Sports Performance Counselling in Altrincham

Mental Fitness Matters by Dr Oliver Twizell
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
I’ve supported premier league football clubs, the RFU, and RYA, and through the UK Sports Institute, Olympic athletes.
I help high performers balance career demands and personal life, building mental resilience and clarity. Using a confidential, research-informed approach, I guide you in understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I support your growth with effective coping strategies and emotional regulation, fostering lasting change and enhancing mental fitness.
I’ve supported premier league football clubs, the RFU, and RYA, and through the UK Sports Institute, Olympic athletes.
I help high performers balance career demands and personal life, building mental resilience and clarity. Using a confidential, research-informed approach, I guide you in understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I support your growth with effective coping strategies and emotional regulation, fostering lasting change and enhancing mental fitness.
01925 931096 View 01925 931096
Francesca Dorough
Counsellor, MA, UKCP Trainee
2 Endorsed
Sports and performance experience enriches my practice and supports client growth
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or stuck, even if you can’t fully explain why. Perhaps work, relationships, or life changes have left you questioning yourself, your choices, or your sense of direction. I work with adults and couples who want to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and make meaningful, lasting change, rather than relying on quick fixes or coping strategies that don’t hold. Therapy with me offers space to slow down, think clearly, and explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, so you can move forward with greater confidence and agency.
Sports and performance experience enriches my practice and supports client growth
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or stuck, even if you can’t fully explain why. Perhaps work, relationships, or life changes have left you questioning yourself, your choices, or your sense of direction. I work with adults and couples who want to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and make meaningful, lasting change, rather than relying on quick fixes or coping strategies that don’t hold. Therapy with me offers space to slow down, think clearly, and explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, so you can move forward with greater confidence and agency.
0161 524 4146 View 0161 524 4146
Therapy With Amber
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, or processing the impact of a significant life event. Often, we find ourselves repeating patterns we don’t fully understand, outwardly competent, high performing, yet internally disconnected from a sense of satisfaction or happiness. As a CBT psychotherapist, I combine evidence-based approaches with genuine curiosity and compassion. I offer a safe, supportive space where we can gently explore your experiences, make sense of what’s happened, and work collaboratively to create meaningful lifelong change.
Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, or processing the impact of a significant life event. Often, we find ourselves repeating patterns we don’t fully understand, outwardly competent, high performing, yet internally disconnected from a sense of satisfaction or happiness. As a CBT psychotherapist, I combine evidence-based approaches with genuine curiosity and compassion. I offer a safe, supportive space where we can gently explore your experiences, make sense of what’s happened, and work collaboratively to create meaningful lifelong change.
0161 524 8070 View 0161 524 8070
Jack Brown
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
3 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
You've tried everything to "fix" your OCD. You've read self-help books, googled all sorts, promised to try harder tomorrow. But here's what you've discovered: the more you fight it, the worse it gets. The checking spirals. The avoidance spreads. The intrusive thoughts get louder and louder. You're exhausted from battling your own mind, and you're wondering if maybe you're just broken. Here's the truth: you're not broken. Your brain is doing exactly what brains do, it's trying to keep you safe, just in a not so useful way. The pathways back to the life you want are still there; you just need someone who can help you see them again.
You've tried everything to "fix" your OCD. You've read self-help books, googled all sorts, promised to try harder tomorrow. But here's what you've discovered: the more you fight it, the worse it gets. The checking spirals. The avoidance spreads. The intrusive thoughts get louder and louder. You're exhausted from battling your own mind, and you're wondering if maybe you're just broken. Here's the truth: you're not broken. Your brain is doing exactly what brains do, it's trying to keep you safe, just in a not so useful way. The pathways back to the life you want are still there; you just need someone who can help you see them again.
0161 524 4157 View 0161 524 4157
Neal Trotman
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Hi, and thanks for reading. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, whether you’re a teenager, young adult, or adult. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Sometimes having someone to listen, understand, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing can make all the difference.
