250 Optimising Your Potential By Understanding Your Nervous System Better

Demystifying Mental Toughness

In today’s episode I welcomed Ruth Chiles and Dr Alessia Bruno back on the show, where they discuss helping individuals achieve their hidden potential. They do by using brainspotting, a powerful approach that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms.

In our conversation we go on to chat about secure early attachment and its impact on brain development, intergenerational transmission of traits and how it relates to performance issues, emotional regulation is widely talked about too and how you can incorporate awareness of your nervous system through focused exercises and routines. The challenges of pressure and perfectionism with athletes and performers were touched on too, with a focus on the importance of trust, creativity, and joy in what we choose to take part in.

Key Learning Points

• Parents' emotional regulation impacts children's brain development.
• Parents' legacy of trauma is passed down to child through their nervous system.
• Attachment and attunement are crucial for performance, as underlying issues can impact current trauma and developmental trauma.
• Child's brain development is discussed, including prefrontal cortex and autonomic nervous system.
• Coaches can help athletes by teaching them techniques to be present in their body during training and competitive events.
• Coaches should prioritize supporting and developing individuals, not just focusing on the performer or athlete.

Connect with Alessia Bruno and Ruth Chiles

Alessia Bruno Website

Ruth Chiles Website

Ruth Chiles on YouTube

The Flow Model Program

Connect with David Charlton

Sign Up to The Mental Edge

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

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Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help You Optimise Your Potential

Ep012: Alessia Bruno – The Yips, Crashes, Trauma in Sport there is hope for Athletes

Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight - Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences

Ep142: Alessia Bruno – Is Striving for Perfection a Good Thing in Gymnastics?

Ep156: Ruth Chiles – There is Hope: How to Overcome Focal Dystonia

Ep170: David Charlton - How To Help Perfectionists With Their Mental Approach

Relevant Blogs To Help You Reach Your Potential

Blog: Helping a Critical Child When You’re a Parent

Blog: How to Support an Angry Young Athlete

Why You Should Meditate To Improve Your Sport Performance?

Overcoming Perfectionism Blogs

Optimising Your Potential Blogs