Choosing to work with a sport psychologist
What does a sport psychologist do?
A sport psychologist works with athletes, teams and coaches to improve performance and enjoy what they do. To improve performance, a sport psychologist will help an athlete, team or coach to think better, feel better and do better. A sport psychologist works with their clients to judge what is best. Sometimes an athlete might wish to figure out what’s going on in her mind; another athlete might wonder why he can stay motivated; a coach might wish to speak more confidently with his athletes.
How long does the work take?
Many issues depend on the circumstances of the client. But most issues fall within six to twelve sessions. For example, some athletes might struggle with low self-confidence. By working with a sport psychologist and working on the tasks set between sessions, an athlete can raise his self-confidence. Once the sessions have ended, the athlete will continue to work on his mental fitness without needing the sport psychologist. Some athletes, coaches and teams wish for the sport psychologist to work with them across one season or many seasons.
Why should you choose to work with a sport psychologist?
You should choose to see a sport psychologist if you are not performing to your potential or if you are not enjoying your sport.
Why do some athletes, coaches and teams not seek the help of a sport psychologist?
There are several reasons; however, the most common reasons are not understanding how a sport psychologist might help them, the cost of the sessions, the fear and stigma working with a psychologist and the worry that others might feel they are mentally unfit.
What should you do?
The choice is, and always will be, yours. Choosing to help yourself improve and enjoy sport is a worthwhile investment in you. You will learn many things about yourself that will help you in other areas of your life.
A Simple Tale
Most athletes and coaches seek the support of a sport psychologist because they have become stuck. They have lost form, confidence or motivation and seek refuge among those who might understand their circumstance. Many athletes and coaches seek this understanding from a sport psychologist. The sport psychologist’s role, so, will be to help them to get back whence they came. A simple analogy to illustrate the role of a sport psychologist follows: Imagine you are driving a car along the road and something untoward happens which persuades you to pull over. Frightened or worried and you wish for someone else to drive. You meet someone on the roadside you believe can help you. Rather than returning to the driver’s seat, you ask this person to drive for you. This person you meet is a good psychologist. The good psychologist listens to your story and understands your anguish and fear. In your hour of need, you hope the good psychologist will drive your car while you sit in the passenger seat safe from the scare you experienced a few moments earlier. The good psychologist recognises only you can help yourself. The good psychologist knows you need to sit in the driver’s seat and rely upon yourself once again. The good psychologist knows the best place to sit is in the passenger seat while you work through your fear and regain your confidence driving once again. The good psychologist can leave your car while you continue on your journey having realised what you were looking for all along you already had.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Face-to-Face and Online
If you’re looking for quality sport psychology consultation sessions with a chartered psychologist that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I guide my clients every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Schedule an appointment today and see what I can do for you.
I am based in Glasgow and Edinburgh; however, I work across Scotland and the UK. I often conduct clinics in St Andrews, Manchester, Birmingham and London. Occasionally I travel to Dublin and other cities across Europe.
PRIVATE COACHING
Face-to-Face or Online
In our sessions, we’ll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behaviour. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. I’m confident you’ll find my personalised Private Coaching beneficial and inspirational. Get in touch to book an appointment.
PERFORMANCE COACHING
Face-to-Face or Online
Feeling a bit down lately and nothing seems to lift your spirits? It might be time to seek help from a licensed professional. My Performance Coaching sessions help clients develop positive attitudes towards life’s most complex and challenging circumstances. Contact me today and let me help you find the best in yourself.
SQUAD CONSULTATION
Face-to-Face or Online
If you’re looking for quality sessions with a certified Psychologist that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I guide my patients every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Schedule an appointment today and see what I can do for you.
