Thierry Aumer - Psychologist

18/05/2026

What stops elite athletes from seeking mental health support, even when they’re struggling badly?

A recent study by Andersson et al. (2025) followed 96 elite athletes who finally sought care at a sport-specialised psychiatric clinic in Sweden. They wanted to understand what kept them from coming sooner.

The answer wasn’t cost. It wasn’t logistics. It was a belief: “I’m not that sick.” One athlete almost didn’t come because the word “psychiatry” was in the clinic’s name. In her mind, that was for people who had really fallen apart. And she hadn’t — she was still training, still competing, still performing at the highest level. But she was quietly breaking down inside, while smiling on the outside.

Maybe you recognise that feeling. Carrying something heavy that no one else can see. Saying you’re fine, even when it isn’t entirely true. Pushing through the pressure of elite sport while your mental health silently takes the hit. Researchers call this impression management.

What finally helped these athletes take the step? It wasn’t a dramatic turning point. Most of the time it was someone they trusted, a teammate, a coach, a friend, who simply reached out a hand and said: I see you. Let’s go together.

If this resonates with you, or you know someone who is struggling, you don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point. I am here.
DM me, or find the link in bio. 👇

15/05/2026

The mental edge is trainable. Most athletes skip this work entirely — and then wonder why they underperform under pressure. Save this and come back to it before your next big event.

Which of these 5 do you already do? 👇

26/02/2026

The Forgotten Meaning of Responsibility ✨

Responsibility often feels heavy but what if that’s not because it’s wrong, but because we’re carrying what isn’t ours?

In this piece, I explore my personal view on responsibility and why I don’t see it as a burden, but as personal power and how discernment is the key.

If you are curious read the full article on Substack via the link 🔗in bio.

21/12/2025

“It’s not your fault.”
Four words. Repeated. And everything breaks open.

Rewatching Good Will Hunting as a therapist, I didn’t see a story about genius, I saw a story about trauma, self-protection, and what happens when someone finally feels safe enough to be seen.

In my new piece, I explore Will Hunting through a therapist’s lens:
why his defenses make sense, how the therapist–client relationship becomes deeply healing, and why real change happens through presence, and not understanding alone.

You’ll find the full article on my Substack: 🔗 in Bio

15/12/2025

Getting honest with yourself is a powerful act of self-growth.
At first, it can feel unsettling.
Old identities loosen.
Familiar stories stop defining you.
You may find yourself in the unknown, not lost, but in transition.
This space isn’t something to fix.
It’s part of the process of personal growth, emotional awareness, and inner work.
It’s where clarity, alignment, and authenticity begin to take shape.
If you’re here, you’re getting real and that is meaningful work.
The kind that leads to deeper self-trust and a stronger, grounded connection with yourself.
Stay with it.

13/12/2025

In therapy, progress doesn’t need to be pretty. Sometimes it feels inconsistent, uncomfortable, or painful. You’re not failing, you’re integrating. Healing happens in waves and looks different for everyone. Be proud of the courage it takes to face yourself and trust the process.

08/12/2025

Talking about feelings isn’t a burden, it is a bridge.
Every time you acknowledge and allow what you feel, you make space for connection to yourself and for relief.
What helps you open up when things feel heavy? Comment below👇

25/08/2025

Check out my updated website. Feel free to share.

My name is Thierry Aumer, and I’m a clinical psychologist from Luxembourg, offering psychological counselling and sport psychology services online.

13/07/2025

🧠💪 Can physical activity reduce anxiety?
I have a particular interest in how physical activity can support and foster mental health. In my recently published article, co-authored with Prof. Dr. Claus Vögele, we investigated how physical activity can reduce anxiety.

In this systematic review, we looked at the current state of research on how moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) can reduce anxiety in adolescents and young adults.

🏃‍♀️ Key Findings from Our Review:
✔️ Physical activity can significantly reduce anxiety, especially in those with higher anxiety levels.
✔️ Moderate to vigorous intensity exercise is most effective.
✔️ Both endurance (e.g., running) and resistance training help.
✔️ 3–4 times/week for 30–45 minutes shows benefits.
✔️ More research is needed to fine-tune the “what,” “how much,” and “why" it works.

💬 If you're navigating anxiety – or supporting someone who is – getting active might be a simple way to feel better. It’s not a replacement for therapy, but it can be a meaningful support while you wait or alongside treatment.

📖 Dive into the full open-access article here:
👉 https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000168

Abstract: This systematic review provides an overview of the current literature on the effects of physical activity (PA) as an intervention to treat anxiety symptoms in adolescents and young adults...