What to expect from a sport psychology consultation

When players sign on for sport psychology consultation, they often think they have purchased a magic wand. Even if they had, they have no idea over what to wave the magic wand. In effect, they are just lost and want immediate relief.

The truth of the matter is that the player is signing on for a process, the same kind they had with the physical game. But now, instead of learning sport-specific bodily movements and technique, the process is learning mental and emotional facets of their games. In short, they are in for a “mindset reset” regarding how to play their games.

The Role of the Sport Psychologist
A sport psychologist’s role amounts to temporarily “living the game” with the player. For example, helping them see the good in each practice session or competitive event; assisting their awareness of where work needs to be done; and supporting them through difficult times in their development.

Between competitions, the psychological coach might restructure practice based on things learned from the previous event. The remedies might be drills in the practice area; might be trying on new ways of thinking and feeling; or it might be certain suggestions for the physical coach to attend to with the players’ games. It is all important that the psychological and physical coach be on the same page and work together.

Other Matters that Might Arise
The sport psychologist’s main job is performance enhancement. However, sometimes personal issues arise, ones that might interfere with progress. The sport psychologist is in a position to provide some understanding and reflection on how players might move forward with their lives, so they can also move forward with their sports.

Similarly, sometimes the practice of sport psychology gets drawn into family issues, as athletes don’t live in a vacuum. They live in families, and families have developed and supported them in their journey from a young age on to where the player is now. So family dynamics certainly come into play and need to be addressed. It is wise to select a sport psychologist with background in clinical psychology, particularly when it comes to dealing with personal and family issues.

One other area that sometimes emerges with athletes is career evaluation and guidance. The sport psychologist is likely to know other athletes that have struggled with the same issues and might be of help. Indeed, the sport psychologist might have experienced the same discernment process and can shed some light on it for their younger clients.
Professional Fees

All coaches, instructors and sport psychologists set their hourly fees according to their credentials, experience and demand for their services. In addition to an hourly fee, some might have packages of hours that reduce the hourly fees considerably. Some offer the option of being on retainer for, say, 3 months or even a year. This would provide unlimited availability for face-to-face consultation, getting out on the field of play with the player, attending competitions, and all the phone and electronic communication desired.
Sport psychologists want to make their services available and affordable, so as to help players achieve their full potential and happiness in their sports.

Dr. Tom Dorsel is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and a clinical/sport psychologist in Hilton Head. His best-selling book is “GOLF: The Mental Game.” He works with athletes from all sports and can be reached at tom@dorsel.com.