"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them; a desire, a dream, a vision."

EMDR therapists utilize EMDR protocols with high performing peoples such as athletes, creative and performing artists, by addressing the past experience(s) that are negatively affecting their production. Mish addresses performance anxiety, self-defeating beliefs, behavioral inhibition, post traumatic stress and psychological recovery from injury EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). However, its applications have expanded beyond trauma to include various other mental health issues and performance enhancement in domains such as sports psychology.

In the context of athletics, EMDR therapy can be beneficial in several ways:

1. Reducing Performance Anxiety: Athletes often experience performance anxiety, which can hinder their ability to perform optimally. EMDR can help athletes process and desensitize the underlying causes of their anxiety, whether they stem from past experiences, negative beliefs, or fear of failure.
2. Enhancing Focus and Concentration: EMDR therapy can help athletes improve their focus and concentration by addressing and resolving distractions, intrusive thoughts, or emotional disturbances that may interfere with their performance.
3. Building Resilience: Athletes face various challenges, setbacks, and failures throughout their careers. EMDR therapy can assist athletes in building resilience by helping them reprocess past failures or injuries, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a more positive and adaptive mindset.
4. Promoting Mental Toughness: Mental toughness is essential for athletes to overcome adversity, stay motivated, and maintain confidence in their abilities. EMDR therapy can contribute to the development of mental toughness by addressing and resolving underlying psychological barriers and self-limiting beliefs.
5. Accelerating Skill Acquisition: EMDR therapy can facilitate the acquisition and refinement of athletic skills by addressing psychological blocks or barriers that may impede learning and performance improvement.
6. Improving Overall Well-Being: Optimal athletic performance is not just about physical prowess but also about mental and emotional well-being. EMDR therapy can contribute to athletes' overall well-being by reducing stress, improving self-awareness, and enhancing emotional regulation.
7. Facilitating Recovery from Injury: Injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete's journey, and they can have significant psychological implications. EMDR therapy can aid in the psychological recovery process by addressing trauma associated with the injury, reducing fear of reinjury, and promoting a positive attitude towards rehabilitation.

Overall, EMDR therapy can be a valuable tool for athletes seeking to overcome psychological barriers, enhance performance, and achieve their peak potential in sports. By addressing underlying issues and promoting psychological resilience, EMDR therapy can contribute to athletes' holistic development and well-being.