In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, talks with Aaron Petrie, LPC-MHSP, about helping athletes through therapy. They discuss how athletes can benefit from therapy, barriers to athletes starting therapy, athletes being people first, the concept of strength transfer, the importance of therapists practicing what we preach, congruence and authenticity in therapy, the mental skill of ‘acting as if’, how we can act our way into thinking and feeling differently, how you can improve your relationship with anxiety, how we have emotions for specific reasons, focusing on what can go well rather than focusing on what could go wrong, how unpleasant emotions are a normal part of making progress, the importance of thoughtfully choosing how we respond, work capacity, doing today what other people won’t do so that tomorrow we can do what other people can’t, how athletes respond to stress in their sport is how they respond to stress in their lives, the value of congratulating clients in therapy, discussing clients’ strengths in therapy, and guidance for therapists who work with athletes.
Books mentioned in this episode: On Being A Master Therapist by Jeffrey Kottler and Jon Carlson, On Being A Therapist by Jeffrey Kottler, The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser
Aaron Petrie is a highly experienced therapist for performers whose career has spanned diverse fields, including addiction treatment, private practice, teaching, and sports. Aaron's expertise shines through his work with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. Certified as both a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional and a Sports Psychology Coach, Aaron brings a unique blend of skills to his practice. His
work is not just about achieving excellence on the field or stage but fostering well-being and success in every aspect of life. Aaron's mission is to empower every client to reach their peak performance and live a fulfilling life.
Aaron Petrie's email: Advancedmentalperformance@gmail.com
Aaron Petrie's website: https://www.facebook.com/share/PEuZ5AMsr2VHRvJX/
Adam Barfoot's website: https://www.adambarfoottherapy.com/
Podcast email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com
