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Mental Skill Training (MST) – What is it?

Mental Skill Training (MST) - What is it?
Mental Skill Training (MST) - What is it?

The long-winded response to this question is that Mental Skills Training is the learning and implementation of cognitive behavioural techniques to assist sport participants in the development of mental skills to assess, monitor, and adjust their thoughts and feelings to achieve performance success as well as personal well-being. Of course, this full definition is a little much. So, in short, Mental Skills Training helps individuals learn how to use mental strategies and tools to improve their performance and take care of their mental health.

Contrary to popular belief, MST is not just for athletes. This sort of training is for anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves. The skills learned in an MST program allow individuals to be more consistent and confident; it helps to maintain motivation and enhance focus; it helps to understand and manage thoughts and emotions. Overall, it helps strengthen mental well-being, and enhances overall performance… no matter what that performance may be.

For athletes, understanding how identity shapes mindset can also be an important part of growth. Exploring how athletic identity influences mental performance can provide valuable insight into maintaining balance and preventing burnout while striving for excellence.

Whether you’re an athlete overcoming an injury or preparing for a big game, a student with test anxiety, a singer with stage fright, or an entrepreneur with a mental block, integrating an MST program into your development helps you can handle setbacks, manage stress, and approach challenges with a growth mindset.

In the end, Mental Skills Training at CARESPACE empowers individuals to not only achieve their performance goals but also to cultivate a mindset of mental toughness, self-confidence, and well-being that extends into every aspect of life.

You deserve support that helps you think clearly, perform confidently, and grow consistently — start your path to success with our mental performance services.

About the Author

Sometimes our goals and aspirations can feel overwhelming, and having the right support can make a significant difference. Bri is here to help you navigate these challenges using evidence-based practices and methods to help you achieve your goals. Whether you are an athlete, an arts performer, a student, or anyone else striving for excellence, she can offer support, strategies, and techniques tailored to your unique needs. Bri earned a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Kinesiology (with a special focus on social support and Sports Related Concussion) from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Sport Psychology from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon. This academic foundation equips her with a deep understanding of how mental, physical and social factors can affect your performance. By integrating knowledge with practical techniques, Bri can help you achieve peak performance. In practice, Bri works with a diverse range of clients, including individuals and teams across various disciplines. At the core of her practice, she focuses on addressing the specific challenges and aspirations of each individual; there is no one-size fits-all approach! She can help clients overcome mental barriers, improve resilience, and enhance overall performance. Currently, Bri is registered as a student with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA) and is working towards her Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) accreditation with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology under the supervision of Connor Primeau. Using the techniques learned in apprenticeship, she is committed to continuous professional development. Bri aims to provide the support needed to help you thrive and achieve your goals.