Athlete Resources
Performance Enhancement Training and Consultation
The University Counseling Center offers services of performance enhancement training and consultation to the UW-O athletes and athletic departments. We can provide a variety of services from consulations, presentations, psychological skills training, and individual sessions. In addition the Counseling Center Self Help Library has numerous books on sports psychology, available to be checked out by students, faculty, and staff. If you are interested in these services or would like to learn more, please give us a call at the Counseling Center at 424-2061.
Philosophy
The psychological skills practiced by successful athletes can be learned. These techniques are taught as a complement to physical training with emphasis on a positive approach to behavior change. Performance enhancement occurs within the overall personal development of the student-athlete.
Topics
Mental preparation strategies and psychological skills:
- Dealing with anxiety and arousal-control
- Visualization/Imagery of successful execution
- Building confidence in athletes
- Concentration and attention control (focusing attention, staying centered, coping with mistakes)
- Goal setting
- Relaxation and energizing techniques
- Developing pre-competition mental readying routines
Facilitating Leadership within Teams
Group Cohesion
Effective Communication Skills
How to Handle Specific Personal Issues Facing Some Athletes:
- Problematic eating
- Substance abuse
- Burnout
- Difficulty Coping with Injury or Mistakes
Knowing When to Refer Athletes for Counseling
Services
Topical Presentations or Workshop Training
(Available to student athletes and coaches)
Conducted at Kolf Sports Center, Albee Hall, Counseling Center, or other appropriate campus venue
- Presentations in various timeframes
- Information & skills based teaching format
Consultation
(Available to coaches and athletic department personnel)
Conducted by phone or in-person, in individual or group settings
Addresses issues related to
- performance enhancement,
- integrating psychological skills into training,
- handling the effects of an athlete's personal issues
Individual sessions
(Available to student athletes)
Conducted in UW Oshkosh Counseling Center
Confidential counseling related to:
- In depth focus on mental skill(s) and performance enhancement
- Personal or psychological concerns— depression, anxiety, substance use, relationships, problematic eating, conflict
- Problem solving about academic or sport related concerns—communication difficulties, assertiveness, conflict resolution, stress and time management
Developing a Psychological Skills Program
(Available to coaches for implementation with team)
Conducted in Kolf Sports Center, Albee Hall, or other appropriate campus venue
Sport specific and tailored to team needs in close conjunction with coach
Psychological skills training can be integrated into off season, preseason or during season routines.
About UW Oshkosh Sport Psychology Consultants:
ANN MALAIN, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, UW Oshkosh Counseling Center
Has provided sport psychology services for Division II and III intercollegiate athletes, high school athletes, as well as youth sport athletes, coaches, and parents. Also worked in Division I Intercollegiate Athletic department with student-athletes on academic motivation and problem solving academic difficulties.
Dr. Malain played Division III volleyball at the University of Dallas and was a 2 sport letter winner in high school (volleyball and tennis).
MIKE ALTEKRUSE, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, UW Oshkosh Counseling Center
Has worked with the University of Memphis football team presenting on substance abuse & sexual assault prevention. Provided teambuilding for the UW Oshkosh women’s soccer team.
Dr. Altekruse was a scholarship wide receiver on the Division I-AA Eastern Illinois football team. He was a 3 sport letterman in high school (football, basketball, track) who went to state in track and was the starting guard on a team ranked 4th in Illinois prep basketball.