The Truth about Working with a Sport Psychologist
“I don’t need a sport psychologist. I’m not crazy.”
This is hands-down one of the most common assumptions athletes and coaches who are unfamiliar with sport psychology make. There remains this idea that a person must be “crazy” or “incredibly weak” to work with a sport psychologist. This actually couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Typically, there are two main scenarios that lead individuals and teams to work with a sport psychologist. Interestingly, these scenarios mimic two other sources of support that athletes are incredibly familiar with and will utilize without hesitation.
ONE – working with a sport psychologist like an athlete would an athletic trainer (or physical therapist)
In this scenario, an athlete typically has a particular problem that they are wanting to address. It may be something small or big, but it is getting in the way of their ability to perform to their potential. By noticing and addressing the issue, they are able to get back to top form.
Often, when working within this scenario, athletes only see the sport psychologist for as much time necessary to develop specific strategies and solutions to that particular challenge. This may mean a one-time session, a handful of sessions, or a longer program if the problem is complex. Similarly to the time demands an athlete would work with an athletic trainer regarding various injuries, from a blister to a strained muscle to a torn ACL.
Common challenges for athletes within this scenario:
Recovering or returning from injury
Having a lack of confidence
Addressing a slump in performance
Struggling to perform in pressure moments
Being distracted during training and competition
Difficulty managing emotions (which leads to inconsistent performance)
Inability to recover quickly from failure
TWO – working with a sport psychologist like an athlete would strength and conditioning (or personal trainer)
In this scenario, an athlete typically has a really solid foundation. Rather than focusing on a particular problem, the athlete is either trying to maintain their current level of strength, maintain their health throughout a grueling season, or improve on their assets by making their strengths even stronger. Consistent physical training ensures that the athlete is capable of managing the physical demands of their sport.
Similarly, consistent mental training provides athletes with the strategies and skills to handle the mental demands of their sport. Athletes that work with sport psychologists in this manner are focused on consistency throughout their season and career. They work to develop additional skills to reach higher levels, better perform under pressure, and handle the off-field factors that can generate stress. Athletes also improve their leadership skills and speed up their mental recovery times.
When athletes work with sport psychologists in this manner, they are utilizing all of the available tools to create an edge over their competition. They put in the work to develop their mental skills so that all of the work they do for their physical skills and sport-specific skills are able to shine in competition. Typically, this involves more consistently working with a sport psychologist over months and even years. While they may address specific challenges that arise, the focus remains on leveling up their skills on a regular basis.
The Verdict
So…no, working with a sport psychologist is not because an athlete is crazy. Working with a sport psychologist is for the athletes who are invested in becoming the best they can be and pushing their potential to the limit. It’s a sign that an athlete is all-in, fully dedicated, and committed to developing their craft.
If that sounds like you, let’s chat! Whether you fall in scenario one or two, I would love to help you develop your mental skills so you can perform your best when it matters most.