How Rich Sille Sport Psychology Helps Improve Mental Performance and Wellbeing for Athletes
“I was close to a big breakthrough, pushing harder than ever on the track. Then, out of nowhere, the crash happened. Suddenly, I wasn’t racing - I was sidelined indefinitely through injury. The frustration, loneliness, and helplessness hit me far harder than the physical pain. I started doubting everything - my ability, my future, even who I was without racing. They were dark days. I was reliant on alcohol and prescription painkillers. It felt like the end.
But, by finding the right psychological support, I found a way to fight through those dark days. I learned how to recover. But I also learned more important lessons, how to build stronger relationships with the people around me, how to look after myself better, how to bring my best more often, and how to enjoy competition more than ever before. This experience taught me that sport is about more than just technical, tactical, and physical ability - it’s about mindset, resilience, and belief.”
It’s stories like this that epitomise why Rich Sille Sport Psychology exists.
I help athletes just like you to:
navigate the toughest moments of your career
build the mindset to turn obstacles into opportunities
perform at your best and love every moment.
🎯For High Performance, Talent Isn’t Enough. Here’s Why…
If you’re an athlete - whether you’re chasing a professional contract or already competing at a high level - you know that success isn’t just about talent and hard work.
The pressure is relentless!
One week you’re flying high, feeling unstoppable, and the next you’re questioning everything you’ve worked for.
Anxiety, setbacks, and self-doubt can creep in, sometimes at the worst possible moment.
“It’s like riding a rollercoaster. Some days I feel unbeatable. Other days, that nagging doubt takes over and messes with my focus. It’s exhausting trying to keep that mental battle hidden from everyone else.”
It’s stories like these that inspired me to create Rich Sille Sport Psychology.
I built a service specifically designed to help athletes navigate these intense mental and emotional challenges - not just survive them, but thrive because of them.
In this post, I’ll share:
Why I built Rich Sille Sport Psychology
What Rich Sille Sport Psychology stands for
How Rich Sille Sport Psychology can help you unlock your true potential - performing with consistency, confidence, and clarity - no matter what challenges arise
💼How My Background Shapes Support for Performance, Pressure, and Critical Moments
I didn’t begin my career in sport psychology - I began it in finance.
After training with EY, I spent years in senior roles across Audit, Insolvency, Investment Management, and Private Banking. I was surrounded by high-performing teams, constant deadlines, and relentless pressure.
On the outside, everything looked successful.
But on the inside, something wasn’t right.
The work lacked meaning. I felt restless, disconnected, and - if I’m honest - trapped. I knew I wanted something different, but stepping away from a secure career was daunting.
🔄 What Transition Taught Me About Growth and Courage
The decision to retrain as a Sport & Performance Psychologist was a big one - and it didn’t come lightly. It carried real responsibility. I had to live with the consequences and face the uncertainty that came with change. There was anxiety, doubt, and plenty of late-night questions: Am I doing the right thing?
That personal transition taught me something powerful - change, even when it’s right, can be hard.
And that’s something I see echoed in the athletes and professionals I work with today. Whether it’s an athlete changing teams or a leader navigating a new role, transitions can stir up self-doubt, pressure, and fear of the unknown.
🔎Finding a Better Way
Why Traditional approaches fall short
Early in my retraining, I realised that traditional, purely cognitive-behavioural approaches didn’t always go deep enough. They didn’t fully capture what it feels like to sit with uncertainty or find meaning after loss or change.
Finding a more person-centred model
I knew I wanted to work differently — to help people not just manage pressure but truly understand themselves through it.
That insight became the foundation of my philosophy: performance psychology that honours the whole person - their mind, body, and purpose — not just their outcomes.
⚖️Where Performance Meets Wellbeing
Fast forward to today: I’m HCPC-registered, a member of the British Psychological Society, and have spent over 25 years in performance environments — from corporate boardrooms to elite sports teams.
Through my private practice and as Principal Sport & Performance Psychologist at Isle of Man Sport, I support athletes, coaches, and parents across a range of sports and levels.
