Introductory Workshop

Mental Freedom – The Route to Enhanced Performance in Sport

For Coaches, Athletes, Officials, and Parents

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED – PLEASE CONTACT DENISE@CLASS-PERFORMANCE.COM FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND TRAINING

You have probably considered the power of the human mind when it comes to assessing your achievements in life, so it’ll be no great surprise when I invite you to take a more in-depth look into the most overlooked hidden performance variable ‘state of mind’, as a way of getting better results!

This introductory 90-minute workshop will give you a taste of what it is like to experience ‘mental freedom’. You remember that beautiful care-free feeling when you’re a kid (before the unfortunate yet innocent cultural conditioning of you need to achieve in life to be ok) of, clarity, peace and contentment, and that unconditional love for sport and activities, that feeling!  Well, what if, it’s always there, and can never be lost and happens to be the most productive and effective ‘state of mind’ to show up to any human endeavour.

After 30 years involved in sports performance, from local league to national honours, I come to realise that anyone involved in helping people perform at their highest level would be interested in 3 critical qualities of the human mind:

Class Performance football
  • Be open and present to the moment, not hindered by past or future thinking, even a point or shot away.
  • Be able to access all your training; skills, data, knowledge and experiences each time you show up to the competition.
  • Be energised by your true inspiration and love for your sport and explore what’s possible through your physical body and mind.

Imagine if were not prone to over-thinking, and self-limiting beliefs, allowing yourself to ‘be in the moment’ with performance flowing naturally and effortlessly, inspiring your team to be outstanding. The mind is responsible for over 90% of the factors affecting performance, so wouldn’t you like to gain a better understanding of your own (and athletes’) state of mind, wellbeing and resilience and how this impacts sporting achievements and life decisions?

How our transformative coaching programs help you

With over 30 years’ experience in elite sports performance, engaging in transformative conversations with coaches and managers at club, regional, elite, national and professional levels, we can help you to:

  • Understand the mind-performance link– avoid performance sabotage, and see learning, development and results arising from the power of your own insight rather than the outside world.
  • Uncover the misunderstanding that causes all self-image and identity issues, and live life full-out and fearless.
  • Embrace the power of thought that leads to positive, profound and sustainable change.
  • See the difference between mental health and mental illness, ensuring that you are physically and psychologically ‘fit for purpose’.
  • Realise your own innate creative potential, enjoy a happy, healthy and achievement-filled life.
  • Play your part in reducing mental and emotional suffering in the world of sport.
  • Help to revolutionise the sports industry – evolve performance results, exploring what’s possible via the physical body and mind, without negatively damaging lives.

As a result, you will be able to:

  • Handle selections and feedback with greater clarity and confidence.

  • Make sense of stress, worry and anxiety that sabotages your enjoyment and results in life.

  • Understand what’s behind addictive, and compulsive behaviours, so that these habits dissolve with ease.

  • Recover quickly from losing to a tough opponent or from uncharacteristic mistakes.

  • Banish conflict, remaining calm and connected when things go seemingly wrong.

  • Stop blaming others for the way you feel, be easy with your temporary psychology.

  • Understand the true nature of the performance zone state so that you experience it more and more of the time!

Mental Freedom - The Route to Enhanced Performance in Sport

£1500One off
  • Introductory 90-minute workshop 19.00 – 21.00
  • Refreshments, tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits

What People Say About Working With Denise

Adam Ashe

Denise has the skills and experience to wake people up to deeper knowledge about themselves. In the sporting arena, this knowledge happens to be crucially important.

Adam Ashe
Professional Rugby Player – Glasgow Warriors

Vicky Norman

Meeting Denise was perfect timing, written in the stars, foretold, whatever. My world was falling apart, my marriage had ended, my child was in serious trouble, and I was upping sticks and moving up North to run the biggest, most complex project of my career.
Four months later, my project is an astonishing success, my marriage is back on track, and best of all, my baby is coming back to me. I am different at work, at home, inside my head, and others can see it. The dark days aren’t dark any more because they don’t last, and the light days are far more frequent. Denise’s workj isn’t just amazing in the world of sport but any area of life.

Vicky Norman
Implementation Manager

Hannah Salem

I used to struggle to remain calm and confident in stressful situations, what others think of me, what would happen if I did something wrong? We are all capable of achieving, no part of our abilities is lacking! This programme has truly changed me for the best and is perfect during my final year of University.

