39: Working with Elite Athletes with Danny Donachie

Danny is a leading practitioner working with elite athletes. In
this podcast he shares his reflections on working at a leading
premiership football club in the UK. Drawing on his experiences
of studying at the Tavistock clinic, Danny discusses the
leadership and power dynamics at play in these soccer
clubs.  He applies Menzies-Lyth theory of social defences
against anxiety to his experience, observing how the obsessive
focus on diet and nutrition are a social defence against the
anxiety of poor performance. Whilst diet is clearly important,
the excess of the practices tell a different story. 



Simon and Danny discuss the 'happiness imperative', how highly
paid footballers feel obliged to be upbeat - 'how can you not be
happy, with the wealth and glamour'  yet this represses the
shadow side of their lives, and the anxieties and struggles they
face.  Discussing mental health issues is not encouraged as
they need to be 'at the top of their game' to be selected and
successful.  


Danny ends by discussing his life-long practice of meditation,
and how this helps him in his work, and how he uses an embodied
approach to help athletes engage more holistically with their
bodies, rather than 'stay in their minds'. I hope you enjoy this
fascinating podcast. 





BIO


Danny Donachie works with World class athletes and leaders to
improve performance through greater presence. He has held several
leadership positions in elite sports, most recently working with
a leading premiership soccer club in the UK.  Danny brings
his lifelong practice of meditation from Eastern traditions,
alongside a more psychologically informed approach to his work.
Through Embodyism he consults with high performing individuals
and groups.