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How to Set Retainership Fees for Sport Psychology: A Practical Guide for Consultants
Two professionals engaged in a business meeting, with one taking notes and the other holding a coffee, in a modern office setting. Athletes who commit to sport psychology retainers may experience performance improvements of up to 40% [2], yet many of us as practitioners struggle to establish appropriate fee structures for our services. The challenge extends beyond calculating hourly rates; we need to understand retainership as an ongoing professional relationship that serves

Dr Paul McCarthy
Jun 117 min read
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Personal Stance in Therapy: A Practical Guide for Sport Psychology Professionals
Two women engage in a heartfelt conversation in a sunlit room, surrounded by greenery, as the evening light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your personal stance in therapy shapes every interaction with athletes, yet many practitioners struggle to state what drives their work. Sport psychologists are embracing comprehensive, athlete-centered approaches rooted in person-centered therapy principles. This change emphasizes the practitioner-client relationship as a founda

Dr Paul McCarthy
Mar 2915 min read
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How I Changed My Life by Challenging Core Beliefs (A Therapist's Story)
"Balancing stress and serenity: A woman transitions from a moment of frustration at her desk to calm reflection by the window as the sun sets." Core beliefs shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Starting a journey to challenge these beliefs can change your life completely. I know this firsthand - as a therapist, I've helped many clients through this process, but most don't know that I once stood right where they are now. Deep assumptions about ourselves, ot

Dr Paul McCarthy
Jan 268 min read
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How Jamie Overcame Low Self-Esteem: A Real Story That Will Help You Too
Two women face each other in adjacent doorways, one bathed in cool blue light and the other in warm yellow, creating a striking contrast between the two sides. My (Jamie) mission to overcome low self-esteem started after negative self-perception controlled my life for years. Low self-esteem can trigger anxiety and depression that damages both personal and work life . This was my daily reality. I avoided challenges and performed poorly at school and work while fighting an inn

Dr Paul McCarthy
Jan 917 min read
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How to Build Athletic Confidence: A Person-Centered Therapy Guide for Sports
Two women are engaged in a positive conversation in a cozy, well-decorated office, complete with artwork and plants, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Athletes with approach-oriented goals report higher levels of mental toughness and autonomous motivation. Person-centered therapy in sports makes this internal drive central to an athlete's development. The approach offers a fresh perspective that differs from traditional sport psychology literature. Athletes

Dr Paul McCarthy
Dec 4, 202510 min read
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How to Practice Self-Affirmations: A Research-Backed Guide to Real Benefits
A woman practices mindfulness meditation at home, seated comfortably on a cushion with her eyes closed. Sunlight streams through a large window, and a serene atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of potted plants and a steaming cup of tea on the floor beside her. Self-affirmations do more than just positive thinking—they can improve our personal and social well-being by a lot, even with quick, budget-friendly exercises . People often ask if affirmations really work. Researc

Dr Paul McCarthy
Nov 26, 202511 min read
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