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Frequently Asked Questions

Athletes, coaches, and parents often have many questions when first considering sport psychology, and that’s completely normal. Some of the most common include: “What exactly does a sport psychologist do?”, “Do I need to be an elite athlete to benefit?”, and “How can mental training improve performance?” Others wonder about the difference between sport psychology and therapy, or how quickly they can expect to see results. Many also ask about confidentiality, the format of sessions, and whether support is available virtually. These questions reflect a growing awareness that mental performance is just as important as physical training—and sport psychologists are here to provide practical, evidence-based support to help athletes thrive both in competition and in life.

FAQs 

1. What does a sport psychologist do?

A sport psychologist helps athletes improve performance and well-being by focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of sport. This can include building confidence, managing pressure, improving focus, setting goals, recovering from injury, and maintaining motivation. They work with individuals, teams, coaches, and sometimes parents to support athletic development holistically.

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2. Do I need to be a professional athlete to work with a sport psychologist?

Not at all. Sport psychologists work with athletes of all ages and skill levels—youth, high school, collegiate, recreational, and elite. If you’re serious about improving your performance or want to enjoy your sport more, sport psychology can help.

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3. How is a sport psychologist different from a therapist or counselor?

While both may use similar psychological tools, sport psychologists focus specifically on performance, mindset, and the mental challenges unique to athletes. Some are sport psychologists with further training and accreditation also address mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, but many focus solely on performance and development.

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4. What issues can a sport psychologist help with?

Common areas include:

  • Performance anxiety or “choking” under pressure

  • Inconsistent focus or motivation

  • Lack of confidence

  • Slumps or fear of failure

  • Team conflict or poor communication

  • Burnout or overtraining

  • Injury recovery

  • Goal setting and routine building

  • Transition out of sport

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5. Is sport psychology only useful during competition season?

No—many athletes benefit from working with a sport psychologist year-round. Off-season is a great time to build mental skills, reflect, and prepare mentally for the next competitive phase.

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6. What happens during a sport psychology session?

Sessions are usually one-on-one or in small groups and begin with a conversation about goals, current challenges, and past experiences. From there, the psychologist introduces tools such as visualization, focus drills, breathing techniques, or thought reframing. Sessions are practical, collaborative, and focused on applying skills to sport and life.

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7. How long does it take to see results?

It depends on your goals and consistency. Many athletes notice improvements in awareness and focus within a few sessions. Long-term progress often comes from regular practice of mental skills, just like physical training.

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8. Are the sessions confidential?

Yes. Sessions are private and confidential, just like with any other professional. If you’re under 18, your psychologist may share general progress with parents or coaches—but always with your knowledge and best interests in mind.

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9. Can sport psychologists help with mental health problems like depression or anxiety?

Some can, if they are licensed and trained to do so. Others focus only on performance and will refer you to a mental health specialist if you need support beyond sport-related challenges. It’s important to clarify a sport psychologist’s qualifications when booking.

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10. How do I know if sport psychology is right for me?

If you’ve ever felt held back by nerves, overthinking, lack of confidence, or team conflict—or you simply want to take your mental game to the next level—sport psychology can help. It’s valuable for anyone who wants to perform better and feel better doing it.

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11. Can teams and coaches work with a sport psychologist too?

Absolutely. Coaches can benefit from leadership training, communication strategies, and team culture development. Teams can work on trust, shared goals, and mental preparation. Sport psychology enhances performance at both the individual and group level.

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12. How often should I meet with a sport psychologist?

This depends on your goals. Some athletes meet weekly during peak season, others once or twice a month for maintenance and support. You can choose one-off sessions, short-term packages, or long-term coaching based on your needs and budget.

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13. Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Most sport psychologists offer online sessions via video call, making it easy to access support no matter where you’re located.

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14. How much do sport psychologists charge per hour?

Sport psychologists typically charge between £100 to £250 per hour depending on their experience, sport setting (e.g., professional sport) and location. It's advisable to check with individual practitioners for their specific rates and any available packages.

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