Dr. Sharon Chirban, Author at Amplify Wellness + Performance

14th International Society of Sport Psychology – Presentation by Dr. Chirban

Sharon presented at the 14th International Society of Sport Psychology on a panel “Lessons learnt as practitioners in sport and exercise psychology: A case study approach.” Her case documented the beginning of a Boston Ballet Company dancer’s transition after dancing with the corps (the group of dancers who are not soloists) for ten years through her complete termination. Her transition began post Achilles tendon surgery, due to a Haglund’s deformity. She danced through her rehabilitation of her ankle for three years post-surgery, modifying role selection, intensity of her seasons and number of performances to manage the chronic pain that ensued post-surgery.

Sexualized Athletes

At the bi-annual Female Athlete Conference, Dr. Chirban gave a talk highlighting the issues related to the sexualization of girls and the implications of sexualization and self-objectification on both male and female athletes.

According the APA Task Force report (2007), sexualization occurs when a person’s value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior; when a person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness with being sexy and when a person is sexually objectified — that is, made into a thing for the others’ sexual use.

Monthly Fencing Workshops

June 24, 2017
Dr. Sharon Chirban
Newsletter, Performance Enhancement, Sport Psychology

Michael Berrebi at Amplifying Performance has been conducting monthly workshops with the Marx Fencing Academy, which offers elite fencing programs in Concord, Mass.

During these workshops, fencers have had the unique opportunity to explore core sport psychology skills and strategies aimed at helping to increase enjoyment and overall performance.

Topics to date have included: how to properly and positively self-assess one’s performance, understanding and improving the power of self-talk, and utilizing effective imagery.

“Exercise is Medicine” Classes

Newly Designed for 2017 Are you working on improving your outlook on life? Need exercise motivation? Do you want to learn strategies to make exercise a regular part of your life? If so, these classes are for you! Amplifying Performance Consulting,…

Exercise is an Evidence-Based Treatment for Depression

We know a few things about exercise and depression. Many think that exercise is an effective anti-depressant. Others know that when they get injured or can’t exercise, they get depressed. The effects of exercise on depression have been a source of contentious debate.

2017 Musician Symposium

The first multidisciplinary musician’s symposium of its kind, sponsored by the Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, the program will provide a thorough review of wrist and hand injuries unique to musicians, available diagnostic testing and treatments, prevention techniques and psychological issues associated with injury. Dr. Sharon Chirban is presenting on the psychological recovery of injury and recovery in the musician on April 2nd at The Micheli Center in Waltham. Her talk will be one of many addressing the multi-disciplinary sports medicine issues facing musicians. Registration is $75.00 per person.

Spin Mind Body @the Barn

Amplifying Performance is partnering with Spin @the Barn to offer an exercise is medicine spin class, located in a renovated barn in Carlisle, Mass. Classes will be scheduled on Saturdays. The 45-minute “Spin Mind Body” class will be led by a certified spin instructor who is trained to inspire in participants a positive mindset while safely modifying a class for all levels of physical fitness. A licensed mental health professional, who will participate in the spin class, will conduct the 45-minute group, to follow. Individuals appropriate for this group will be targeting a mental health issue (anxiety, depression, life balance, motivation, eating recovery, etc). The key to using exercise to improve mental health is accountability and supervision. See this helpful handout to distribute to patients and athletes looking to improve well-being with exercise. For more information contact sharon@amplifyingperformance.com.

Register for Spin Mind Body.

How Chronic Pain Can Change the Course of an Athlete’s Life

The demands of being an athlete can often be daunting, and this is a sentiment felt by athletes of all ages. A recent clinical experience crystallizes how an ankle injury, which resulted in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, can challenge an athlete in complex ways and can deeply impact their lives.

Mental Skills Tip for Boston Marathoners

What you need to know with just 74 days left to train for the Boston Marathon.

Keep your “Want” thinking in check: Many athletes let their “want” thinking run their training. I just “want” to finish this run; I “want” a qualifying time; I don’t “want” to let my financial supporters down. We are tricked by the sport ethic which tells us that “overcoming pain and fatigue” for our goal is being strong.

Big Sky Sport Psychology Retreat 2017

Mackenzie and Sharon are off to their annual sport psychology meeting in Big Sky, Montana.

The purpose of this three-day seminar is to bring together psychologists and mental health providers who practice in NCAA Division I/II/III collegiate athletic settings, professional teams and elite/Olympic athletic programs in providing psychological health care for athletes.