Performance Psychology
Grounded in evidence-based strategies, performance psychology equips people with the tools to manage pressure, build confidence, and perform with clarity and consistency.
At The READ Clinic, our independent clinical and registered psychologists not only provide evidence-based mental health care, but also offer specialised performance psychology services for elite athletes and high achievers.
We have a close partnership with Rising Minds Academy Australia, who work with elite athletes in schools, clubs, and academies across the country. The READ Clinic holds contracts with professional athletes and sporting bodies, including the Professional Football Association (A League and W-League, NRL, and other national sporting codes.
Our performance psychologists focus on both the well-being of the high performer and enhancing their performance outcomes. All have completed professional development in sport and performance psychology, applying evidence-based interventions to help individuals thrive in high-pressure environments.
The READ Clinic also has a valued relationship with Dr Scott Goldman, Head Sport Psychologist of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA and Chicago Cubs, creator of the Athletic IQ (AIQ)— an assessment designed to evaluate an athlete’s cognitive abilities in decision-making, learning aptitude, pattern recognition, and other sport-relevant skills. The READ Clinic has exclusive access to the AIQ.
There are currently five dedicated performance psychology practitioners available at the READ Clinic, with more joining our team soon.
The READ Clinic is currently the only private psychology practice in Australia with access to the Athletic Intelligence Quotient Assessment.
Dr Nathan Beehag is a Senior Clinical and Performance Psychologist. He is a Co-Director at The READ Clinic(Central Coast, NSW) and Rising Minds Academy Australia. With nearly 20 years’ experience, Nathan has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults across clinical, educational, and performance settings. Nathan holds contracts with the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) for men, women, and juniors, and with the NRL. He is a former Tackle Your Feelings ambassador for the AFL and continues to work with athletes from the NRL, A-League, W-League, Matildas, Socceroos, and AFL/AFLW.
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle (including an international exchange at Clemson University, USA), a Master of Clinical Psychology, and a PhD focused on supporting caregivers of youth facing adversity. Nathan also lectures casually at local universities and is committed to promoting psychological wellbeing in workplaces, schools, universities, and sports communities.
Integrating his expertise in child development, family systems, clinical psychology, and sport psychology, Nathan brings a unique perspective to his work with both developing and elite athletes, ensuring his approach reflects the latest science and evidence to support performance and wellbeing.
Nicole is a psychologist with over 25 years of experience, including extensive work with elite young athletes competing at national level across multiple sports such as Surf Life Saving, Swimming, Soccer, and Netball.
As a young athlete herself, Nicole achieved a National Title in Body Surfing and competed at both State and National levels in Surf Life Saving. Now a parent to two children who play representative sports, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight into the demands and rewards of competitive athletics.
Nicole has specialised skills in evidence-based approaches for young sportspeople, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is also a provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol, an innovative intervention that works directly with the nervous system to support regulation, resilience, and performance.
Brady Smith is a psychologist who works with high performers, integrating multiple evidence‑based psychological approaches to support excellence. He brings a strong understanding of performance under pressure, motivation, identity, and mental resilience, informed not only by clinical training but also by lived experience as a former professional footballer with the Central Coast Mariners in the A‑League.
Brady understands the internal and external demands of professional performance, including navigating expectations, setbacks, critical moments, and transitions. He places strong emphasis on the role of support systems, caregivers, and broader environments in shaping performance and wellbeing, helping individuals perform at their best while maintaining psychological health.
Shane Southwood is a registered psychologist and elite ice hockey player, having competed in Canada, Finland, and for over a decade at Australia’s highest level. Drawing on his sporting experience and clinical knowledge, Shane works with young athletes to support their performance, confidence, and mental wellbeing. He also works closely with parents to navigate the unique challenges of sport, including tryouts, performance pressure, injuries, and relationships with coaches.
Joshua is a provisional psychologist with experience working across both clinical and performance settings. Having performed professionally, he brings an insider’s perspective on the psychological demands of performing under pressure and managing performance-related anxiety.
In his clinical work, Joshua sees a range of clients, including young athletes interested in improving focus and consistency, and he is particularly drawn to how performance psychology principles can be applied across sport and the arts to support wellbeing, confidence, and composure.
What is Performance Psychology?
Performance psychology is about unlocking your ability to perform at your best when it counts. It examines how mindset, focus, emotions, and habits influence outcomes in high-stakes situations — whether you’re stepping onto the field or court, into a big meeting, onto a stage, or preparing for a major exam.
Grounded in evidence-based strategies, performance psychology equips people with the tools to manage pressure, build confidence, and perform with clarity and consistency.
Who It Helps
This approach is particularly valuable for high achieverswho regularly operate in demanding, high-pressure environments, including:
- Elite athletes
- Performing artists
- Senior executives and leaders
- Surgeons and medical professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Students facing intense academic demands
How It Works
Working with a performance psychologist is personalised and practical. It involves:
- Identifying mental habits that help or hinder performance
- Developing tailored strategies to improve focus, manage nerves, and build resilience
- Creating or refining pre-performance routines
- Addressing imposter thoughts
- Building rapid recovery strategies after mistakes
The work is goal-oriented and individualised — ensuring relevance to the person’s unique context and ambitions.
Beyond Short-Term Wins
Performance psychology is not just about short-term success. It focuses on developing sustainable strategies for long-term excellence and well-being — so you can continue to perform at your peak without sacrificing your mental health.