Licensed psychologist Justin Anderson, of Premier Sports Psychology [sic] in Edina, has worked with teams in the NBA, NHL and the University of Minnesota’s athletic department. He has witnessed a growth of teams looking to psychology for an advantage. “Hypnosis has a little inconclusive data on it,” Anderson said. “Partly, it’s hard to measure. … I think the person doing the hypnosis is a big factor on it and then certain athletes are more prone or able to do it. “Ultimately, what hypnosis really is is a form of is relaxation combined with some visualization. We do know based on studies after studies that being able to relax and see the game can be tremendous.” Read the full article: "Carl Craig, former vegan punk rocker, is United FC's thoughtful coach" -- Pioneer Press...

“These guys are just as prone to depression, anxiety and substance abuse as anybody else,” Dr. Justin Anderson, a sport psychologist with Premier Sports [sic] Psychology who treats athletes, coaches and teams but has not treated West, told FoxNews.com. “When you see [the pictures] you can see he’s spinning in a direction that’s probably not helping his cause,” he said. And while it’s hard for Anderson to speculate without meeting West, he said it’s common for young men to turn to alcohol or drugs rather than seek treatment for a mental illness. Read the full article: "Delonte West photos troubling for player with history of mental illness" -- Fox News Health  ...

"But what does the science say? Do pregame speeches work? Do they make a difference? 'The research would say that pregame speeches are inconclusive on whether or not they work or don’t work,' Dr. Justin Anderson, a sports psychologist at Premier Sport Psychology in Edina, said. 'It depends on the relationship between the coaches and the athletes. It depends on how that message is presented.' In other words, how they say it is almost more important than what they say. 'The inflection, the tone, the way I deliver it, the mannerisms that I’m using to deliver it, will all impact on how you receive it,' Anderson said. 'What we do know is that emotion can have a significant impact on performance. So those coaches that can spark an emotion in a positive way will have an impact.'" Watch the video and read the full transcript here.  ...