Not only have I've worked with 100s of gymnasts going through mental blocks, I've also been a gymnast with a mental block. And I know how frustrating it is!
That's why I developed my 3-Part Mental Block Jumpstart Coaching Package to help your gymnast move through her gymnastics mental block and feel confident again.
One thing I wish I had known as a gymnast struggling with a mental block is WHY it kept happening to me (and no one else in the gym >>> or at least that's what it seemed like to me at the time).
I wish someone had explained to me why my brain kept putting on the brakes and how there was NOTHING wrong with me as a gymnast.
I wish someone had given me the tools to work through my mental block so I didn't feel so powerless.
But no one understood mental blocks...not my coaches, not my parents, and certainly not me.
So instead of getting help, I suffered. I cried A LOT. I gave up hope and wanted to quit. I was embarrassed most of the time. I was certain there was something terribly wrong with me. I compared myself to my teammates. I complained all the time.
Eventually I just avoided doing my blocked skill completely. My confidence was shot. And I was just a fraction of the gymnast I had been earlier in my gymnastics journey.
So I get it. I really do.
And on top of that, I'm also a parent. And I know what it's like to witness your child suffering in a sport they love some much and are really good at. I know the frustration of not being able to help. I know what it's like to feel helpless.
The Mental Block Jumpstart Package is the help I wish existed when I was a gymnast going through mental blocks!
What The 3-Session Mental Block Jumpstart Package Entails...
- Session 1: In this 30 minute 1-on-1 session, I gather information about your gymnast right from her mouth. I listen to any struggles she's had in the past, gym changes, toxic coaches, previous mental blocks, competition nerves, pressures & expectations, and anything else that is significant to her journey. I then explain to your gymnast WHY her brain is putting on the brakes. From there we quickly think about any pressures she might be under currently or at the time her mental block first started and then I give her my 3 Mental Block Rules. Within 48 hours of completing this session, I email over Chapter 1 of the Mental Block Jumpstart for her to read through and fill in. I also ask her to fill in an Awareness Log for about a week's worth of practices.
- Session 2: I typically meet back with your gymnast about 1 week later (or after she's had time to read through the chapter and fill in her log). We check in about her week and any struggles she might have had. Then we go through her answers to Chapter 1 and I answer any questions she might have about the information. We go through her Awareness Log to check for any "clues" and then we focus on some more tools including how to lighten the pressures she's been feeling. After this session is over, I email over Chapter 2 for your gymnast to read through and fill in.
- Session 3: Depending on how your gymnast is doing, this last session can be spaced out more than one week apart so that your gymnast has time to digest the material and try out the tools. This session is mainly focused on confidence building. As your gymnast is starting to have some "wins" in the gym, we want to keep the momentum going by continuing to build up her confidence and remind her of what a great gymnast she is. After this session, I email over the final chapter of the Mental Block Jumpstart for your gymnast to read through.
Some Common Questions
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Do I have to be in the room with my gymnast?
While I always give gymnasts the choice as to whether they want a parent there, ultimately most gymnasts prefer to chat with me alone so they can be open and honest about their struggles. However, for younger gymnasts and those who are hesitant, a parent is always welcome to join the Zoom.
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My gymnast is young. Can you still meet with her?
I've worked with competitive gymnasts as young as age 6. I can tailor the sessions to her age and level of understanding. However, the three chapter PDF that you receive each week is a somewhat lengthy read and will likely require you to read through it with your younger gymnast and check for understanding.
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How will I know what you talked about?
If you don't have your ear up to the door listening (lol!), be assured that I will followup with an email after every session. My first email details some of the rules we go over so you have an idea of what we discussed. My next two emails are typically just the next chapters along with a copy of the slides we worked on together. If there is anything that requires your attention, I will email you as necessary.
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Do you communicate with coaches?
I am always happy and willing to meet with (via zoom) or email your gymnast's coaches so that we are all on the same page. Some coaches are receptive to this. Others are not as open. I feel collaboration is the best way to get a gymnast through her mental block and that's why I offer a free 15 minute consultation with coaches that any coach can take advantage of.
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What is your success rate?
Let me start out by saying that a gymnast who experiences mental blocks may continue to experience mental blocks for a lot of her gymnastics journey IF she continues to fall into the same habits of thought. With that said, 95% of the gymnasts who work with me through the 3-session package end up progressing in their blocked skill and eventually doing their skill again. Whether they continue doing their skill for the long term depends on how diligent they are in using the tools I give them and noticing the thought patterns that keep coming up for them.
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What is the price for the package?
At the time of this publication, the Mental Block Jumpstart Package is $270 USD (subject to change). This includes three 30 minute 1-on-1 sessions as well as the PDF form of my Mental Block Jumpstart workbook. What I love about the PDF is that your gymnast always has the information to refer back to and can re-read chapters as a reminder if things get tough again. It also gives you, her parent, an opportunity to understand more about mental blocks so you know what's happening with your gymnast.
If you have more questions or would like to meet with me first before purchasing the package, please sign up for a complimentary 15 minute parent zoom.
While I know many of you want your gymnast to meet me before setting her up for a session, I respectfully ask that the parent zoom is just for parents/guardians. I don't like to talk openly about a gymnast's mental block from an adult perspective in front of your gymnast as it can put more pressure on your gymnast. She is welcome to pop her head in and say hi but I do not discuss a gymnast's mental block with her until our first session.
Download this FREE resource for parents
If you haven't already, download the Gymnastics Mental Block Guidebook for Parents. This free resource is packed with information about mental blocks and can guide in the right direction if you have a gymnast with a mental block.
The boring (but important) stuff...
Please note: All purchases of the Mental Block Jumpstart Package are FINAL. There are no refunds or reimbursement for unused sessions. All packages expire two months after purchase date. Please use all 3 sessions in that time frame or else you will lose your unused sessions. My services are not eligible for HSA reimbursement as I am a mental performance consultant and not a licensed therapist. If you have any questions, please email anna@stickitgirl.com before making your purchase.