Sport, exercise, and performance psychology examines the psychological factors that influence—and are influenced by—participation in sports, exercise, physical activity, and elite performance. This knowledge is applied across a variety of real-world settings to support athletes and performers. As a scientific discipline, sport and exercise psychology explores a broad spectrum of human behaviours. These include striving for excellence in sports, understanding motivation, studying motor learning, addressing the psychological impact of sports injuries and rehabilitation, examining leadership and group dynamics, identifying talent, and developing, implementing, and evaluating performance enhancement strategies.
We are proud to be a provider for the AFLPA Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. If you are seeking expert sport psychology support from a sports psychologist in Melbourne who has direct experience and understands performance anxiety in high-pressure environments, you have come to the right place.
When to Seek a Sport Psychologist in Melbourne
Our experienced Melbourne psychology practice will match you with one of our skilled sports psychologists, each with specific training and expertise in sports psychology and performance anxiety.
- Strengthening the immune system by reducing stress and burnout
- Increase tolerance to pain and improve pain management in injured athletes
- Improve concentration, memory, and focus
- Improve sleep, sleep hygiene, and recovery times
- Improve endurance
- Manage performance anxiety in high-pressure settings
- Become more aware of yourself and your body
- Manage work and life transitions
- Achieve valued life goal
What Is The Impact Of Stress And Anxiety On Sport Performance?
Stress is one of the worst enemies for individuals who practice sports at a competitive or amateur level. Not only the stress that accumulates during physical activity, for example in the pre-race or in the most intense periods of training, but also everything that invests us during the day. Experienced sports psychologists understand how stress and anxiety can undermine an athlete’s focus and consistency, and they apply targeted techniques to help manage these challenges effectively.
How Can A Psychologist Support Athletes In Overcoming Performance Anxiety?
Engaging with a sports psychologist who has a special interest in sports psychology will include assessment of psychological factors that influence, and are influenced by, participation in sport, exercise, physical activity, and elite performance, and the application of this knowledge to everyday settings. Our sports psychologists provide personalised strategies, including cognitive-behavioural techniques and mindfulness, to support athletes in overcoming performance anxiety and building mental resilience.
Research demonstrates that stress negatively affects athletic performance. Therefore, collaborating with a psychologist who understands sports psychology allows you to establish goals and leverage strengths, aiming to improve both performance and overall life achievements.
What Evidence-Based Strategies or Therapies Are Used To Support Athletes?
Sports psychologists use evidence-based interventions such as goal-setting, visualisation, and relaxation training to optimise athletic performance and promote psychological wellbeing. Our psychologists utilise evidence-based methods grounded in neuroscience and Cognitive-Behavioural Theories (CBT), including acceptance and mindfulness-based practices, to manage stress and enhance performance.
Our psychologists also focus on mindfulness, which is a form of meditation proven to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Research has found that regular mindfulness practice enables the body to relax and handle stress more effectively. With guidance from an experienced sports psychologist, athletes can cultivate the mental resilience and concentration necessary to perform consistently at their best and reach their performance goals.
What Makes Positive Wellbeing Psychology Different From Other Psychology Practices In Melbourne?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we provide confidential psychological support tailored for both competitive and amateur-level athletes, within the comfort of your home. Our registered psychologists are experienced in assisting individuals who are under scrutiny by the media and go above and beyond to ensure the utmost privacy. We prioritise your well-being with discreet and effective sessions, eliminating the traditional waiting room experience.
FAQ
What does a sports psychologist in Melbourne do?
A sports psychologist in Melbourne helps athletes, coaches, and teams develop the mental skills needed for success in sport. They specialise in sports psychology, providing strategies to improve focus, motivation, confidence, and resilience. They also support mental recovery after injury and help manage competition anxiety and burnout to promote long-term mental wellbeing in sport.
Who can benefit from seeing a sports psychologist in Melbourne?
Anyone involved in sport or performance can benefit from consulting a sports psychologist. This includes athletes of all levels—from beginners and amateurs to elite professionals—as well as coaches and teams. Many people search for a “sports psychologist near me” to access tailored mental training and psychological support that enhances both individual and team performance.
How can a sports psychologist improve athletic performance?
A sport psychologist uses evidence-based sports psychology techniques such as goal-setting, visualisation, self-talk, and relaxation methods to help athletes improve concentration, build confidence, and stay consistent during competition. These mental tools are essential for reaching peak performance and maintaining a positive mindset throughout training and events.
Do you offer online sessions with a sports psychologist in Melbourne?
Yes, we provide confidential online sessions with our experienced sports psychologists in Melbourne. Whether you’re searching for a sports psychologist near me or prefer virtual consultations, our online services offer convenient access to expert mental skills coaching and psychological support wherever you are. Our psychologists have a special interest in performance psychology Melbourne services that support clients to manage pressure, build confidence, and maintain balance for sustained wellbeing and performance.
Can a sports psychologist help with sports-related anxiety or burnout?
Absolutely. Our sports psychologists specialise in helping athletes manage performance anxiety, stress, and burnout through personalised approaches based on established sports psychology methods. They provide coping strategies such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural techniques that build mental resilience, supporting athletes to stay motivated and maintain long-term mental wellbeing.
Do you accept referrals for sport psychology?
Yes, our Melbourne-based sport psychologists accept referrals from athletes, coaches, and medical professionals. We also welcome direct referrals from AFLPA for players seeking performance support, mental skills training, or assistance managing pressure in elite sport.
Positive Wellbeing Psychology is proud to be a preferred provider for the AFLPA Mental Health and Wellbeing team. This dedicated service is delivered by AHPRA-registered psychologists with specialised expertise in elite sport. Referrals may come via clubs, agents, or the AFL, but members wishing to access services directly should contact the AFLPA wellbeing team to arrange a service agreement at wellbeingservice@aflplayers.com.au or phone 1800 448 903.
Can AFLPA members be referred directly to your sport psychologist?
Absolutely. AFLPA members can be referred directly to our sports psychologist Melbourne clinic. We provide confidential, evidence-based support to help AFLPA players optimise performance, manage stress, and maintain wellbeing both on and off the field. Positive Wellbeing Psychology is proud to be a preferred provider for the AFLPA and have welcomed direct referrals from AFLPA Mental Health and Wellbeing team since our doors opened.
This dedicated service is delivered by AHPRA-registered psychologists with specialised expertise in elite sport. Referrals may come via clubs, agents, or the AFL, but members wishing to access services directly should contact the AFLPA wellbeing team to arrange a service agreement at wellbeingservice@aflplayers.com.au or phone 1800 448 903.
How Positive Wellbeing Psychology Can Help?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our Melbourne psychology practice offers access to experienced psychologists specialising in sports psychology and performance anxiety. Whether you’re seeking support for athletic performance or managing stress related to competition, our team is here to help.
Performance psychology uses targeted interventions to optimise behaviour and enhance performance in high-pressure sports environments. Drawing on comprehensive psychological expertise and evidence-based techniques, a sports psychologist helps clients unlock their full potential, perform effectively in competitive settings, and overcome cognitive, emotional, behavioural, or practical barriers that may impede peak performance.
Make an Appointment
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we offer flexible appointments with our psychologists during the day, evening, or weekends, both in-person at our Melbourne psychology practice or online via telehealth.
Our team of psychologists hold full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to ethical guidelines as mandated by the Psychologists Registration Board and the Australian Psychological Society. Our clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based treatment approaches, ensuring comprehensive support for sport psychology and performance anxiety in adults, to improve mood, endurance and performance outcomes.