Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen is considering using sports psychology to help his players.
The bottom-placed Tangerines have struggled to cope with the pressure of trying to avoid the threat of relegation.
In the derby defeat to Dundee on Saturday United took the lead with a wonderful goal from Blair Spittal only to concede an equaliser four minutes before half-time when new goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima failed with an attempted punched clearance.
The Tangerines wilted after Kane Hemmings’ leveller and lost when former Caley Thistle midfielder Nick Ross’ shot deflected in off defender Sean Dillon.
Paatelainen is considering all options as he attempts to revive his players and club.
“I do believe in sports psychology and it is something I have been thinking about a lot,” said the Tanna-dice manager.
“I don’t believe in group psychology, though, because everybody is unique and different.
“Everyone reacts differently to each situation.
“So it has to be one on one sessions with a psychologist.
“That is definitely something I’m looking at.
“I have had many meetings with people from that area to help me treat players right and be stronger in certain situations.
“So it’s definitely something we need to look at and do something about.”
Paatelainen, having had time to reflect on the derby defeat, was not any less frustrated his team lost again despite opening the scoring.
He said: “Of course it concerns me if that happens. We want to be tougher mentality, but I think we are improving on that front.
“The players realise there are certain moments during the game when they really need to show strength and do things right, instead of getting a little bit complacent.
“We must be stronger in those situations. That’s an important point.”
Kawashima was criticised and praised by Paatelainen after his derby debut. Asked for his view on how Kawashima did in his first match for the club, Paatelainen answered: “Not well enough.
“He made a mistake for the first goal and it was a crucial time.”
The big Finn was, however, quick to praise his goalkeeper’s reaction to the blunder and added: “Eiji was the first one to hold his hands up and apologise in the dressing-room after the game.
“He is a strong character and takes responsibility.
“He is a quality goalkeeper and we have every trust in him. Look at the way he responded, he did not go into his shell at all.”
Paatelainen is adamant midfielder John Souttar will sign a new contract. Souttar has been linked with Celtic but Paatelainen is more confident than ever he will be staying with the Tangerines and said: “We have a positive problem because the player wants to stay and the club wants him to stay.
“The contract offer was on the table for months and, as everybody realised, eventually it would be taken off if nothing happened. Now, both parties agree John should stay at Dundee United.
“The player wants to stay so talks will carry on.
“We will come to a solution – no question.
“Far too much has been spoken about something that happens all the time and John will sign for Dundee United.
“I am positive about that because I want him to stay.”