In order to excel in any sport an athlete must be committed and believe in themselves. Reaching the top goes beyond the love of the game and one's potential. Most athletes would agree that one of the largest components in excelling is mental. Even world-class athletes sometimes have a slump at a crucial part in their very successful careers. Marathon runners will frequently talk about how three quarters of the way through the race they sometimes hit what they call "a wall." These are some of the issues that can be addressed with hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis can be of service to any level of athlete regardless of age, skill level or sport. The practitioner takes them through visual imagery and mental rehearsal of positive experiences and feelings, success and achievement within the competition, to raise confidence and boost the belief in ability to perform. Exercises are used for concentration and focus, to dismiss negative experiences, learn from past errors, mistakes or losses and control anxiety.

Hypnosis is also used teach the athlete how to detach from distractions and doubt. During a pre-session interview, the client is asked what their presenting issues are to find out what they feel is holding them back and what they may be struggling with. What do they want to change, improve or eliminate? This includes any behaviors, reactions, attitudes, beliefs, feelings or old programming in which they may be stuck.

With hypnosis all of the senses are used along with feelings and positive thoughts to enhance confidence, calm and energy. This intensified focus allows less time for the intrusion of negative thoughts, anxiety and tension, which are some of the leading reasons for performance failure. A skilled hypnotherapist is able to assist athletes in reaching what many call "the zone" and enjoy their peak performance. The athlete can also be programmed to assess performance while they are in action and to see any upcoming mistakes and correct them before they happen.

Hypnosis is also used to remove emotional blockages affecting performance, help get a good night's sleep before an important event, and control anger or any other inappropriate reactions. It can help with improving dietary choices and consistent practice schedules, as well as assist with healing injuries and increase tolerance to pain.

Hypnosis has become one of the best-kept secrets in the sports world. Many who use this technique don't want others to know their secret. Famous athletes who have used hypnosis include Mary Lou Retton, Michael Jordan, boxer Ken Norton, Tiger Woods, Jimmy Connors, Jack Nicholas, Kоbе Brуаnt аnd Shаqu O’Nеаl. Among those who used it for career success are Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Mozart, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Sir Winston Churchill. Princess Kate Middleton used hypno birthing to stay calm and to manage pain during her children's delivery.

Robin Graves, a Certified Master Hypnotherapist, can be reached at Healthy Reflections in the Main Street Professional Building, 1069 Main St, Suite 218, Sebastian. 772-571-7745. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and visit HealthyReflectionsHypnotherapy.com.