Mental health and performance support for athletes
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre work with athletes, coaches and performers on both performance and wellbeing. That might mean managing pre-competition anxiety, rebuilding confidence after a loss or injury, or dealing with the stress, low mood or burnout that can build up behind the scenes.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: November 2026
What can psychology help athletes with?
Performance anxiety and pressure
Nerves before competition are normal and can even help. Problems start when worry, overthinking or physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea or tight muscles get in the way of performing as you do in training.
Confidence and self-talk
Harsh self-criticism, fear of failure and dwelling on mistakes can undermine performance. Therapy helps you notice unhelpful patterns and build steadier, more useful self-talk.
Focus and concentration
Learning to stay present, reset after errors and manage distractions, including crowds, selection pressure and social media.
Injury and recovery
Injury can bring frustration, low mood, loss of identity and fear of re-injury. Psychological support helps with rehabilitation, motivation and confidence when returning to play.
Slumps, burnout and loss of motivation
When training stops feeling rewarding, or you feel exhausted and flat despite effort, a psychologist can help you work out what is happening and what needs to change. See our page on stress and burnout.
Anxiety, depression and eating concerns
Athletes experience the same mental health conditions as everyone else, sometimes made worse by sport culture and body image pressures. See our pages on anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Transitions and life after sport
Retirement, de-selection or a change in level can bring grief and uncertainty about who you are outside sport.
Conflict with coaches, teammates or family
Support to communicate clearly, manage conflict and handle pressure from others’ expectations.
What does a session involve?
Sessions are practical and tailored to your goals. Your psychologist or counsellor will start by understanding your sport, your history and what you would like to change, then work with you on skills you can take straight into training and competition.
Approaches may include:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to change thinking patterns that drive anxiety and self-doubt
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to perform well even when nerves are present, guided by what matters to you
- Mindfulness and attention training to stay focused and recover quickly from mistakes
- Arousal regulation such as breathing and relaxation techniques to manage nerves
- Imagery and pre-performance routines to build consistency under pressure
- Goal setting that supports motivation without adding pressure
- EMDR where a past injury, accident or performance experience still triggers fear. EMDR is an area of specialist expertise at our Centre.
You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Do I need to be an elite athlete?
No. Psychology can help anyone whose sport, exercise or performance matters to them, from juniors and weekend competitors to master athletes, coaches, musicians and other performers. The same skills also help with public speaking, exams and high-pressure work.
How do I book an appointment?
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will talk through what you are looking for and suggest a suitable practitioner. You do not need a referral to book.
- Decide how you would like to pay. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP may give you a Medicare rebate. Performance-focused sessions without a mental health concern are usually not covered by Medicare. Private health insurance may also apply.
- Attend your first session in person or online. Online and telephone sessions are available if you train or compete away from Brisbane.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, near the Brisbane CBD, about five minutes’ walk from Central Station. We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Meet the psychologists and counsellors or see our fees and rebates.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychologist help with performance anxiety in sport?
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist as an athlete?
Does Medicare cover sessions for athletes?
How much does it cost?
Can a psychologist help me come back from injury?
Do you work with young athletes?
Can I have sessions online if I am travelling for sport?
Is what I discuss kept confidential from my coach or club?
Can psychology help performers who are not athletes?
Where are you located and is there parking?
We can help
Sport asks a lot of you, physically and mentally, and the pressure does not always stay on the field. Whether you are chasing a goal, coming back from a setback or simply want to enjoy your sport again, talking with someone who understands can make a real difference.
The psychologists and counsellors who attend Brisbane Counselling Centre can help you build the mental skills and resilience to perform at your best and feel more like yourself, in sport and in life. Take the step and reach out today.
Please call to speak with our reception team, or send us a message. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
