Please meet our amazing team of sport psychologists…
Gilly Thomas
Hi, I’m Gilly, and I am a current championship rugby player and chartered sport and exercise psychologist. As a sport and exercise psychologist, my job involves promoting positive mental health and wellbeing with the overall aim of having a beneficial effect on sporting performance and overall holistic wellbeing. Through my work in elite and community rugby, I have seen first-hand how creating a safe space for players to express their thoughts and show their vulnerabilities can lead to a greater sense of contentment. I am so pleased that the awareness and normalisation of mental health in our sport is growing and I’m excited to continue to do this alongside Brave Mind.
For me personally, playing rugby offers both a physical and mental release from the stressors of daily life. Having the social element of the game and being able to talk to my teammates and friends about things that I have been worried about is important to me for my own wellbeing. I think the safe space for conversations and support that Brave Mind is building is vital for ourselves as individuals and our teammates within the wider rugby community. I am excited to be a part of Brave Mind and to continue to raise awareness for mental health in and outside of sport.
Tel: +44 7870 688226
Dan Martin
Hi, I'm Dan, I'm a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist and a Professional Doctorate student studying self-care, professional wellbeing, and professional identity in sport. As a trainee Sport Psychologist, I work with individuals, teams, and clubs to help people better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in relation to performance and wellbeing. I love the processes involved in supporting an individual's journey in not only sport, but across a variety of performance domains. I am a huge rugby fan and I have found great pride and pleasure in being a part of the
Brave Mind team.
Tel: +44 7464 966201
Mike Roberts
Hi, I’m Mike. I am a Chartered Psychologist
(HCPC-registered) working in a wide range of environments including professional rugby and cricket, respectively.
I am a former professional cricketer with Hampshire CCC and it was during this period where I developed a passion for performance psychology and began my training process. When not at work, I enjoy running with my fiancée, golfing, live music and sport and the occasional pint(s).
I feel privileged to be able to work with Simon and the Brave Mind team. Seeing the charity continue to grow and have significant impact on all levels of the game is truly inspiring and I can’t wait to see where the journey goes in the future.
Tel: +44 7769 970953
Alex Powell
Hi I’m Alex. I am a Trainee Sport & Exercise Psychologist and founder of The Achieving Mind. After gaining a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport & Exercise Science from Exeter University, I went on to complete an MSc in Sport Psychology at the University of Portsmouth and a PGDip in Psychology at UWL. I have worked with a variety of clients from recreational to international levels and across a range of sports including football, golf, rowing, hockey and rugby.
I also work for the NHS within the Primary Care Network as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach. This role involves supporting individuals to make positive lifestyle changes and optimising their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Sport has always been a main passion of mine, having competed in hockey & cross country at county levels, being a sponsored windsurfer whilst competing on the British Wave Tour and representing the England Academy in Rugby Union. Having competed at a high level for much of my life, I understand the challenges athletes face and have a real passion to help athletes reach their full potential. I am looking forward to helping Brave Mind put mental health at the heart of rugby clubs, universities, and schools.
Tel: +44 7875 785405
Imogen Porter
Hi, I’m Immy. I am a Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist, and I am currently working towards HCPC registration through the BASES stage 2 qualification pathway (SEPAR).
I have a BSc (Hons) Degree from the University of Portsmouth and a Master’s degree from Loughborough University in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I am currently based at Loughborough University where I work as a member of the Applied Psychology Service and more specifically, provide psychology support to Loughborough Lightning Netball team.
As a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist, I work with and aid the performance and well-being of a huge array of individuals - from first-time exercisers, individuals with disabilities, individuals recovering or coping with illness and injury, coaches, parents and of course athletes at all levels of performance. It is sometimes easy to believe that the role of a Sport Psychologist is purely performance-based, but for me, this is not the case. Through my practice, I place a great emphasis on developing both the person and the performer and making sure that above anything, sport remains a key source of enjoyment.
I have played and been involved in several sports growing up including athletics, tennis and netball. I have always found sport and exercise to be a fantastic source of escapism and in my spare time, I particularly love to go for walks/runs in the great outdoors (when the weather is nice!!) as I truly believe that regular exposure to green space is key for our mental wellbeing.
I feel extremely privileged and excited to be working with Simon and the rest of the Brave Mind team to continue to raise awareness for mental health in and outside of sport.