Publisher Description

We all know that climbing is a headgame, and many climbers recognise that their mindset is holding them back. But what psychological skills do you need for climbing, and how do you develop them? If you have ever wanted to learn how to climb with more confidence, to learn how to stick to a training plan, or to understand how to tap into flow, then this book is for you.Split into three sections, covering getting started on a mental skills training programme, fixing problems in your climbing caused by anxiety, and finessing your mental skills, this book provides clear explanations and practical exercises to improve your mindset for climbing.You'll learn to analyse your mental strengths and weaknesses, set effective goals, change habits, overcome fear of falling, fear of failing, fear of injury and social anxieties affecting climbers' performance. Chapters on confidence, focusing skills, imagery and visualisation, and problem solving and creativity in your climbing are all written in a practical and easy to understand format, so you can incorporate these skills into your climbing training. There is also a section on mental wellbeing for climbers, with hints and tips on healthy perfectionism, as well as mental health.This book draws on the latest in climbing and sport psychology research, and translates it into practical accessible ideas and exercises for climbers at all levels of the sport.

Author Biography

Dr Rebecca Williams is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and performance psychology coach, working with climbers for the last 15 years. She's trained and experienced in psychotherapy, including CBT and ACT, holds a level 7 certificate in coaching and mentoring, and is a qualified climbing instructor (RCI).Rebecca has delivered thousands of hours of individual coaching, group workshops, coach education and lectures, for climbers and coaches interested in improving their headgame for climbing. She has facilitated workshops for Mountain Training Association, the Diploma in Mountain Medicine, NICAS, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), and many climbing and mountaineering clubs. In 2018, she delivered the psychology keynote speech at the International Rock Climbing Research Association Congress in Chamonix, and is a founder member of the International Association of Psychologists in Climbing. She is passionate about using making psychology accessible and practical, and translating psychological research into mainstream techniques and coaching practices.

Table of Contents

AcknowledgementsIntroductionSection 1: Planning1 Psychological skills for climbing: Analysing your strengthsand weaknesses2 Dreams, values and goals3 Sticking to your mental training plan: Habits andbehaviour changeSection 2: Fixing problems in yourclimbing: Common fears, anxieties andworries4 Introduction to fear, anxiety and worries in climbing5 Basic anxiety management for climbing6 Fear of falling - what to consider7 Undertaking fall practice indoors8 Adapting falling practice for outdoor sport climbing, bouldering or trad9 The social side of climbing10 Other common worries and fearsSection 3: Finessing your mental skills11 Climbing confidently12 Focusing13 Imagery and visualisation14 Being adaptable: Problem-solving and movement creativity15 Final thoughts: Climbing for life - mental wellbeing for climbers

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