Sports Pschology can apply to any level of athlete...
...from the recreational weekend athlete to the elite competitor. It is designed to facilitate achievement by helping individuals overcome various obstacles and/or to help them thrive within limits imposed by aging, illness or simply the demands of everyday life. It encourages the strengthening of everyone's unique relationship between their mind and body. Regardless of physical ability, discipline or level of committment, sport is a wonderful and powerful metaphor for learning about themselves and maximizing their experiences.
Sports Psychology is comprised of two distinct areas.
A) PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT
-Examples of Performance Enhancement Issues:
-Composure/focus/concentration-on and off the field
-Eradicating self-sabotaging behaviors/thought processes
-Sharpening concentration and focus abilities; eliminating distraction
-Improving communication with team members, coaching staff, friends, family
-Reducing anxiety about performance
-Reducing anxiety about injuries
-Returning from injury
-Fear of failure
-Loss of confidence (in self, team, staff)
B) PERSONAL/DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
-Examples of Personal and/or Developmental Issues:
-Dealing with athletic injury
-Depression
-Obsessive compulsive behaviors
-Disordered eating and body image issues
-Rejection
-Selfesteem
-Crisis (family, friends, academic)
-Career goals/confusion
-Grief and loss
-Suicidal thoughts/ideation
-Mood swings
-Relationships/Break ups
-Communication barriers
-Self-sabotaging behavior
-Personal/family issues
-Emotional Isolation
-Anxiety
-Anger management
-Substance abuse
-Family Issues
-Peer Pressure
All of these issues can affect performance.
Sports psychology techniques include cognitive reframing, relaxation skills, focusing and motivational techniques, imagery and traditional talk therapy. However, sport psychology is not limited to the office setting. Effective interactions can occur on the sidelines, before/after practice, or on the phone. Consultation and collaboration with other medical professionals is conducted as needed only with signed consent.