Editor Dr. Ian Cookson
In the latest episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lucy Burdin, a freelance sports psychologist whose work spans elite football environments including Arsenal Women’s Academy and London City Lionesses. Lucy’s approach to psychology is deeply human, rooted in understanding trauma, somatic responses, and the importance of authentic relationships in sport.
This conversation was one of the most thought-provoking I’ve had on the podcast. We explored the psychological demands of goalkeeping, the growing pressures in women’s football, and how trauma and attachment theory shape athlete behavior and performance.
Goalkeepers: More Than Just Brave
We began by discussing the unique psychological profile of goalkeepers. Lucy challenged the stereotype that goalkeepers are “a bit mad,” instead framing their role as one that demands exceptional bravery and resilience. Unlike outfield players, goalkeepers often face intense scrutiny after a single mistake. One conceded goal can trigger a cascade of self-doubt, negative self-talk, and even a loss of confidence.
Lucy explained how she works with goalkeepers to reframe their internal dialogue. By observing body language and listening to how athletes speak about themselves, she helps them shift from self-criticism to constructive reflection. This isn’t about ignoring mistakes it’s about changing the emotional impact of those moments.
“It’s not about being mad,” Lucy said. “It’s about knowing what you’re stepping into and having the psychological tools to handle it.”
Trauma in Sport: More Common Than We Think
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Lucy’s explanation of trauma not as a dramatic, isolated event, but as any experience that disrupts the nervous system and creates a sense of unsafety. This could be bullying, parental divorce, or even chronic stress. In sport, these experiences often go unnoticed, yet they shape how athletes respond to pressure, relationships, and performance.
Lucy emphasized that trauma isn’t always visible. Athletes may suppress emotions, distract themselves, or seek validation through performance. These behaviors are often misinterpreted as personality traits or motivational issues, when in fact they are protective mechanisms rooted in past experiences.
Somatic Psychology: Listening to the Body
Somatic psychology is an emerging field that focuses on how the body stores and responds to trauma. Lucy described how techniques like breathing, walking, and mindfulness can help athletes regulate their nervous systems and stay grounded.
Interestingly, she noted that rhythmic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can mimic the effects of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy often used to treat trauma. This insight opens up new possibilities for integrating movement-based interventions into sport psychology practice.
“Sometimes I won’t speak to a player in a room,” Lucy said. “We’ll go for a walk, grab a coffee, and just talk. That’s often where the real work happens.”
Attachment Theory: The Hidden Influence
Lucy also brought in attachment theory, explaining how early relationships with caregivers shape how athletes seek safety and validation. In sport, coaches, teammates, and psychologists can become surrogate attachment figures. If those relationships are inconsistent or unsafe, athletes may struggle to trust, communicate, or perform.
This is particularly relevant in environments where athletes are under constant scrutiny. Lucy stressed the importance of being present, consistent, and authentic qualities that help build trust and create a safe space for athletes to open up.
“They’re a person before they’re a footballer,” she said. “We need to understand their world, not just their performance.”
The Role of the Psychologist: Embedded, Not External
One of the challenges we discussed was the psychologist’s position within a team. Should they be embedded in the environment or remain external? Lucy believes in being present eating with the team, observing interactions, and building relationships over time. This allows her to pick up on subtle behavioural cues and support athletes in a more holistic way.
However, she also recognizes the importance of boundaries and safeguarding. When trauma goes beyond her scope, she refers athletes to clinical psychologists, ensuring continuity of care and communication with the wider support team.
Looking After the Psychologist
Working in elite sport is demanding not just physically, but emotionally. Lucy spoke candidly about the need for psychologists to look after their own wellbeing. She uses cooking, walking, and puzzles to decompress, and visualizes herself “stepping out of the athlete’s bubble” to avoid absorbing their emotional load.
“You’re always switched on,” she said. “But you have to find ways to switch off, too.”
Final Reflections: Be Present, Be Human
As we wrapped up, Lucy offered a simple but profound piece of advice:
“Be present. Enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t get fixated on one goal. You won’t remember the scorelines, but you’ll remember the joy of being around a team.”
This episode reminded me why I do this work. It’s not just about performance it’s about people. It’s about creating environments where athletes feel safe, seen, and supported. And it’s about recognizing that behind every player is a story, a nervous system, and a need for connection.
Connect with Lucy Burdin:
- Instagram: @thesupportpsych
- Website: thesupportpsychologist.com
- LinkedIn: The Support Psychologist
Support the Women’s Football Hub: womensfootballhub.com
Hashtags:
#TraumaInSport #SomaticPsychology #SportsPsychology #Women’sFootball #GoalkeeperMindset #MentalHealthInSport #AthleteWellbeing #LucyBurdin #FootballPodcast #AttachmentTheory #BePresent #PsychologyInFootball #TheSupportPsychologist
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