Mental Performance coaching

I (Dr Gareth Jones) am a Mental Performance Coach based in Sheffield. I have worked in mental performance coaching for almost 10 years, working with athletes from a variety of individual and team sports. I take an personable approach to supporting any athlete I work with through face to face or online one-to-one chats.

My aim as a mental performance coach is to support an athlete holistically, which in turn enables them to perform more optimally, more often. I utilise various evidence based methods, adapting to athlete needs using an athlete centred approach. Typical outcomes of working with a mental performance coach include improved confidence, anxiety control, motivation and concentration, amongst other things as well.

My background includes an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science with coaching (Northumbria University), a masters degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Northumbria University), a second masters degree in Psychology (Sheffield Hallam University) and a PhD in behavioural health psychology (University of Sheffield).

Top tip

A common theme I work with athletes on, relates to perspective. In short, it is important for us all to be mindful of the perspective or lens we are looking at a situation through. The common theme is that we get hyper focused on a situation or event and our perspective narrows. Often taking a step back to broaden our perspective is often a beneficial task. Ensure you take directed time to broaden your focus. This can help you assess goals, context, support confidence, anxiety control and motivation.