- Dec 30, 2025
- 1
- 0
Hi there,
I was as hoping to get some feedback from parents, gymnasts, coaches who have experienced a gymnast with a severe mental block lasting 2 or more years.
My daughter has had a true mental block for years now. She has worked with several sports psychologists one on one, both in person and virtually, including all the most well known ones (Perform Happy, Gymnastics Mindset Academy, etc.). She switched gyms and has had the support of amazing coaches who actually communicate with her current mental coach on a regular basis. But, she has made no progress in over half a year since moving to the new gym. She has quite literally done everything. Going back to basics, positive self talk, been patient with herself, acknowledging an naming fear, key/ cue words, everyone has taken the pressure off of her either by focusing on alternative skills or made a joint decision to hold off on competing so she doesn’t feel the pressure of a timeline. Nothing has helped.
I am wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and what if anything eventually helped and or what the final outcome was. She does not want to quit or specialize, or move to excel. She wants her skills back. She is not afraid of getting hurt and says she does not feel pressure from anyone, and that this is what she wants. I feel like we are very close to a fork in the road as we have explored every option and my heart is breaking for her, because I fear that despite all of her efforts to work through this block, she is going to lose the battle and ultimately her sport. I have stood by her and celebrated every small win unrelated to scores and medals, “sat on every bench” as Perform Happy calls it, and wiped every tear. What else is there?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
I was as hoping to get some feedback from parents, gymnasts, coaches who have experienced a gymnast with a severe mental block lasting 2 or more years.
My daughter has had a true mental block for years now. She has worked with several sports psychologists one on one, both in person and virtually, including all the most well known ones (Perform Happy, Gymnastics Mindset Academy, etc.). She switched gyms and has had the support of amazing coaches who actually communicate with her current mental coach on a regular basis. But, she has made no progress in over half a year since moving to the new gym. She has quite literally done everything. Going back to basics, positive self talk, been patient with herself, acknowledging an naming fear, key/ cue words, everyone has taken the pressure off of her either by focusing on alternative skills or made a joint decision to hold off on competing so she doesn’t feel the pressure of a timeline. Nothing has helped.
I am wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and what if anything eventually helped and or what the final outcome was. She does not want to quit or specialize, or move to excel. She wants her skills back. She is not afraid of getting hurt and says she does not feel pressure from anyone, and that this is what she wants. I feel like we are very close to a fork in the road as we have explored every option and my heart is breaking for her, because I fear that despite all of her efforts to work through this block, she is going to lose the battle and ultimately her sport. I have stood by her and celebrated every small win unrelated to scores and medals, “sat on every bench” as Perform Happy calls it, and wiped every tear. What else is there?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
