your training, competitions, or confidence, working with a sports psychologist can be a powerful way to regain control and perform at your best.
“How long will it take to see improvement?”
Some athletes notice positive changes after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support throughout their season or career. Your sports psychologist will collaborate with you to set clear goals and a plan that fits your performance needs.
Can Sports Psychology Help Me Stop Feeling Overwhelmed in Competition?
Yes, sports psychology can significantly reduce the intensity of performance anxiety and stress during competition.
“How can a sports psychologist help with this?”
Through techniques such as cognitive reframing, relaxation strategies, and mental rehearsal, athletes learn to manage triggers, stay composed, and perform with confidence under pressure.
Will Sports Psychology Help Me if I Struggle With Nerves Around Teammates or Crowds?
Absolutely.
“How can a sports psychologist help with this?”
Sports psychology helps athletes gradually confront performance-related fears, develop stronger communication and teamwork skills, and reduce negative self-talk, building confidence in both practice and competition settings.
Why Choose Solasta for Sports Psychology Calgary?
Our team of sports psychologists in Calgary uses effective, evidence-based strategies to help athletes manage performance anxiety, sharpen focus, and regain a strong sense of control in competition.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Sports Psychology Calgary
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We’re Located in Calgary, Alberta
We provide counselling and psychological services in-person in Calgary and online counselling throughout Alberta.
Suite 200, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB
*free parking behind the building
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
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Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What types of therapy do you offer at Solasta Counselling?
At Solasta Counselling, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual needs.
These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Each approach is designed to help address specific challenges, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or other concerns.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional or psychological challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or well-being.
Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, or a desire for personal growth and self-discovery.
If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session at Solasta Counselling will focus on understanding your unique situation and goals.
You’ll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
This session allows your therapist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your needs, while also giving you an opportunity to ask questions and build a comfortable, trusting relationship.
Do you offer virtual or in-person counselling sessions?
Yes, Solasta Counselling offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, while in-person sessions provide a private, welcoming environment at our Calgary location and throughout Alberta.
Both options ensure the same level of care and confidentiality.
How long does therapy usually take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns.
Some clients see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Solasta Counselling are confidential.
We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions involve safety concerns, such as risks of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your initial session.