Guest Speaker Profile - Dr. Ray Havlicek and Marc Saab

Psychologist Brings Mind-Reading Program to All-School Meeting.

By Kathryn Dawson

 

This morning, students at National Sports Academy were fascinated by Dr. Ray Havlicek and Marc Saab’s presentation on sports psychology and biofeedback technology.

The highlight was Saab’s live demonstration using Thought Technology Biofeedback, akin to a polygraph test, to interview NSA students John Wilkins and Celeste Brown.

  An example of the Thought Technology Biofeedback system

As Saab said, “I’m going to ask John an embarrassing question,” the meandering line, indicating Wilkins’ stress level, immediately shot skyward. Wilkins managed to hide any uneasiness after his initial apprehension at being the first test subject.

Brown’s stress level was significantly less stable and bounced around before wildly rising when an audience member called out, “when was the last time you showered?”

Saab’s demonstration complemented Dr. Havlicek’s presentation, which emphasized the importance of athletes being in ‘the zone,’ performing at the top of their range, and recognizing their flight or flight response to stressful situations.

“Sports psychology is my passion,” says Dr. Havlicek, although he works with various types of clients at his office in Lake Placid.