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Finding the Right Fit: Why Connection Matters in Therapy
Seeking support from a psychologist is a brave and meaningful step toward better mental health and wellbeing. But therapy is not a...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jul 29, 20254 min read
Fuelling the Mind: How Nutrition Shapes Mental Health in Athletes
In the world of sport, performance is often tied to physical metrics: speed, strength, endurance. But behind every sprint and serve is a...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jul 24, 20254 min read
Not Just a Slump: When Performance Dips Are a Sign of Something Deeper
In elite and youth sport, it’s normal for performance to fluctuate—energy levels dip, motivation ebbs and flows, and sometimes an athlete...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jul 20, 20254 min read
Playing Through the Pain: The Culture of Toughness & Mental Health in Sport
From grassroots footy fields to Olympic stadiums, the phrase “push through the pain” is echoed like a mantra. Grit. Sacrifice. No...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jul 10, 20254 min read
When Who You Are Is What You Do: Identity, Ego & Transition in Elite Sport
In elite sport, your identity can become tightly woven into your performance, routine, and role. Who you are gets defined by what you...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jun 20, 20255 min read
Mental Health in Elite Sport: The Invisible Load Athletes Carry
When you think of elite athletes, you probably picture grit, determination, early mornings, long hours of training, and an unshakeable...
Leilanie Pakoa
Jun 12, 20255 min read
Coaching Female Athletes: What Works, What Matters, and Why It’s Different
Coaching female athletes is not about changing your standards—it's about expanding your skillset. While many coaching principles apply...
Leilanie Pakoa
May 24, 20254 min read
Supporting Positive Body Image in Adolescent Girls: A Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Peers
Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation, physical development, and social belonging. For adolescent girls, it is also a...
Leilanie Pakoa
May 15, 20254 min read
Motherhood and the Modern Female Athlete: Balancing Identity, Opportunity, and Performance
For many elite female athletes, the journey to motherhood intersects with high-performance sport in complicated and confronting ways....
Leilanie Pakoa
May 11, 20255 min read
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Female Athletes: What the Research Tells Us
In the world of sport psychology and athletic performance, one important but historically under-researched topic is the menstrual cycle...
Leilanie Pakoa
May 9, 20255 min read
Improve Your Performance Through the Use of Imagery
In the world of sport psychology, imagery—also known as mental rehearsal or visualisation—is recognised as a powerful tool for enhancing...
Leilanie Pakoa
Apr 27, 20255 min read
The Momentum of Mental Skills in Sport: Why They Matter and How to Train Them
Athletes dedicate countless hours perfecting their physical skills—honing their technique, building strength, and increasing endurance....
Leilanie Pakoa
Apr 9, 20255 min read
Mastering Your Inner Dialogue: The Power of Positive Self-Talk for Elite Athletes
As a sport psychologist, I’ve worked with countless athletes striving to reach their peak performance. Among the many psychological...
Leilanie Pakoa
Apr 2, 20254 min read
Talk the Talk: How Strong Team Communication Boosts Performance and Wellbeing
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful teams, whether in professional workplaces, academic settings, or sports...
Leilanie Pakoa
Mar 27, 20254 min read
Effectively Handling Performance Anxiety Through Relaxation: A Team Perspective
Did you know that your physiological state can directly influence your confidence and performance? For athletes, this connection between...
Leilanie Pakoa
Mar 20, 20255 min read
A Winning Formula: How Coaches Shape Team Dynamics for Success
Team dynamics play a pivotal role in the success of sports teams, influencing performance, cohesion, and overall satisfaction among...
Leilanie Pakoa
Mar 13, 20254 min read
Building an Inclusive Team Culture: Embracing Diversity in Sport
A strong team culture is the foundation of success in sport, influencing performance, cohesion, and athlete wellbeing. While skill and...
Leilanie Pakoa
Mar 6, 20254 min read
Fuelling Feelings: Understanding Emotional Eating in Athletes and Neurodiverse Individuals
Emotional eating, the act of consuming food in response to emotions rather than physical hunger, is a behaviour that has garnered...
Leilanie Pakoa
Feb 27, 20255 min read
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Health Impacts Mental Wellbeing
You might not realise it, but your gut plays a huge role in your mental health. The gut-brain connection is real—and understanding it...
Leilanie Pakoa
Feb 18, 20254 min read
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference?
In the field of sport psychology , optimising performance often goes hand-in-hand with prioritising mental health and wellbeing . Among...
Leilanie Pakoa
Feb 11, 20254 min read
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