What This Can Look Like
Some athletes perform well in practice but feel stuck under pressure. This may include:
- Pre-competition anxiety or panic symptoms
- Harsh self-talk after mistakes
- Difficulty refocusing mid-competition
- Fear of failure or letting others down
How the Pattern Maintains Itself
Pressure can narrow attention and increase physical arousal. When athletes respond by over-controlling, avoiding risk, or spiraling into self-criticism, performance often becomes less consistent.
How CBT Helps
Mental conditioning uses evidence-based principles from CBT and performance psychology to build:
- Breathing and regulation skills
- Realistic, effective self-talk
- Focus cues and concentration under pressure
- Imagery and preparation routines
- Process-based goals that support consistent performance
Applied Performance Psychology at the Elite Level
KY Cards’ Dr. Kevin Chapman, Dr. Skyler VanMeter, and Kaite Cantrall, CMPC, serves as the official psychologist for Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC, supporting athletes competing at the highest levels of professional soccer. Dr. Chapman is also a Performance Psychologist for Team USA Weightlifting.
This work focuses on performing under pressure, responding effectively to mistakes, sustaining confidence, and making clear decisions in high-stakes environments. The same evidence-based mental conditioning principles used with professional teams are applied at KY Cards with athletes at all levels, from youth and collegiate sports to recreational and competitive performers.
Treatment at KY Cards:
What to Expect
Work is structured and individualized. Many athletes benefit from a short series of focused sessions and may return for booster sessions as needs evolve.