The Core Belief: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Success and Self-Care
Every conversation, every challenge, every performance moment comes back to one truth:
You can perform at your best and protect your wellbeing — you don’t have to choose between the two.
📚Research That Keeps It Real
Alongside my applied work, I’ve published research in Case Studies in Sport & Performance Psychology, focusing on the real, lived experiences of athletes — particularly motorcycle road racers.
My studies explore what it’s really like to pursue high performance, especially when faced with long-term injury or recovery. Understanding these stories helps me support athletes in rebuilding confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of self when things don’t go to plan.
🌱Supporting the Next Generation
A big part of my work involves supervising trainee psychologists who are finding their way in this profession.
My supervision style mirrors my client work — person-centred, compassionate, and grounded in real-world experience. Many of my trainees have gone on to work with professional football and rugby clubs or establish their own thriving practices.
🧠My Philosophy: The Whole Person Comes First
Performance and Wellbeing Are Intertwined
My own career transition showed me that performance and wellbeing are deeply connected - and that change is rarely just about skill or mindset. It’s about identity, purpose, and courage.
That’s why my approach goes beyond mental skills training. It’s about helping people explore who they are under pressure - and how they can grow through it.
Because when you grow as a person, the performer naturally follows.
🌍In Every Arena - The Goal Is the Same
For Athletes and Leaders Alike
Whether I’m supporting an athlete chasing their next breakthrough or a leader managing high-stakes moments, my goal is simple:
To help people perform, lead, and live in ways that feel fulfilling, not just successful.
If that resonates with you, let’s talk about how I can support your next step.
Let’s start a conversation about your performance and wellbeing journey.
❤️🔥Why I’m Dedicated to Supporting the Whole Person: The Inspiration Behind Rich Sille Sport Psychology
I’ve always been passionate about helping people be the best they can be — not just in performance, but as individuals. That passion started long before I trained as a psychologist.
Where it all began
It began on the sidelines of a muddy football pitch.
When I was coaching U16s youth football, I loved helping players sharpen their skills and build confidence on the pitch. But what made it truly meaningful was what happened off the pitch — watching them grow into confident, grounded young men.
Over time, I realised that coaching wasn’t just about developing better players; it was about developing better people. The real reward came in the small moments — a young player finding belief in himself, handling a tough loss with maturity, or showing leadership in ways that surprised even him.
Even now, I occasionally bump into some of those lads. They’ll share what they’re up to — whether that’s still playing sport, raising families, or building careers of their own. Hearing how they’ve grown, both in and beyond sport, always reminds me why I do what I do.
That early experience cemented my belief: performance and wellbeing are inseparable.
Seeing the Whole Person, Not Just the Athlete
What’s fuelled me ever since is a holistic focus — seeing and supporting the whole person, not just the performer.
Elevating performance isn’t only about refining technique or improving fitness. It’s just as much about strengthening resilience, confidence, and emotional balance.
Creating a Space Where Athletes Feel HEARD and Understood
I’ve seen first-hand how, when wellbeing is overlooked, even the most talented athletes can struggle. Behind the strong exteriors, many face silent battles — self-doubt, anxiety, pressure, isolation — challenges that too often go unseen and unsupported.
That gap became the heart of my mission: to create a space where athletes feel truly understood as people first.
🧩The Foundation of Rich Sille Sport Psychology
At Rich Sille Sport Psychology, everything starts with connection. My approach is built around trust, understanding, and genuine care — helping athletes perform at their best and thrive as human beings.
I want every person I work with to feel seen for who they are, not just for what they achieve. Because when the whole person is supported — mind, body, and spirit — performance naturally follows.
My goal isn’t just to help people succeed in sport. It’s to help them succeed in life.
⚔️Understanding the Mental Challenges Every Athlete Faces
These are the 3 biggest mental challenges I see athletes facing again and again:
Anxiety and Nerves Before Competition
Anxiety and nerves lead to underperformance. Pre-competition nerves show up as physical symptoms such as nausea, shaking, or a racing heart, often distracting athletes from the focus they need.
“Before a big game, my stomach churns and my heart races so much I can barely focus. It sometimes feels like I’m in my own head messing things up before I even start.”
