What’s a Mental Coach – and Could You Actually Benefit from One?

When people hear the word "coach", most think of someone with a whistle, shouting from the sideline, or maybe guiding someone through a gym session. But there's another type of coach who doesn't deal with tactics, weights, or fitness drills – they work with the mind. That’s where the mental coach comes in.

Now, if you're wondering what a mental coach actually does, or why someone might even need one, you're definitely not alone. Let’s break it down.

The Bit Most People Miss

You could have all the talent in the world. You could train like a machine and know your game inside out. But when pressure hits and your mindset slips – all that prep can vanish in an instant. Sound familiar?

Mental coaching is about building the skills that help you stay focused, bounce back quickly, and perform when it matters most. These aren’t magic tricks – they’re trainable, just like physical skills. And for a lot of people, it’s the bit that helps everything else click into place.

It’s Not Just for Elite Athletes

While mental coaches do often work with athletes, the benefits stretch way beyond the pitch or stage. Whether you’re trying to push your limits in the gym, handle pressure at work, or stop overthinking every little mistake you make in training – working on your mindset makes a difference.

It’s for the person who wants to improve, but keeps getting stuck. The one who does great in practice but freezes under pressure. Or the one who just wants to feel a bit more in control when things get tough.

So What Does a Mental Coach Actually Do?

Mental coaching isn’t therapy – and it’s not just about talking through your feelings (though that can be part of it). It’s about learning skills. Practical, usable stuff you can apply in your training, competition, or daily life.

Here’s a taste of what a mental coach might help with:

• Staying calm under pressure or before big moments

• Rebuilding confidence after a setback

• Getting your focus back when your head’s all over the place

• Managing nerves before a competition or tough conversation

• Letting go of mistakes and not carrying them into the next rep, round, or match

• Keeping motivation high when progress feels slow

• 
  

If you’ve ever thought “Why do I keep doing this when I know better?” – this is the kind of work a mental coach can help you with.

Why It’s Worth Considering

The truth is, most of us were never really taught how to manage our minds – we’ve just picked things up along the way. Maybe some of it works. Maybe some of it holds us back. Mental coaching gives you the chance to take control of that process and build something more solid.

It’s not about pretending everything’s fine or being “positive vibes only”. It’s about facing what’s in front of you with a clearer head and a stronger foundation.

And that can change everything – not just how you perform, but how you feel about yourself.

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from working with a mental coach. You just need to be someone who wants to improve, and who’s willing to train the mind in the same way you’d train your body or your skills.

Because when the pressure’s on and the stakes are high – your mindset isn’t just a bonus. It’s what makes the difference.

If you'd like to benefit from mental coaching and sport psychology, get in touch with chartered psychologist Callum here at abbottsportpsy@gmail.com or call on +44 (0)7940997413.