#3 – Sports and Performance Psychologist – Jacqui Louder

Jacqui Louder is a sports and performance psychologist who has been practicing psychology for eleven years, with a specific interest in eating disorders, athletic transitions (e.g. retirement / entry into elite sport), performing arts and children’s sport. She's had a diverse range of experiences working with athletes and teams at the elite level including AFL football, the National Netball League, Australian Croquet team, and at World University, Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Jacqui is currently the sports psychologist for for the National Motocross / Supercross / and Superbikes teams, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) and Victorian Swimming Club.

Jacqui knew when she was 13 years old that she wanted to help people perform better playing sport. After high school she completed a Masters of Applied Psychology (Sport), a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology (Organisational), Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Graduate Certificate in Athlete Career and Education Counselling, and a Diploma in Publicity and Public Relations.

Jacqui is a leader in her field and is dedicated to educating the media about their role in the health and wellbeing of sports men and women. She has regular gigs on SEN Sports and ABC radio, on television shows such as Today Tonight, A Current Affair and Mornings with David and Kim, and she writes for Oxygen Magazine.

Jacqui loves the mix of working in the consulting room and on the field and says working as a sports psychologist is not a 9-5 job. She talks about getting up at 4am for swimming training, and taking calls from athletes in the middle of the night because of time zone differences. Jacqui says she used to think motorbikes were dumb and dangerous, and now she just thinks they’re dangerous.

Jacqui's Recommended Resources

Books

• Slaying the Dragon – Michael Johnson (Athletics)
• Lucky Man – Michael J Fox (Actor)
• Jordan: The Man / His Words / His Life – Michael Jordan and Mitchell Krugel (Basketball)

Movies

• The Greatest Game Ever Played  (Golf)
• Remember The Titans (NFL)
• Crash Reel (Snow Boarding)

Jacqui's Self-Care Tip

For Jacqui's her number one self-care tip is get good quality sleep!

Feedback

Leave me a comment or some feedback about this episode in the comments section.  I’ll respond to everyone!