Setbacks, Injury, and Loss of Confidence
Setbacks like injury or deselection that knock confidence and motivation, leaving athletes feeling isolated, helpless, and stuck in “what if” doom loops.
“Getting that injury hit me hard - I felt alone, helpless, just stuck wondering ‘what do I do to rehab, what if I never get back.’ It’s tough to keep motivated when you’re sidelined and doubting yourself.”
Managing Emotions and Relationships Under Pressure
Emotional control during competition - whether it’s mood swings, frustration, or difficulty recovering from mistakes - that affects not just performance but also puts strain on relationships with teammates, coaches, and often family.
“I hate how fast frustration can get the better of me. One mistake and suddenly I’m out of rhythm. Like a totally different player. The darker moods can stick and affect how I connect with those around me even after we’re done competing.”
Layer on top of that the scrutiny of modern sport - athletes feel like there’s nowhere to hide. Many don’t know who to trust, since the people around them often have their own agendas. That makes these challenges even harder to face.
“You never really know who’s got your back. And that just makes dealing with the pressure and setbacks way tougher because you have to do it alone.”
With me, you’ll never have to go it alone.
💡How My ‘Ah-Ha Moment’ Informed My Approach to Sport Psychology
My journey into sport psychology began long before the formal training. At 16, during a golf tournament, I watched a friend faced with a daunting shot from the trees. He was rattled and ready to attempt a risky shot that could have ended his chances of qualifying for a prestigious tournament.
I took a moment to talk him through his options. He calmed down, played it safe, and finished strong. That steady finish earned him qualification by a single shot. At the time I didn’t realize the significance but, looking back, that was my first real experience of sport psychology in action.
That moment revealed how powerful the mind is in sport. Often, it’s the difference-maker. From then on, I’ve been committed to helping athletes master their mindset under pressure, overcome barriers, and perform with clarity and belief.
🌟What Makes My Approach Unique
There are plenty of sport psychologists and mindset gurus out there - it can feel like the wild west! Here’s why I’m different:
🏢Experience That Speaks Volumes
I’ve worked at the highest levels in both business and sport, so I know what pressure feels like from multiple angles. I also bring life experience that younger psychologists may not yet have - understanding how family, career, and personal life all shape performance.
🌿A Holistic, Whole-Person Approach
I focus on the whole person, not just a narrow set of mental skills. Sleep, recovery, mindset, personal pressures - everything matters when it comes to performing at your best.
🏃Real Athletes, Real Results
Take one sprinter I worked with. She struggled with performance anxiety, feeling mentally blocked before every major race.
Together, we looked at more than just her race-day mindset and self-talk. We also explored her sleep, recovery, and personal pressures, helping her channel anxiety into focus and confidence. The result? She ran personal bests in competitions she once dreaded. Moments like this show why a personalised, holistic approach works.
💪Injury and Comeback Expertise
Through my research and applied work with long-term injury in motorcycle road racers, I understand what it takes to come back stronger after setbacks.
⏳Long-Term LASTING Support, Not TEMPORARY Quick Fixes
I’m here for the long haul—supporting your mindset, performance, and wellbeing over time, not just during competitions or peak moments.
🧾Safe, Ethical, and Qualified
You can trust that I’m a fully qualified and registered Sport Psychologist in the UK, always working safely, ethically, and legally.
🛠️What to Expect When Working With Me at Rich Sille Sport Psychology
My own journey - from the world of business to the field of sport psychology - taught me that performance isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about clarity, self-understanding, and consistent support.
That belief is what shaped the Performance Mindset Pathway™ - a simple, structured, and deeply personal process that helps athletes and professionals perform at their best without losing sight of who they are.
🗣️Step 1 – Free Discovery Call
We start with a relaxed conversation about your goals, frustrations, and hopes for the future. It’s your space to talk, and my chance to listen. You’ll also get a feel for how I work and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Because the best results come from genuine connection and trust — and that starts here.
🧭Step 2 – Getting to Know You
Next, we explore your story - your career, ambitions, challenges, and the moments you’re most proud of. I want to understand what “your best” looks like and what might be getting in the way.
