Who Is Sport Psychology Actually For?
Sport psychology is often presented as a luxury for elite performers. The reality is that (1) many elite and pro athletes started using sport psychology services long before they got to their current level, and (2) sport psychology can benefit athletes at nearly every age and every level.
If you’ve ever wondered if sport psychology could benefit you, you’re in the right place. I’m breaking down three of the most common profiles of athletes I see in my work in the field of sport psychology and spoiler - none of them are exclusive to the elite.
The Athlete that Feels Stuck
Athletes often come to us when they feel stuck. When they’re training hard and yet it seems the work isn’t showing when it’s game/meet/competition time. They push harder and yet their best performances only feel further out of reach. They might have some good performances, but they almost feel random and certainly not replicable.
We help athletes identify what’s happening and understand that it’s often not an effort problem but a systems and skills problem. That you might not be training some of the things you need to. We assess your mental rest and recovery, your ability to manage mistakes and pressure, your reaction to challenges and setbacks, and your goals and motivation. Sport psychology helps us find the gap and create tangible strategies for filling it.
The Constant Comparer
Athletes often find themselves stuck in a loop of comparison. When they’re not doing well, they’re thinking that others are doing better. When they are doing well, it feels impossible to soak it in because they’re worried about the next mistake or feeling like what they’ve done is still not enough. They can’t see their progress because they’re only focused on outcomes and the joy and meaning in sport feels out of reach. These factors contribute to burnout, stress, and overwhelm.
Sport psychology can help athletes understand the function of comparison. It might sound silly to think that something like comparison has a function - especially when it only seems to cause problems. But humans don’t do anything without reason, and understanding why you’re stuck in comparing is a first step in figuring out to change it. After we understand it - we can tailor our approach to your needs which might include getting really clear on your strengths, finding sustainable ways to track progress and growth areas, and working on your relationship with what actually matters to you in sport.
The Athlete Navigating Change
Athletes go through so many transitions, in and out of sport, that can impact performance. Athletes change competition levels - moving from high school to college, school team to club team, national competitions to international competitions. Athletes personal roles shift - taking on new responsibilities as a spouse, parent, employee, or caregiver that impact what training and competing looks like. Athletes navigate physical change - returning from injury, hormonal changes, chronic illness. All of these factors present new demands and expectations.
Sport psychology often supports athletes in navigating change. Developing new systems that fit the new setting and context. Redefining success and meaning in a new environment or level. Coping with the thoughts and feelings and fears that change can present. We give athletes space to be a person navigating performance in new conditions and feel supported as they adjust.
If you’re wondering if you could benefit from sport psychology - reach out. We’re always here to help you identify what’s a good fit, even if it’s not us.