Simon Taylor
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
I wish more people knew that strengthening the mind is similar to training the body. The mental side of performance can determine how consistently you execute under pressure, recover from setbacks, and approach challenges with clarity. Coaching provides tools that help people stay focused, build confidence, and reach their goals in sport, business, and life.
Who are you and what led you to this work?
My passion for sports and mental health led me to pursue a career in sport psychology. I completed an MSc in Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, where I focused my dissertation on mindfulness meditation for amateur golfers. This experience gave me valuable insights into the role of motivation, stress, and goal-setting in performance.
I have also completed my Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) coursework and am working toward my supervised hours. My work with The Mental Game Clinic includes developing blog content, social media posts, performance courses, and supporting executive coaching. I enjoy this work because I get to collaborate with people from many different professional backgrounds and share ideas that strengthen the practice.
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
My approach combines performance psychology with practical strategies. I help clients identify barriers that affect performance and provide techniques such as mindfulness, visualization, and game planning. My focus is on building skills that support resilience, confidence, and adaptability. I also integrate technical instruction for golf clients, combining swing coaching with mental skills training.
What areas do you focus on?
• Performance anxiety and focus
• Motivation and goal-setting
• Stress management and resilience
• Golf performance and game planning
• Confidence and leadership development
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with athletes, executives, and high performers who want to strengthen their mental approach. I have a particular interest in working with golfers, where I integrate both technical coaching and mental performance strategies. Whether in sport or professional settings, I focus on helping people improve consistency, manage pressure, and perform with confidence.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients recognize the patterns that interfere with their performance and teach them tools to manage stress, maintain focus, and recover from mistakes. For golfers, this includes combining technical swing instruction with psychological strategies for game planning and confidence. For professionals, it means developing clarity, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I use mindfulness-based practices, visualization, performance scripts, and goal-setting frameworks. These methods allow clients to train their mindset in the same way they train physical skills, leading to measurable improvements in both sport and professional performance.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
In our first session, we will discuss your goals, challenges, and areas where you want to improve. I will ask questions to understand your background and current approach to performance. Together, we will identify strategies that fit your needs and begin building a plan for progress.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
My work at The Mental Game Clinic is shaped by my academic training, my experience as a competitive golfer, and my passion for performance psychology. I bring both technical knowledge and mental coaching to my sessions, helping clients sharpen their focus, build resilience, and approach performance with clarity.
Performance Interests
I am an Associate Golf Teaching Professional with the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation. I hold a two handicap, have competitive golf experience, and work with golf clients on both swing mechanics and game planning. I enjoy applying my knowledge of performance psychology directly to the sport and supporting athletes in strengthening both the mental and technical aspects of their game.