Mental Training Room
Mental Training Room is a podcast hosted by former Division I athletes, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim. Haley is a current Mental Health Therapist who works with athletes on their mental game and Naomi is a real estate investor with a passion for spreading awareness around mental health in sports. Designed as a community and safe space for athletes, our goal is to foster honest conversations about the mental health challenges that athletes face within their sport while also advocating for more mental skills coaching imbedded into overall training programs, in hopes to close the gap from mental unprepared to MENTALLY ELITE!
Through insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests—including mental health professionals, current and former athletes, coaches, and much more—we aim to provide comfort, relatability, and practical takeaways for our listeners. In our episodes, we talk mindset, performance pressure, recovery, identity, and other authentic stories. While this podcast is not a substitute for professional help, we hope each episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.
If you are in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Mental Training Room
Mental Imagery in Sports: How Visualization Improves Confidence, Focus, and Performance
Mental imagery is one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—mental performance tools in sport. In this episode of Mental Training Room, we break down what imagery is, how it works in the brain, and how athletes can use visualization to improve confidence, focus, and performance under pressure.
You’ll learn the sport psychology science behind imagery, including how mental rehearsal activates the same neural pathways as physical practice. We discuss why imagery isn’t just “positive thinking,” but an evidence-based mental skills training tool used by elite athletes across college, professional, and Olympic sports.
This episode walks athletes through practical imagery techniques they can immediately apply in training, competition, injury recovery, and confidence-building moments. We also address common mistakes athletes make with visualization and how to personalize imagery so it actually translates to performance.
Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, inconsistency, or performing under pressure, this episode shows how mental imagery can help bridge the gap between physical ability and mental confidence.
Topics covered include:
- What imagery is and why it works in sport psychology
- The neuroscience behind visualization and performance
- How imagery improves confidence, focus, and emotional regulation
- Using imagery before games, during practice, and in recovery
- How athletes can build a consistent mental imagery routine
Perfect for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone interested in mental performance training, sport psychology, and mindset development.
Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod
For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com