Hi, and thanks for reading. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, whether you’re a teenager, young adult, or adult. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Sometimes having someone to listen, understand, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing can make all the difference.
0161 524 0416 View 0161 524 0416
Mobeen Akhtar
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sharing difficulties with a stranger can be daunting, but often better than facing them alone. Explore your experiences during our sessions together and find a way to understand, cope and thrive in this ever challenging world. Start today.
Sharing difficulties with a stranger can be daunting, but often better than facing them alone. Explore your experiences during our sessions together and find a way to understand, cope and thrive in this ever challenging world. Start today.
0161 524 8631 View 0161 524 8631
Janine Lee Norris
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience supporting adults with PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and related emotional difficulties. I offer a compassionate, strength-based approach, supporting self-esteem, resilience, and personal growth. As a therapist with lived experience, I bring an authentic understanding of trauma and anxiety and offer support for neurodivergent adults. My work is grounded in CBT and EMDR, with a specialism in trauma. I am also qualified Yoga Teacher, with a strong focus nervous system regulation.
I’m a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience supporting adults with PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and related emotional difficulties. I offer a compassionate, strength-based approach, supporting self-esteem, resilience, and personal growth. As a therapist with lived experience, I bring an authentic understanding of trauma and anxiety and offer support for neurodivergent adults. My work is grounded in CBT and EMDR, with a specialism in trauma. I am also qualified Yoga Teacher, with a strong focus nervous system regulation.
01925 598713 View 01925 598713
Dr Rachel Burgon Therapies
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I am a Clinical Psychologist based in Manchester (North West) offering remote therapy to anywhere! My NHS work includes delivering therapy to children/young people, and I also offer private therapy for children and adults (aged 18+) that is tailored to you. Difficulties I've supported include anxiety, depression, phobias, traumas & OCD. Having completed a Masters in Eating Disorders and Nutrition, I also specialise in supporting those with eating difficulties/disorders. Finally, I work privately with athletes to support their mental health. I'll always focus on your goals and what you would like to achieve from attending therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist based in Manchester (North West) offering remote therapy to anywhere! My NHS work includes delivering therapy to children/young people, and I also offer private therapy for children and adults (aged 18+) that is tailored to you. Difficulties I've supported include anxiety, depression, phobias, traumas & OCD. Having completed a Masters in Eating Disorders and Nutrition, I also specialise in supporting those with eating difficulties/disorders. Finally, I work privately with athletes to support their mental health. I'll always focus on your goals and what you would like to achieve from attending therapy.
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Hannah Paskin - Business Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
This isn't a blip. You can't just push through. Not anymore. You've built a good career & life. But you're burnt-out, stressed & your confidence has taken a hit. You're not coping anymore, and it's time to understand why. I'm the therapist for business owners and professionals in demanding roles. My job is to ask the questions you haven't thought to ask, uncover the blind spots you can't yet see, and help you connect the dots so everything finally starts to make sense. I know you're used to doing it alone, I know you're frustrated. I know you're looking for answers & solutions, not endless conversation. That's what I'm here for.
This isn't a blip. You can't just push through. Not anymore. You've built a good career & life. But you're burnt-out, stressed & your confidence has taken a hit. You're not coping anymore, and it's time to understand why. I'm the therapist for business owners and professionals in demanding roles. My job is to ask the questions you haven't thought to ask, uncover the blind spots you can't yet see, and help you connect the dots so everything finally starts to make sense. I know you're used to doing it alone, I know you're frustrated. I know you're looking for answers & solutions, not endless conversation. That's what I'm here for.
01606 663663 View 01606 663663

More Therapists Nearby

Thomas Buck
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Online Only
Led by Dr Thomas Buck, the consultancy draws on over a decade of applied experience working within professional football, rugby, golf, olympic sports and multidisciplinary performance teams, integrating evidence-informed practice from Sport Psychology into the daily demands of elite competition.
