Clare Chamberlayne PGDip, MSc, BSc, ABNLP, BHSI, UKCC Level 3, BHS Assessor level 3, BE Acc Coach, SHBGB Panel Judge, Basic Certificates in CBT and Psychodynamic Theories
I have been a practising Sports Psychologist now for 15 years. I did my undergraduate studies at Royal Holloway University. On graduation I worked in mainstream clinical mental health services in charity and NHS roles, working across a number of sectors, from homelessness, to medium and high security prisons, to community mental health teams working with adults and children. As a result of this work, I have extensive experience in a multitude of differing therapeutic techniques, with a particular focus on CBT.
I am fortunate enough to have been involved in professional sport my whole life, as my father was a jockey. I grew up with horses and feel very lucky to have been able to compete successfully with horses across Europe in some of the biggest and most prestigious venues. I have been competing internationally in dressage and eventing with varying levels of success since the age of 15. I have represented GB at Junior, Young Rider and senior level a number of times and have won medals at various levels; although winning Team Gold at the 2021 Young Rider Europeans and competing for GB on a senior Nations Cup Squad in 2003 are particular highlights.
Alongside my competing I have been coaching equestrianism at all levels from beginner to international competition level for 25 years. I am proud to be a BHSI, a top international coach and an equestrian assessor. It is my constant desire to promote the sport and to make it as accessible to all wherever possible.
It was my love of coaching and my passion for sport that made me leave clinical mental health work and do a Masters in Sports Psychology at Brunel and then pursue a career as a sports psychologist. I have enjoyed the freedom this has given me to work across all sports and to travel and work in a variety of countries and cultures. It has been a particular pleasure to be closely involved with the Thai equestrian team and to be part of their journey to Thailand’s first ever equestrian Olympic Team appearance in Tokyo. It has also given me great pleasure to have been actively involved in supporting Army Equestrianism for 15 years and to have been the sports psychologist to the Army Equestrian Teams for 12 years. My charitable work includes working extensively with HIV/ AIDS, mental health, horseracing and military charities.
As both a coach and as a sports psychologist I love working with anyone who is passionate about their sport. A very great deal of my work has centred around using generic psychology tools and therapies to assist people holistically, not only with improving as a competitor and athlete but also better their day to day lives and improving their generic well-being and happiness. Over the years I have found sports psychology techniques to be a helpful way to promote other concepts that enable children and adults to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
