Approximately six years ago I had the opportunity of working with a National Football League quarterback who had begun to develop significant anxiety just prior to the season, particularly in camp. He identified issues with his father regarding perfectionism and reported that he never felt able to please his father. His self-talk was laden with messages such as “this play is a season maker or breaker.” Such messages exacerbated his anxiety, resulting in sweaty hands and fingers, which affected his ability to pass, resulting in over- or underthrown passes.
I assisted him with modifying self-talk, with some success. I taught him diaphragmatic breathing at the rate of six breaths per minute. When I got the chance to meet with him in person, I used heart rate variability training to help further reduce his over-arousal symptoms and significant anxiety. I conducted five telephone sessions with him and three in person. I...