119 | Sport and Performance Psychology Techniques to Help Clients Enhance Cognitive Performance

In contemporary sports psychology, enhancing cognitive performance has emerged as a pivotal aspect in optimizing achievement. Drawing upon diverse theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, achieving peak performance, not just in sport but in life, integrates psychological interventions, neurocognitive training, and performance enhancement techniques to foster comprehensive cognitive development. The foundation of this rests on utilizing sport and performance psychology cognitive-behavioral techniques, encompassing goal setting, imagery, and self-talk, which have been demonstrated to bolster a performers’ focus, confidence, and resilience (Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 2019). Additionally, mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction, have shown promise in enhancing attentional control and emotional regulation, thereby optimizing cognitive functioning in sport contexts (Gardner & Moore, 2020). Psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will receive hands-on training on sport and performance psychology tools during this workshop. Participants will examine several evidence-based sports psychology approaches that can help performers enhance their mental toughness to achieve peak performance.