I haven’t just learned about this - I’ve lived it
Dr. Jessica Peacock has a doctoral degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling. She is a certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (ACSM/PAPHS), Obesity Care Exercise Specialist (ACSM), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC®). Dr. Peacock is a Professor of Exercise Science at Shenandoah University, where she has worked since 2014.
Dr. Peacock has extensive experience in health behavior counseling, having worked for over seven years in the ground-breaking Weight Management Program offered by the Public Employees Insurance Agency in conjunction with West Virginia University. She's also experienced health behavior change firsthand, having lost ~75lbs throughout her own exercise and weight loss journey.
On the sport performance side, Dr. Peacock has worked extensively with both individual athletes and teams from youth sport through Division I collegiate athletics. She was the sport psychology consultant for the WVU Women’s Volleyball team for five years and has served Shenandoah University Athletics and its athletes and teams since 2015. Dr. Peacock teaches mental skills to improve performance, and is cognitive-behavioral in orientation, meaning she focuses on how our self-talk or what we tell ourselves affects how we perform. Learning how to control her own self-talk has been vital to Dr. Peacock’s own performance in all areas of life!
After developing a love of exercise in her mid-twenties, Dr. Peacock competed recreationally in endurance running for over a decade, completing the Baltimore Marathon in 2005 and participating in numerous races from 10ks to 10 milers and half marathons. While no longer a runner due to a chronic health condition diagnosis, she continues to strength train and engage in aerobic exercise regularly, something important to both her physical and mental health.
Because of her chronic health condition, Dr. Peacock may be wearing a medical mask for any in-person sessions held indoors.
FAQs
What is health behavior consulting?
Health behavior consulting (HBC) helps you identify behaviors that impact your health, like how you eat, your physical activity level, and what you do to manage stress.
I can help you develop skills to improve and maintain good behaviors, and identify strategies that will better allow you to incorporate healthy behaviors into your everyday life.
HBC does NOT involve mental health counseling. If it is determined that you may be struggling with a mental health condition I will help find you a referral to another qualified mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.
What is sport performance consulting?
Sport performance consulting (SPC) involves focus on the mental aspects of performance, and teaches athletes and teams how to incorporate training for the mental side of their sport, just as they do with their physical training.
I teach athletes skills for mental performance including but not limited to emotion management and self-talk control; visualization/imagery; relaxation and stress management techniques; and goal setting. These skills are generalizable to any area of performance, like academics, performing arts, etc.
Additional topics that come up frequently in sport settings include team dynamics and cohesion; leadership development; focus and attention; and conflict resolution.
SPC does NOT involve mental health counseling. If it is determined that a group or team member may be struggling with a mental health condition I will help find a referral to another qualified mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.
What makes Dr. Peacock different?
There’s a lot of misinformation and disinformation about health and wellness out there, and it can be hard to figure out what it good information and what is not.
I am an evidence-based practitioner, meaning I use peer-reviewed research to inform what I do in all aspects of my consulting. I believe very strongly in the scientific method and engage in the research process myself in my full-time position as a Professor of Exercise Science.
Additionally, being evidence-based means relying on theory backed by quality research. I have a strong understanding of theory related to health behavior change and mental performance, and use this theory to inform my work with clients.
Lastly, what really sets me apart is that I don’t just teach this stuff to others; I really use it and live it myself! Before I found my passion for physical activity I was overweight, unhappy, and self-conscious. Exercise and sport helped me to feel empowered about what my body could do, and gave me belief in myself and my capabilities.
I was able to lose ~75 pounds and have maintained my weight now for about 20 years. My exercise habits are consistent and I would never give up my ability to be physically active - even if it meant taking all that weight back.
So, I’ve learned both through study and experience. I know what you’re going through, and I have the tools to help you create a lifestyle that you feel good about and that provides you results.
I am always honest: there are no shortcuts or quick fixes! If you want a change that will last, it will take time and a lot of work to get there. But the ends are so worth it.
I can help you get there!
Ready to Move Forward? Let’s Talk
How can I help you change your life and achieve your performance goals?