Unlocking Athletes’ Potential
I am a Sport Psychology consultant with the lifelong goal of exploring the factors that allow every athlete to reach their full potential.
Areas of Expertise
Sport Confidence
Sport-confidence is more than just a feeling—it is the belief that allows an athlete to play as they are. While confidence often fluctuates, I specialize in helping athletes build a grounded, resilient foundation that stays steady, even when the game gets tough.
Emotion Regulation
The moments before and during competition often bring a surge of mixed emotions—excitement, hope, and anxiety all at once. I help athletes navigate these waves, providing the tools to remain calm, focused, and grounded
Being Present
In a world filled with the constant noise, it is easy to lose our sense of center. I believe that being present creates a sacred space to reflect on and cherish who we are and what we have. I help athletes navigate their way back to the here and now, focusing their energy on what they can control.
About
Nao Matsushima
I was born in Hong Kong and active in athletics, tennis, baseball, and golf from a young age. In my early experience, where split-second outcomes were strongly influeced by mental states, sparked a deep interest in the psychological aspects of performance. Following a career in FMCG and brand consulting in Tokyo, I moved to the UK, earned my MSc in Sport Psychology, focusing my thesis on sport-confidence.
Degree & Certificate
Master of Science in Sport Pscyhology (2026, Cardiff Metropolitan University)
Bachelor of Social Sciences (2018, Hitotsubashi University)
Experience
In many Western educational systems, a student’s potential is measured by a variety of factors—GPA, extracurriculars, and personal achievements. In Japan, however, life is often defined by “one-shot” exams. Having navigated these make-or-break pressures from elementary school through university, I learned firsthand that peak performance is not just about what you know; it is about how you manage your mind.This realization was solidified on the track. As a 100m sprinter, I was constantly surrounded by the “noise” of rival success, training setbacks, and the fear of poor performance, I found myself instinctively applying mental skills like imagery and reframing to stay positive.
Further, two pivotal experiences shaped my path: Classical Japanese Martial Arts taught me the grounding power of gratitude in the current moment, while the simple, empowering words of the team staff at the athletic club helped me achieve a personal best under immense pressure. I am neither the tallest nor the most muscular athlete, but I discovered that an optimized mental state is the ultimate equalizer. This discovery opened the door for me to the world of Sport Psychology.
I believe Sport Psychology is about more than just performance; it is about helping athletes navigate their identity and lifelong purpose. I consulted with an elite Japanese middle-distance runner with major transitions, including turning professional, unemployment, heart surgery, and retirement. Together, we navigated challenges such as a difficult coach-athlete relationship and a quarter-life crisis regarding his identity outside of sport. By exploring his lifelong purpose, he successfully transitioned into a coaching role for a top-tier professional running team.
Furthermore, my academic journey has nurtured a rigorous analytical approach to how race, gender, and athletic identity intersect. Through my research into the experiences of female African American Olympians, I have examined the profound impacts of isolation, financial instability, and discrimination on their mental health and performance. This academic depth allows me to embody promoting equality and diversity. I advocate for a holistic environment where athletes have access to comprehensive social, academic, and financial support. By collaborating with external advisors, such as career counselors and financial advisors, I believe sporting system can remain a positive, inclusive, and thriving environment for all.