To enhance your self-awareness, we’ll also complete a Spotlight personality profile, a powerful tool that athletes love. It helps you understand how you think, communicate, and respond under pressure - giving us shared language and deeper insight to contextualise our work together.
This step lays the foundation for a coaching process that’s entirely tailored to you.
📋Step 3 – Tailored Mental Performance Plan
With a clear understanding of your unique context, I create a personalised performance plan - combining mindset training, emotional awareness, and wellbeing strategies. It’s practical, structured, and flexible enough to adapt as you grow.
To support your ongoing wellbeing, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete a bespoke monthly Wellbeing Check. This quick check-in helps me spot when you might be struggling and offer timely support right when it’s needed - not weeks later.
🤝Step 4 – Ongoing Support & Confidential Partnership
Performance isn’t static - it evolves, and so should your support. I stay alongside you throughout your journey, refining the plan, celebrating wins, and working through challenges as they arise.
Every step of the process happens in complete confidence. You can speak openly, knowing your personal details and experiences stay private - never shared with managers, performance directors, or anyone else.
The Performance Mindset Pathway™ gives you the information, tools, and support to build lasting confidence, resilience, and clarity — helping you thrive not only in sport, but in every area of your life.
💬What Athletes Just Like You Say About Working with Me at Rich Sille Sport Psychology
🏅 Real Words From Real People
The best proof of impact comes from the athletes I’ve worked with. Here’s what some of those athletes have said:
“What a journey we’ve been on. From surplus to requirements to player of the tournament. I couldn’t have done it without you. Your guidance has been invaluable. I’m so grateful.”
“Rich gives me a safe space to open up about my experiences, review performance, and plan ahead… He helped me massively and he continues to help me now.”
“You’re always approachable and accessible. Great at reframing problems and giving me practical tools I can use. You helped change my whole perspective on a difficult situation for the better - and that’s the only reason I was able to achieve my goals.”
Working with athletes across all levels, I aim to provide the information, tools, and support that helps shift perspectives and makes a real difference - just as these athletes describe.
📊 Results That Speak for Themselves
I’m proud to share the results from my recent client satisfaction survey:
95% of athletes, coaches, and parents said they are “very satisfied” with the information, tools, and support I provide.
99% of athletes, coaches, and parents said they are “very likely” to recommend me to someone like them.
These results reflect the focus I bring to every session: relevant information, practical tools, meaningful support, and a commitment to helping athletes perform at their best.
🔮Looking Ahead: Why You Need Mental Performance Support That’s All About You
Your psychologist should work for you - not your club or NGB. The future of sport psychology is shifting. More athletes are choosing personal support that’s 100% athlete-centred.
🧑⚖️ Why Team Psychologists Can Fall Short
Team psychologists often face divided loyalties. Who is the client—the athlete or the club that pays their wages? Confidentiality can feel uncertain, and athletes may wonder whose interests are truly being served.
🧍100% Athlete-Focussed Support
With me, it’s different.
I work for you alone.
Our conversations are private, tailored, and focused solely on your performance, wellbeing, and growth.
I’m fully in your corner, with no agendas or split loyalties.
I’ve seen how vital this independence is. Athletes trust me with pressures they won’t share with team psychologists - like losing trust in coaches, career uncertainties, or balancing family and elite sport.
🌈Support That Helps You Thrive
My packages provide the information, tools, and ongoing support and a safe, trusted space to gain clarity, build resilience, and thrive in and out of competition.
When the stakes are high, having a psychologist you truly trust can make the difference between just surviving and truly excelling.
📨Stay Ahead with ‘The Game Plan’ Newsletter
If you would like to receive regular insights, tips, and stories to help you boost your performance and wellbeing - both in and out of sport - I’d love to keep you inspired.
👉 Subscribe to my newsletter ‘The Game Plan’ today and start getting actionable strategies delivered straight to your inbox.
🤝Let’s Team Up to Get You Performing Better And Feeling Better
If you’re ready to perform with more consistency, confidence, and clarity - while feeling better in yourself and in your wider life - then I’d love to talk with you.
👉 Book a free discovery call today to discuss your needs and see how we can work together.