About Laura
Empowering athletes to master their mindset, overcome obstacles, and sustain success
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people tick—what drives someone to keep going when things get tough, to come back stronger after setbacks, and to turn pressure into performance. That curiosity is what led me to specialise in sport psychology.
![Laura Veldhuizen](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d188bc_42587649072341138c2564172f7ccc2b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_319,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Facetune_08-07-2024-11-36-58_edited_edited.jpg)
Let’s face it—athletes deal with a lot. The pressure to perform, the constant grind, the ups and downs of competition. It’s not just about physical training; your mindset matters. That’s where I come in. I’ll help you build psychological tools—like visualisation, goal setting, and focus strategies—so you can handle the challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and stay sharp when it counts most.
I believe your mind and body are a team—and they work best when they’re in sync. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, recovering from injury, or just want to feel more in control and confident, together we’ll create a plan that’s personalised and proven to work.
So, if you’re ready to train smarter, feel stronger, and perform better, let’s talk!
Approach and Expertise
Success in sports demands more than physical training—it requires mental strength and resilience. My approach is built on the belief that the mind and body work as one, and optimal performance comes from training both. Drawing on the latest research in cognitive-behavioural psychology and neuroscience, I provide athletes with strategies that extend beyond physical preparation to unlock their full potential.
I specialise in six key areas:
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Performance anxiety and stress management
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Resilience and confidence building
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Motivation and goal setting
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Focus and concentration
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Injury recovery and rehabilitation
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Team dynamics and communication
Using evidence-based techniques—such as SMART goal setting, cognitive restructuring, and visualisation—I help athletes overcome mental barriers, build focus, and achieve peak performance. These methods aren’t just theoretical; they’ve been applied successfully in real-world settings, demonstrating measurable improvements in performance and mental clarity.
I recognise that no two athletes are the same. That’s why I take a tailored approach, working closely with each individual to address their unique goals and challenges. Whether you’re managing stress before competition, rebuilding confidence after an injury, or sharpening focus under pressure, I’ll provide you with practical tools and strategies to ensure long-term success.
Credentials
I bring a strong academic foundation and practical experience to my work, combining expertise in psychology with hands-on training in performance coaching:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – Erasmus University Rotterdam
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Master’s Degree in Forensic and Legal Psychology – Erasmus University Rotterdam
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Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology – Universidad Europea - Real Madrid Graduate School
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AFAA NASM Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine
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Sport Psychology Internship - WOUW Performance Coaching
This blend of academic knowledge, practical application, and personal training expertise allows me to approach athlete development from a holistic perspective—addressing both psychological and physical performance.