PORT ADELAIDE forward Jay Schulz believes weekly visits to a psychologist will help him overcome the mental barriers that prevented him from having an impact at Richmond.

A first-round draft pick in 2002, Schulz showed glimpses of brilliance over seven seasons without ever establishing himself in the Tigers' struggling side.

The much-maligned forward managed just four AFL games in his final season at Punt Road and returned to his home state in exchange for young defender Mitch Farmer last October.

With his selection in the team far from assured, the 25-year-old's career at the Power started in familiar fashion, but he has hit back at his critics over his past six games.

In that time, Schulz has kicked 19 goals, including a career-best haul of seven against North Melbourne in round 13, to sit second to Brett Ebert in Port's goalkicking for the season.

Schulz said he was his own worst critic and that the reason behind his form turnaround has been predominantly mental.

"Confidence is a funny thing and it's a very hard feeling sometimes. The main thing with me is not getting too down on myself when I'm not going so well," Schulz told portadelaidefc.com.au.

"Even during games now when I've been playing better footy I haven't been having good quarters, but I find that I'm thinking a different way now [to what I would have in the past].

"I'm feeling like I'm still in it and not wasted for the rest of the game. I feel like I can still fight my way back in and give something to the team when I'm out there."

Click here to read the Jay Schulz feature.