TB Sport Psychology provides applied performance psychology consultancy to elite and aspiring professional athletes competing in high-pressure, high-performance sporting environments. Led by Dr Thomas Buck, the consultancy draws on over a decade of applied experience working within professional football and multidisciplinary performance teams, integrating evidence-informed practice from Sport Psychology into the daily demands of elite competition.
Led by Dr Thomas Buck, the consultancy draws on over a decade of applied experience working within professional football, rugby, golf, olympic sports and multidisciplinary performance teams, integrating evidence-informed practice from Sport Psychology into the daily demands of elite competition.
TB Sport Psychology provides applied performance psychology consultancy to elite and aspiring professional athletes competing in high-pressure, high-performance sporting environments. Led by Dr Thomas Buck, the consultancy draws on over a decade of applied experience working within professional football and multidisciplinary performance teams, integrating evidence-informed practice from Sport Psychology into the daily demands of elite competition.
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Dr John Kenneth Pates
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Sport Psych.
Serves Area
I have coached 5 Major winners in golf, the 2014 Ryder Cup team, over 30 PGA tour winners, World champions, Olympic champions, National and International Sports teams, and athletes from almost every sport.
I’m Dr. John Pates, a performance psychologist with 30+ years’ experience helping elite performers excel. I specialise in flow, mindset, and high-performance psychology, working with Major champions, Ryder Cup teams, Olympic athletes, leaders, and creatives to unlock clarity, confidence, and peak performance under pressure.
I have coached 5 Major winners in golf, the 2014 Ryder Cup team, over 30 PGA tour winners, World champions, Olympic champions, National and International Sports teams, and athletes from almost every sport.
I’m Dr. John Pates, a performance psychologist with 30+ years’ experience helping elite performers excel. I specialise in flow, mindset, and high-performance psychology, working with Major champions, Ryder Cup teams, Olympic athletes, leaders, and creatives to unlock clarity, confidence, and peak performance under pressure.
01684 211658 View 01684 211658
AJL Consultancy
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Award Winning Mental Performance Coach Specialising In Youth Sport Proud to be developing and improving athletes from tier 1 Academies such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, as well as amateur and professional athletes in rugby, golf, tennis, athletics, swimming, boxing, ice hockey and triathlon. Have you or your child suffered a dip in confidence and self-belief? Struggling with pre-competition nerves or performance anxiety that is preventing you from performing at your best when it counts? Is your child struggling with the mental demands that youth sport can bring? Is your team struggling to fulfil its potential?
Award Winning Mental Performance Coach Specialising In Youth Sport Proud to be developing and improving athletes from tier 1 Academies such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, as well as amateur and professional athletes in rugby, golf, tennis, athletics, swimming, boxing, ice hockey and triathlon. Have you or your child suffered a dip in confidence and self-belief? Struggling with pre-competition nerves or performance anxiety that is preventing you from performing at your best when it counts? Is your child struggling with the mental demands that youth sport can bring? Is your team struggling to fulfil its potential?
0151 453 3094 View 0151 453 3094
Georgina Helen Gardner Stockley
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Georgina offers an exploratory space for adults, young people and couples who feel hopeless, helpless or at a loss. She provides warm and gentle therapy to anyone experiencing distress, from anxiety and depression, to trauma and abuse. She aims to hold you securely and buttress you strongly so that you can examine things that are frightening or that seem impossible to deal with. Georgina has particular clinical experience with C-PTSD and bereavement. Her first career was as a competitive swimmer and so particularly enjoys working with other athletes who are examining their relationship with their sport.
Georgina offers an exploratory space for adults, young people and couples who feel hopeless, helpless or at a loss. She provides warm and gentle therapy to anyone experiencing distress, from anxiety and depression, to trauma and abuse. She aims to hold you securely and buttress you strongly so that you can examine things that are frightening or that seem impossible to deal with. Georgina has particular clinical experience with C-PTSD and bereavement. Her first career was as a competitive swimmer and so particularly enjoys working with other athletes who are examining their relationship with their sport.
