Overcoming Mental Blocks

Whether on the golf course, in the classroom, on stage or in the office, you may have experienced what experts call performance blocks. With some cases being more severe than others, there are specific treatments available for those who seek it.

"People develop problems related to performance for a number of reasons," said Dr. Jack Watson, associate professor of sport and exercise psychology at WVU. "Many times it's related to a critical event in life, a previous poor performance -- like missing a critical shot."

Dr. Ed Etzel, professor of sport and exercise psychology and psychologist with Intercollegiate Athletics at WVU said, "If someone experiences an injury, or considerable anxiety, fear or shame, it is possible that they have been traumatized in some way. The brain and the body are going to remember that. Those types of [mental] difficulties are acquired."

No matter what originally triggers the problem, Watson and Etzel said treatment needs to be specifically catered to each individual.

"We have to make sure people are using their strengths to overcome these tensions," Watson said.

According to Etzel, two important ways to treat these common challenges are through body-to-mind or mind-to-body interventions.

"An example of a body-to-mind would be doing something physical to cope with a mental issue," he said. "Examples are stretching, jogging or practicing a skill such as progressive muscle relaxation before doing a presentation to relieve anxiety and become more attentive to the moment.

"Two mind-to-body examples are using positive self-talk or imagery to help a person cope with a challenging situation."

Dr. George Moses, executive director of Morgantown Pastoral Counseling Center for 22 years explained an ideal use of imagery.

"It's using a mental image of yourself doing a performance flawlessly," he said. "Going through the particular skill you're trying to achieve [mentally], over and over until you get it down perfectly."

Moses was team counselor for the WVU rifle team from 1986-1990.