Hannah Salem
Third Year Student - The University of Kent - Sports Therapy

Charles Mayhew

After a close family member benefitted hugely, I decided to work with Denise. It transformed my perspective and how I now live my life, clear-minded and knowing what’s truly important to me, which is so relaxing and enriching. I used to live in a place of “It’ll be better when”, so I was never present. “When I’ve sold the business..!” “When I’ve retired..!” When I’ve bought this house or car etc…..!” This program has given me my life back!

Charles Mayhew
Dad, Husband, Entrepreneur, and Sports Coach

Amelia Davies

Denise’s new approach is great for teamwork, we don’t get upset with each other anywhere near as much, and get over disappointments quickly.

Amelia Davies
Third Year Student - The University of Kent, Sports and Exercise for Health

Stuart Lancaster

I appreciate the support Denise gave me when I was transitioning into my new role at Leinster and helping me understand how to ‘free my mind!

Stuart Lancaster
Senior Coach Leinster Rugby – Former England Rugby Coach

Charlie Harris

Before I took part in Denise’s Health and Well Being programme, I stressed in many situations; it would prevent me from taking part in different things. I now look at the situations holistically and not let thoughts prevent me from putting myself forward.

Charlie Harris
2nd-year student – The University of Greenwich – Forensic science with Criminology Student

Harriet Bonner-Leney

I enjoyed this course very much as it improved my shooting technique and accuracy dramatically. I learned that you do not have to be controlled by your negative thoughts because they are not you.

Harriet Bonner-Leney
Age 12

Mark Harris

I reached out to Denise when my world seemed to be falling apart. I had recently received a diagnosis of two different types of cancer; my son was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and had little time to live. I did not know how to process all of this, and my mental state spiralled! Within ten minutes of quiet time with Denise, I felt everything lifting from my shoulders and a feeling of calm settling in its place. Working with Denise has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge of the mind, it keeps me on a healthy path not only in general day-to-day life but as a life skill in my work environment and sport. Forever grateful to you, Denise.

 

Mark Harris

Lesley MacDonald

Denise has a tremendous understanding of how to achieve elite performance in sport. Her contagious enthusiasm is motivating and inspires you to the next level

Lesley MacDonald
Scotland National Netball Athlete (107 caps)

Matthew Roberts

I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with Denise over a cup of coffee when we met in America. It would be easy to accuse me of exaggeration or sensationalising by making the following statement, but I can only offer you the truth as I see it. The truth is that those few minutes changed my life. I had spent the last 15 years pursuing peak performance, competing internationally in the High jump and achieving a lifetime best of 2.26m. Through my love of this sport, I became a seeker, wanting to uncover the truth of the mind and how to reach that flow state. I’m not saying that I’m now enlightened, but I know that a beautiful, peaceful, loving state is only one thought away, for that, you have my complete and utter gratitude.”

 

Matthew Roberts
England International High Jumper who came back from breaking his neck!

Jack Pransky

Denise Holland is one of my best “students.” She is one of the few students I have asked to teach with me, and I was and remain very impressed with her presence, her knowledge, her wisdom, her feeling and her responsiveness. I would say anyone who works with Denise is in excellent hands.

Jack Pransky

Nadia McMillian

I am so grateful to have worked with Denise, I used to float in and out of different moods and believed it was other things and situations causing them. Honestly, this understanding has changed my life.

Nadia McMillian
Third Year Student - The University of Kent, Sport and Exercise Science.

Grayson Hart

I enjoyed speaking with Denise about the mind and performance. The conversations were very insightful and always had me challenging and questioning the status quo regarding mental performance. The critical pointer Denise gave was that our natural state is freedom of mind, clarity and potential. We don’t need to overexert the mind to find these states. Searching for them often leads us further into tension. I found this very relatable to direct experiences in life and sport.

Grayson Hart
Scotland International Rugby Player - London Scottish FC

Richard Pybus

Denise has been instrumental in my evolving understanding of the Three Principles and how they specifically apply in high-performance sport. Her insightful and intuitive way of working has challenged and deepened my fundamental understanding of all human performance. I’ll always be appreciative of her significant role in my development as a performance director and coach.

Richard Pybus
Founder & CEO Optimal Performance - Former Director of Cricket - West Indies Cricket Board

Floyd Woodrow MBE

Denise is impressive in her abilities by any standard. Her ability to teach and develop those around her, mark her out as someone with exceptional leadership and coaching skills. I constantly seek advice and counsel from her and trust her implicitly.

Floyd Woodrow MBE
Chairman and CEO of Chrysalis Worldwide