0121 661 3670 View 0121 661 3670
Anna Leishman
Psychologist, HCPC - Sport Psych.
Online Only
I have worked with diverse groups/individuals from a wide range of sports, sporting levels, demographics and age ranges and believe that sport psychology support is for everyone.
Sport psychology isn't one size fits all. In our initial call I will collaborate with you to understand why you are interested in sport psychology and the possible next steps. I am experienced in supporting a range of issues including: competitive anxiety, purpose and meaning, sporting transitions, injury, motivation, confidence and sport/life balance.
I have worked with diverse groups/individuals from a wide range of sports, sporting levels, demographics and age ranges and believe that sport psychology support is for everyone.
Sport psychology isn't one size fits all. In our initial call I will collaborate with you to understand why you are interested in sport psychology and the possible next steps. I am experienced in supporting a range of issues including: competitive anxiety, purpose and meaning, sporting transitions, injury, motivation, confidence and sport/life balance.
0151 453 9947 View 0151 453 9947
Sara Eydmann
Counsellor, BACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Something brought you here. I work with young adults and adults navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, burnout, and the pressures that come with high performance and perfectionism. Often these things overlap. You might be an athlete, a high-achiever, or someone who looks fine from the outside but is quietly struggling. You might be neurodivergent, or suspect you are; many of my clients are. You don't have to be at crisis point to deserve support. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you found this page.
Something brought you here. I work with young adults and adults navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, burnout, and the pressures that come with high performance and perfectionism. Often these things overlap. You might be an athlete, a high-achiever, or someone who looks fine from the outside but is quietly struggling. You might be neurodivergent, or suspect you are; many of my clients are. You don't have to be at crisis point to deserve support. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you found this page.
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Andy Blyth
Psychologist, HCPC - Sport Psych.
Serves Area
When you are navigating rehabilitation, it is common to feel stuck. I work with individuals who are physically recovering from an injury but find themselves struggling with the psychological impact. You might be experiencing a fear of re-injury, anxiety about returning to your training, or feeling a profound loss of identity now that your usual routine has been disrupted. Rehabilitation is a slow, often gruelling process. My aim is to help you process these changes, rebuild confidence in your body, and safely cross the final hurdle back to the activities you value.
When you are navigating rehabilitation, it is common to feel stuck. I work with individuals who are physically recovering from an injury but find themselves struggling with the psychological impact. You might be experiencing a fear of re-injury, anxiety about returning to your training, or feeling a profound loss of identity now that your usual routine has been disrupted. Rehabilitation is a slow, often gruelling process. My aim is to help you process these changes, rebuild confidence in your body, and safely cross the final hurdle back to the activities you value.
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Irfan Qureshi
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
1 Endorsed
Rochdale OL11
I work in multiple areas, such as anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), relationship, health issues, work and life balance, sports performance, work performance, relationship difficulties and barriers to a healthy lifestyle.
I am specialised in sport and exercise psychology, primarily concerned with the application of psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in athletes/general public. I am a former cricket player and now enjoy endurance running, so I have insights into how I can help in wider areas, either sports-specific or day-to-day issues.
I work in multiple areas, such as anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), relationship, health issues, work and life balance, sports performance, work performance, relationship difficulties and barriers to a healthy lifestyle.
I am specialised in sport and exercise psychology, primarily concerned with the application of psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in athletes/general public. I am a former cricket player and now enjoy endurance running, so I have insights into how I can help in wider areas, either sports-specific or day-to-day issues.
01706 392983 View 01706 392983
Nadav Ephrat
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Sport Psych.
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Sports expertise only helps to apply this general knowledge to specific issues.
As a psychologist specialising in performance, my approach is centred on the belief that every individual has the potential for growth, self-awareness, and fulfilment. I focus on creating a safe, empathetic environment where we can explore your thoughts and feelings, particularly as they relate to your well-being, and overall life balance. We will collaborate together to discover your needs and find ways to support them. Through this shared experience, I found clients experience more fulfillment in a way that is true to themselves.
