Get a Grip

Louis Parkinson has been climbing for over twenty years and coaching professionally for more than a decade. He has competed nationally and internationally, representing Great Britain in the 2015 climbing world cup. In 2017, he founded Catalyst Climbing, which has grown into one of the world’s leading climbing coaching organisations, working with thousands of climbers of all ages and abilities – including athletes who have gone on to join the GB junior climbing team. Through his popularity on YouTube and Instagram, Louis has become widely known for his work on climbing performance and mindset.Joel Robertson MA, MBACP is a psychotherapist based on Harley Street, London. His practice has brought him alongside clients from a wide range of backgrounds including professional sportspeople, actors, social workers, teachers, CEOs and Michelin-starred chefs. He also works with couples and people in other forms of relationships, including family members and business partners. Before retraining, he ran community music groups for vulnerable adults, and worked in content and copywriting roles for startups in music festivals and digital healthcare. He is a keen climber and occasional triathlete.

• IntroductionPart 1: Self-worthChapter 1: Performance, success and self-worthChapter 2: The contested worth of our bodiesChapter 3: Comparison, the thief of lovePart 2: MindsetChapter 4: Adopting a change mindsetChapter 5: Critical inner voiceChapter 6: What we give our attention toPart 3: The present momentChapter 7: Mindfulness and an undivided selfChapter 8: Working with fearChapter 9: What’s our motivation made of?Part 4: RelationshipsChapter 10: Belonging: a prerequisite for thrivingChapter 11: The power of relationshipsFinal reflections and practiceUK-based support servicesReferencesAcknowledgements