Sports Performance, Injury/Pain Management
Sports Performance Program
Dr. Raymond J. Petras, B.E., M.A., Ph.D.
Tailback's-Amazing Side-line Relief & Sports Performance
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
MENTAL TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE
What is the Psychology of Performance?
Simply put, psychology (mental training) 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 (mental training) 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 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, MNGroup 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 today's 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-Women's 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, MNFREQUENTLY 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 plateaued 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 physical reduction of pain due to injury. Profiles of injury-prone individuals are emerging along with mental methods to reduce pain and speed healing.
Dr. Raymond J. Petras, B.E., M.A., Ph.D.
www.reliefforyou.com, drpetras@reliefforyou.com, 1.888.447.1429
I. Programs
Sports Performance
Performance Enhancement
Sports-Injury/Pain Management
Weight Loss & Smoking Cessation
Hypnosis, Reiki
Visualization
Imagery
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™ - CD's"
Performance Enhancement
Pain Management
Visualization
Relaxation
Weight Loss
Smoking Cessation
Remembering Dance Routines
