Sports Performance Counselling in Preston
For 20 years, I've dedicated my career to supporting others—first as a teacher and senior leader in schools, then as a sports psychology coach and now combined as a person-centred therapist.
You’re used to coping—but that doesn’t mean you’re not struggling. I offer person-centred counselling for high-functioning adults experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions. From the outside, things may look fine, yet inside can feel overwhelming, pressured, or stuck. I provide a warm, non-judgemental space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Working at your pace, I support you to build clarity, emotional resilience, and lasting balance. I also support adolescents with anxiety and emotional wellbeing, offering a safe, supportive environment grounded in professional training and lived experience.
For 20 years, I've dedicated my career to supporting others—first as a teacher and senior leader in schools, then as a sports psychology coach and now combined as a person-centred therapist.
You’re used to coping—but that doesn’t mean you’re not struggling. I offer person-centred counselling for high-functioning adults experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions. From the outside, things may look fine, yet inside can feel overwhelming, pressured, or stuck. I provide a warm, non-judgemental space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Working at your pace, I support you to build clarity, emotional resilience, and lasting balance. I also support adolescents with anxiety and emotional wellbeing, offering a safe, supportive environment grounded in professional training and lived experience.
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of experience across the NHS and private sector, I bring a compassionate and skilled approach to psychological care. Before qualifying as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, I worked as a mental health nurse, therapist and manager of two children's mental health services, gaining extensive experience supporting adults, children and families. My clinical work has included supporting people with anxiety, low mood, neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD, with a particular focus on trauma-informed and relational approaches.
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of experience across the NHS and private sector, I bring a compassionate and skilled approach to psychological care. Before qualifying as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, I worked as a mental health nurse, therapist and manager of two children's mental health services, gaining extensive experience supporting adults, children and families. My clinical work has included supporting people with anxiety, low mood, neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD, with a particular focus on trauma-informed and relational approaches.
Are you at a period in your life when emotional and psychological issues have become a concern for you. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to work with me in dealing with these issues. Begin your journey working on the concerns that you are struggling with, may feel difficult or overwhelming. These concerns that may have a repeating pattern, themes or life 'just not feeling right' I have experience of working with a range of life-limiting conditions
Are you at a period in your life when emotional and psychological issues have become a concern for you. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to work with me in dealing with these issues. Begin your journey working on the concerns that you are struggling with, may feel difficult or overwhelming. These concerns that may have a repeating pattern, themes or life 'just not feeling right' I have experience of working with a range of life-limiting conditions
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, loss, relationship challenges, financial worries, fear of the future, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I offer support in exploring your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I'm a BACP-registered counsellor working online across the UK. Real change starts from within. If you’re feeling ready to take that first step, I’m here to support you. By letting go of fear and the need for external validation, we’ll reveal the dreams and desires that align with your deepest calling. From there, we’ll design a practical, inspiring plan to turn those dreams into reality
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, loss, relationship challenges, financial worries, fear of the future, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I offer support in exploring your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I'm a BACP-registered counsellor working online across the UK. Real change starts from within. If you’re feeling ready to take that first step, I’m here to support you. By letting go of fear and the need for external validation, we’ll reveal the dreams and desires that align with your deepest calling. From there, we’ll design a practical, inspiring plan to turn those dreams into reality
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
Hi there and welcome. My name is GIyn Harris and I help my clients change the negative thoughts and behaviours that stop them reaching their full potential. I am qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also a Registered Mental Health Nurse. CBT is a widely recognised and respected psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. My participation in caving and climbing have given me an excellent understanding of fear, anxiety and panic, how to control the latter and this has proven to be a valuable asset when treating all types of anxiety disorders.
Hi there and welcome. My name is GIyn Harris and I help my clients change the negative thoughts and behaviours that stop them reaching their full potential. I am qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also a Registered Mental Health Nurse. CBT is a widely recognised and respected psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. My participation in caving and climbing have given me an excellent understanding of fear, anxiety and panic, how to control the latter and this has proven to be a valuable asset when treating all types of anxiety disorders.
I work with young people, adults, and families who struggle with feelings of anxiety, stress, low self esteem and low mood, worthlessness, and self-doubt. Perhaps you are an obsessive overthinker, struggling with OCD, or set excessively high standards/feel exhausted, and or are self-critical. We can work on techniques to relearn a more helpful and constructive view. How you talk to yourself matters. If your voice is unkind, it undermines your self-worth. What is important when dealing with stress or self criticism is to reframe our mindset towards it, but more crucial, to recover from it so that we don’t linger in this state.
I work with young people, adults, and families who struggle with feelings of anxiety, stress, low self esteem and low mood, worthlessness, and self-doubt. Perhaps you are an obsessive overthinker, struggling with OCD, or set excessively high standards/feel exhausted, and or are self-critical. We can work on techniques to relearn a more helpful and constructive view. How you talk to yourself matters. If your voice is unkind, it undermines your self-worth. What is important when dealing with stress or self criticism is to reframe our mindset towards it, but more crucial, to recover from it so that we don’t linger in this state.
