Women & Girls in Psychology & Science: Breaking Barriers & Inspiring Change

At Brave Mind, we love sharing the stories of those who are making a real impact in mental health and psychology. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we sat down with Gilly Thomas, one of our sport psychologists whose journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. Gilly’s passion for mental health practice, commitment to evidence-based practice, and drive to break barriers make her a role model for future generations. 

"I always knew I wanted to work in sport," Gilly tells us. "I played a lot growing up, but I wasn’t sure where that would take me career-wise." It wasn’t just her own experiences as a rugby player that shaped her path, it was watching her teammates. "I was one of the lucky ones who thrived in high-pressure moments, but I had teammates who struggled despite their talent. It was seeing this that sparked my interest in sports psychology and gave me the motivation to pursue a career in that field." 

A moment that solidified her decision was the London 2012 Olympics. "I had a conversation with Katherine Grainger, the first British woman to win her five medals at five successive games, just before I started University. She really reinforced how crucial sport psychology is, not just for performance but for overall well-being, and that conversation stuck with me." 

Stepping into the world of elite sport wasn’t without its challenges though. "Early on, I was mistaken for 'the tea girl' at a football club, where I was asked to bring tea for the coaches instead of doing my job, which was observing and providing feedback on a player’s behaviour after they made a mistake, for example, on their confidence level. It forced me to have a difficult but necessary conversation about the importance of my role." 

Working in a male-dominated environment has meant facing practical obstacles too. "Sometimes, there were no appropriate kit sizes for women, or facilities at events are designed with only men in mind. These things might seem small, but they highlight how much change was still needed. The good news is, with the growth of women’s sport, visibility is improving, and young girls are seeing more women in elite sports, which is so important to reinforce this is a viable career option for them." 

Gilly's work with Brave Mind began through a chance meeting with founder Si Trower at Henley Hawks Rugby Club, where they both used to play. "We connected over a shared belief in the importance of mental health in sport. Brave Mind’s approach of making mental fitness as routine as physical fitness really resonated with me. We believe in honest conversations, real connections, and creating lasting change in the sports community. Now, I facilitate sessions that bring well-being and performance conversations to the forefront, ensuring that athletes and coaches alike feel supported." 

One of the things Gilly values most about Brave Mind is its emphasis on evidence-based practice. "From the start, Si and I agreed that if we’re doing this, it has to be grounded in science. Mental health support should be regulated, reliable, and delivered by qualified professionals. That’s how we safeguard the sports community and ensure we’re making a real difference. Brave Mind isn’t just about the conversation, it’s about tangible action and equipping people with the tools they need to thrive." 

Diversity in science and psychology is something Gilly is passionate about. "Science has historically been male-dominated, and that still discourages some women from entering the field, but visibility is powerful. Women like Sarah Murray, who gave me my first elite sport psychology experience, or Dr. Jenny Smith, who supported my university journey, have made an impact on me. And then you have athletes like Simone Biles, who’ve done so much to normalise conversations around mental health. These role models help pave the way for the next generation." 

For young women looking to enter sport psychology or any scientific field, Gilly’s advice is simple: "Network. Talk to people in the field, explore different areas, and build a support system. Having a community of like-minded people makes all the difference." 

Gilly has seen firsthand the impact that open conversations about mental health can have. "One session that really stuck with me involved a college rugby team. They were struggling with a coach whose communication style was affecting team morale. Through discussions, the players gained the confidence to address their concerns. It turned out, the coach was dealing with his own stress, and once they had that open dialogue, everything shifted. It was a great reminder of how important it is to create safe spaces for these conversations." 

Looking ahead, Gilly is hopeful. "I want mental health to be spoken about as openly as physical health. Every conversation we have chips away at stigma. And I’m excited to see more female practitioners stepping into sport psychology and pushing boundaries." 

Self-care is also a key part of her approach. "Working in elite sport, you have to manage pressure. Exercise is a big one for me, and helps my mental and physical health. Staying connected with friends, getting good sleep, and reading before bed instead of scrolling on my phone all make a difference." 

Gilly’s final message? "Be open about your aspirations. The more we share our journeys, the more we can lift each other up and break barriers together." 

At Brave Mind, we celebrate women like Gilly who are changing the face of sport psychology and mental health. If you're passionate about making a difference, follow our journey and be part of the movement for inclusivity, science, and well-being. It’s time to #Kickofftheconversation  #WomenInScience #BraveMind #MentalHealthMatters