Coming back after an injury

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
So its been almost 3 months since I dislocated my thumb playing basketball, its basically healed completely. Every once and a while I will hit it hard and it hurts but its ok for the most part. The problem is it is hindering my play psychologically. I am really scared of hurting it again and its effecting my game big time! I'm playing on a college basketball team and right now I am playing less then extraordinary because I am scared. I am wondering if you can help me figure out how to get over this...or what I should do! Whenever I even daydream about playing basketball I imagine myself hurting it again. I always tell myself to stop doing that but it is constantly on my mind. Please help me, I know this is all psychological and I most likely will not hurt it again. Even when I hurt it it was a total freak accident (I stubbed it on a ball dribbling) so I know that sort of thing is not common...But I NEED to figure out what to do. Thanks for your help sooooo much!!
Amy

ANSWER: Hello Amy and thank you for your question.

I believe this is one of the most frustrating situations an athlete can experience.  You've had an injury, you've recovered, ANALYTICALLY you know that the chance of re-injury is remote, but your subconscious mind is in an endless loop of "what if" that holds you back.  This is why you can't talk yourself into "getting over it" (in spite of what people may have told you).  I see this a lot in a wide variety of sports - from basketball to road racing.  The good news is that mental training is tailormade to help people overcome these types of fears.  It's fast and effective.  What you want to look for is someone who can use a combination of hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming (NLP).  This WILL will help you reprogram and let go of that belief that's holding you back.  I've helped MANY athletes overcome these kinds of fears, usually in two sessions.  This will work for you, too.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
http://www.thementalcoach.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much David for all your help, I am just wondering if you know of any doctors who do this in California? I live in Mission Viejo (between LA and San Diego) and I do not mind driving a little ways...Thank You.
Amy

Answer
Amy, it's too bad you don't live closer to Sacramento (that's where my office is, although I do travel).  Send me an email (the address is on my website) and I'll be happy to look for someone near your area who can perhaps help you.

Best regards,

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
http://www.TheMentalCoach.com