SPORT PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Dr. Raymond J. Petras, B.E., M.A., Ph.D.

Tailback's-Amazing Side-line Relief & Sports Performance

Thank you for your inquiry into using sport psychology to enhance your performance.  The following information will give you a brief look into sport psychology and my approach.

MY APPROACH (In my office, on-site, Over the Phone)

The sessions are generally conducted in a comfortable office setting, but can be held on-site or over the phone.  The session usually includes a brief interview, instruction and practice, post session interview and discussion. Office sessions may be followed by actual physical performance on the field.  These techniques are tailored to meet your needs and may vary from individual to individual.  Generally, the sessions last 20 to 50 minutes but may take up to a few hours.

Mental training is most effective in the context of a predetermined series of sessions.  These sessions may be daily, weekly or monthly, depending on personal needs and objectives. Although many individuals report significant progress toward their goal after only a few sessions, one must understand that it takes time to change.

"The feeling is what you are after, rather than just picturing it.  It was through actually feeling it in my mind that I started to make all my jumps consistent."  Brian Orser, Olympic Silver Medalist - Figure Skater

 PSYCHOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE

What is the Psychology of Performance?

Simply put, psychology is the study of the mind and its behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity of an individual or group.  Performance Psychology is the study and application of the characteristics of the mind as it relates to performance.

How important is the mental aspect of performance?

Extremely important.  Most individuals at the elite, professional levels feel that mental preparation is the difference between winning and losing.

 

Which group improved the most?

In the U.S.,  sport psychology has been used to correct problems.  Soviet Sport Psychology, however, concentrates on creating methods to maximize performance.  In one experiment, four matched groups of world-class Soviet athletes diligently trained before the 1980 Winter Games at Lake Placid, as follows:

 

Group I-           100% Physical Training

Group II-           75% Physical Training, 25% Mental

Group III-          50% Physical Training, 50% Mental

Group IV-          25% Physical Training, 75% Mental

 

Which group showed the greatest improvement?  See Below.

 

Mental Training/Performance Psychology has been proven to be a valuable tool and is becoming a necessity for many coaches and athletes looking for "THE EDGE."

"I always treated every race as if it were the Olympics, so when I raced in the Games I was mentally ready. "  Bonnie Blair, 5 - Olympic Gold Medals, USA Speedskating.

"I feel that Dr. Petras has improved me 100% on my mental preparation this year."  Gary Trettel, Football-1990 All American, UST, St. Paul, MN

Group IV.  Taken from Peak Performance-Mental Training Techniques of the Worlds Greatest Athletes by Charles A. Garfield, Ph.D.

 

THE EDGE

With more research and experience behind them, serious athletes are speaking out on the benefits of mental training.  More and more individuals are looking for qualified mental trainers to teach them practical techniques to handle the stresses of competition and enhance performance.  Organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP) are working hard to develop guidelines for mental trainers and to disseminate up-to-date information in the field by holding comprehensive seminars.

 

Mental training must be included along with physical training to meet todays demand for excellence.  Those that fail to incorporate mental training into their programs may find themselves unable to catch up.

 

 

IT WORKS!!

 

"Dr. Petras various techniques of visualization and relaxation helped me to focus and gave me a quiet confidence I needed to perform at my very best."  Ron Backes, 1992 US Olympic Shot-put-Barcelona, St. Paul, MN

 

 

"The real purpose of games is to teach us things that will be valuable for the rest of our lives."  Fred Shoemaker, Professional Golf Instructor

 

 

"I always believed that I had all the answers for my athletes, but suddenly I found I was helpless in dealing with an athletes problem.  I never really believed in sport psychologists.  Dr. Petras changed that.  I have total confidence in Dr. Petras."  Joe Sweeney, Coach-Womens Cross Country Running, University of St. Thomas, MN

 

 

 "I have done a lot of reading.  Dr. Petras is one of the few people in the country doing these types of things with athletes.  His work with pain and injury is unique."  Vic Wallace, Head Football Coach, Lambuth University, TN; UST, St. Paul, MN

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

How can I benefit by using mental training techniques?

You can benefit in many ways.  Better preparation, increased confidence, and more focused performance.  One Olympic caliber swimmer, who had plateau for three years, set three personal bests in one meet, after just two sessions of mental training.

 

Will messing with my mind hurt my performance?

No!   You unconsciously use mental techniques all the time.  Ever hear of psyching yourself up?  Getting up for the game?  Using mental training techniques in a structured and consistent way has been proven to enhance performance not hurt it.

 

Are these techniques proven, or will I be a guinea pig for someone?

Mental training is merely taking what you are already doing and structuring it.  Most techniques are well known and safe.  Although more research is needed, there is little that one needs to fear when working with a trained consultant.

 

Can these techniques be used to help with injuries?

Yes!  An exciting new area of health psychology has to do with the psychological reduction of pain due to injury.  Psychological profiles of injury-prone individuals are emerging along with psychological methods to reduce pain and speed healing.

 

FEES

 

Introductory Offer

Free - 15 minute Consultation to Determine What Program is Right for You

 

Dr. Raymond J. Petras, B.E., M.A., Ph.D.

www.reliefforyou.com, drpetras@reliefforyou.com

1.888.447.1429

 

I.  Programs

Prepay for five (5) or more sessions and receive a free "Give Your Self Permission" Audio Tape

 

Weight Loss & Smoking Cessation

Pain Management - Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Lyme Disease, more

Performance Enhancement

Sport Performance

Hypnosis

Reiki

Visualization

Imagery

 

*Discount if total amount prepaid [ppd.] - Checks or Cash

 

II.  Bach Essences

(Remedies that work on Specific Emotional States)

Formulations

1 - 4 essences (~3 week supply)

5 - 7 essences (~3 week supply)

 

III.  "Give Yourself Permission Tapes"

(Audio Tape Series)

 

Weight Loss

Smoking Cessation

Pain Management

Relaxation

Performance Enhancement

Visualization

Remembering Dance Routines

 

Call For Appointment - Dr. Raymond J. Petras - 1.888.447.1429