Understanding Fear: Using Psychology to Befriend Your Nervous System and Climb Courageously

For so many of us, these natural human responses to fear can hold us back from climbing at our best, and can eventually limit our enjoyment and mastery of climbing. In this virtual talk, Women’s Lead Club member Dr. Jen Dragonette will explore how fear works in our bodies, and how we can work with our attention, thoughts, breath, and emotions rather than fighting or avoiding them.  Participants will come away with exercises to help manage self-defeating thought patterns, improve mindfulness while climbing, and increase mental strength.

As a Licensed Psychologist, trauma specialist, and Certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guides Association, Dr. Jen Dragonette brings a unique blend of psychological expertise to her work with rock climbers and climbing guides. She regularly leads workshops and trainings focused on mental strength, performance mindset, and resilience for rock climbers of all levels. She is a member of the International Association of Psychologists in Climbing, and is also the Mental Strength Training Coach for Session Climbing in Santa Rosa, CA, working with their competitive climbing teams as well as the general population.