Sometimes life becomes too much to carry alone. Whether you're a young person trying to make sense of a world that feels overwhelming, an adult navigating pain or uncertainty, or a parent watching your child struggle, you deserve a space where you can breathe, be honest, and feel genuinely heard.
At Alethos Therapies, I offer exactly that. Using a warm, person-centred and trauma-informed approach, I walk alongside you, at your pace, helping you find steadiness, self-understanding & a clearer sense of who you are & where you want to go
Sometimes life becomes too much to carry alone. Whether you're a young person trying to make sense of a world that feels overwhelming, an adult navigating pain or uncertainty, or a parent watching your child struggle, you deserve a space where you can breathe, be honest, and feel genuinely heard.
At Alethos Therapies, I offer exactly that. Using a warm, person-centred and trauma-informed approach, I walk alongside you, at your pace, helping you find steadiness, self-understanding & a clearer sense of who you are & where you want to go
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, facing life changes, grief, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, self harm or navigating neurodivergence, to mention a few.
You'll be welcomed into a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space, where you will be listened to, heard and validated.
Together, we'll collaborate towards a greater understanding of yourself, improved day-to-day well-being, personal growth and the confidence to thrive. I have had personal counselling myself over several years and lived experience of trauma.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, facing life changes, grief, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, self harm or navigating neurodivergence, to mention a few.
You'll be welcomed into a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space, where you will be listened to, heard and validated.
Together, we'll collaborate towards a greater understanding of yourself, improved day-to-day well-being, personal growth and the confidence to thrive. I have had personal counselling myself over several years and lived experience of trauma.
Hi, I'm John. I offer down to earth counselling to help you make sense of whatever it is you're experiencing. I will offer you time and space for you to talk through your problems confidentially. I am there to listen to you. I will not use complicated jargon but will listen to what you have to say, with an appropriate use of humour to put you at ease. I will try to see the world through your eyes, whilst not judging and being genuine. I served in the Royal Navy and worked in high pressured businesses. My Facebook Page is Counselling Minds. Also on Instagram, Linkedin and X. Thanks for reading! I hope to hear from you soon, John.
Hi, I'm John. I offer down to earth counselling to help you make sense of whatever it is you're experiencing. I will offer you time and space for you to talk through your problems confidentially. I am there to listen to you. I will not use complicated jargon but will listen to what you have to say, with an appropriate use of humour to put you at ease. I will try to see the world through your eyes, whilst not judging and being genuine. I served in the Royal Navy and worked in high pressured businesses. My Facebook Page is Counselling Minds. Also on Instagram, Linkedin and X. Thanks for reading! I hope to hear from you soon, John.
Do you feel like you’ve lost yourself or as though life is a struggle? Are you finding it hard to live life in the way that you want? If so I believe I can help. Through one-to-one therapy sessions, I can support you to find clarity, calm, balance, and the tools to live a more fulfilled life as the very best version of you. I work with a variety of difficulties and have a particular interest and specialism in helping people who may be struggling to adjust to significant life events e.g. becoming a parent, menopausal changes, long term health conditions as well as people who have high standards or may be prone to self-criticism.
Do you feel like you’ve lost yourself or as though life is a struggle? Are you finding it hard to live life in the way that you want? If so I believe I can help. Through one-to-one therapy sessions, I can support you to find clarity, calm, balance, and the tools to live a more fulfilled life as the very best version of you. I work with a variety of difficulties and have a particular interest and specialism in helping people who may be struggling to adjust to significant life events e.g. becoming a parent, menopausal changes, long term health conditions as well as people who have high standards or may be prone to self-criticism.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What I love most about this work is the chance to really connect with people-understanding who you are, what you've been through, and what you long for. Therapy, is a space where we gently explore your inner world together, making room for clarity, calm, and meaningful change. I work with clients who experience a range of psychological challenges including:Depression; anxiety; PTSD; trauma; stress; phobia; relationship issues; interpersonal difficulties; work stress; grief & bereavement; sleep wake issues; addictive behaviours; health anxiety; pain; birth trauma; post-natal depression; problems with self-esteem and confidence.
What I love most about this work is the chance to really connect with people-understanding who you are, what you've been through, and what you long for. Therapy, is a space where we gently explore your inner world together, making room for clarity, calm, and meaningful change. I work with clients who experience a range of psychological challenges including:Depression; anxiety; PTSD; trauma; stress; phobia; relationship issues; interpersonal difficulties; work stress; grief & bereavement; sleep wake issues; addictive behaviours; health anxiety; pain; birth trauma; post-natal depression; problems with self-esteem and confidence.
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.
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.
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.
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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.