Sports expertise only helps to apply this general knowledge to specific issues.
As a psychologist specialising in performance, my approach is centred on the belief that every individual has the potential for growth, self-awareness, and fulfilment. I focus on creating a safe, empathetic environment where we can explore your thoughts and feelings, particularly as they relate to your well-being, and overall life balance. We will collaborate together to discover your needs and find ways to support them. Through this shared experience, I found clients experience more fulfillment in a way that is true to themselves.
01923 311910 View 01923 311910
I am a dedicated and passionate sports performance mindset coach with extensive experience in both football and athletics.
Sport demands both individual excellence and seamless teamwork, I have honed my expertise in fostering a winning mindset. From working with players and to enhance their focus during high-pressure situations to guiding teams in building resilient and cohesive mental frameworks, I have been instrumental in elevating performance levels on and off the field.
I am a dedicated and passionate sports performance mindset coach with extensive experience in both football and athletics.
Sport demands both individual excellence and seamless teamwork, I have honed my expertise in fostering a winning mindset. From working with players and to enhance their focus during high-pressure situations to guiding teams in building resilient and cohesive mental frameworks, I have been instrumental in elevating performance levels on and off the field.
0161 524 7226 View 0161 524 7226
Cheryl Ramsay
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
A limited number of sliding-scale concession slots are reserved specifically for injured athletes or individuals facing difficult sports career transitions.
My ideal clients are athletes, professionals, and high achievers trapped in cycles of severe anxiety, perfectionism, or performance blocks. They come to my practice because overthinking, fear of failure, or high alert has taken over their lives, causing profound distress and physical exhaustion. Working together, we don’t just talk about the pressure; we use structured, Trauma-Focused CBT to break these cycles. I provide practical tools to calm your nervous system, dismantle your inner critic, and process setbacks. We tackle both thoughts and behaviours to rebuild your psychological safety, confidence, and peak well-being.
A limited number of sliding-scale concession slots are reserved specifically for injured athletes or individuals facing difficult sports career transitions.
My ideal clients are athletes, professionals, and high achievers trapped in cycles of severe anxiety, perfectionism, or performance blocks. They come to my practice because overthinking, fear of failure, or high alert has taken over their lives, causing profound distress and physical exhaustion. Working together, we don’t just talk about the pressure; we use structured, Trauma-Focused CBT to break these cycles. I provide practical tools to calm your nervous system, dismantle your inner critic, and process setbacks. We tackle both thoughts and behaviours to rebuild your psychological safety, confidence, and peak well-being.
01475 602383 View 01475 602383

See more therapy options for Altrincham

Sports Performance Counsellors
How does sports psychology work?
Sports psychology helps athletes identify and overcome challenges, such as perfectionism or a fear of failure, and improve key mental skills, such as confidence or concentration. By applying principles and techniques from psychology, such as goal-setting, visualisation, positive self-talk, and emotion regulation, sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance on the field and their well-being overall.

How long does treatment for a sports-related problem take?
The duration of sports psychology treatment depends on the athlete’s individual challenges, goals, the complexity of the interventions used, and even on the length of the season. A performance anxiety issue may be treated with a short-term treatment, like Cognitive behavioural therapy, while issues such as depression, substance abuse, or severe anxiety may require longer-term treatments.

How effective is treatment for sports performance problems?
Sports psychology has been shown to improve performance and help athletes manage their emotions. Sports psychology can be effective in boosting performance, team dynamics, and injury rehabilitation. Over the past decade, nearly every professional sports team in every major sport has added a sports psychologist to its staff. Many colleges have done the same, and even some high school programs have done the same. Olympic hopefuls may consult with sports psychologists starting in elementary school.

What are the limitations of sports psychology?
Sports psychology may have several limitations. Every athlete is unique and may respond differently to sports psychology treatments. Therapy can help an athlete reach their potential; it can help athletes cope with injury and pain, but it cannot change the physical limitations that may be affecting an athlete’s performance.