In Pursuit of Congruence: A Personal Reflection on Methods and Philosophy in Applied Practice

Abstract

The chosen methods of applied sport psychology practitioners should be underpinned by their personal core beliefs and values (Poczwardowski, Sherman, & Ravizza, 2004). However, many novice practitioners unquestioningly adopt the dominant method of the field (Fishman, 1999), and thus might find themselves incongruent in terms of their professional philosophy (Tudor & Worrall, 2004). This article aims to highlight questions that practitioners might reflect on to achieve greater congruence in terms of their philosophy of practice. Autoethnographic accounts of consultancies by a recently qualified practitioner are used to explore one practitioner’s journey toward congruence in professional philosophy. Insights arising from these consultancies for the practitioner are provided, and the wider implications for the training and certification and accreditation of practitioners are considered.

Reflections on Three Neophyte Sport and Exercise Psychologists’ Developing Philosophies for Practice

“…The present article responds to the suggestion that practitioners should question the philosophical standpoint that underpins their methods (Lindsay et al, 2007;Poczwardowski et al, 1998) and will hopefully add to the growing literature which provides reflective accounts of the experiences of early career practitioners (Rowley, Earle & Gilbourne, 2012;Gilbourne & Richardson, 2006;Holt & Strean, 2001;Jones, Evans & Mullen, 2007;Knowles & Gilbourne, 2010;Page, 2009;Tonn & Harmison, 2004). Reflections on PJDM in several experiences are described which contributed to the developing philosophy of practice for three trainee sport psychologists.…”

“…In response to the recent literature regarding the development of applied sport psychologists' service philosophies (Lindsay, Breckon, Thomas, & Maynard, 2007), three neophyte psychologists take an autoethnographical approach to detailing how they developed their current philosophies. Using vignettes and personal accounts of their experiences they describe how reflection on their beliefs and values about people, behavior, sport, and change has underpinned their development as practitioners.…”

“…Increases in the publication of early practitioner process-orientated reflections have demonstrated the need for novice practitioners to move beyond a reliance upon the methods taught within the classroom and to disseminate their own practice and question their own service philosophy (Bond, 2002;Knowles & Gilbourne, 2010;Poczwardowski, Sherman, & Henschen, 1998;Tonn & Harmison, 2004). By reflecting upon their consultancy philosophy, practitioners can explore whether their applied delivery is congruent with their personal beliefs and values thereby maximizing their professional growth and development (Lindsay, Breckon, Thomas, & Maynard, 2007;Poczwardowski et al, 1998). The need for practitioners to remain congruent with their values and beliefs has been developed through the therapeutic viewpoint of Carl Rogers.…”

“…If sport psychology practitioners are congruent when selecting a therapeutic framework, which is underpinned by their beliefs in practice, then authenticity of that work can be assumed. Conversely, when the selected frameworks are not aligned (consciously or unconsciously) with their personal beliefs and values, then the practice of these frameworks could be adjudged as inauthentic and, at worst, ineffective (Lindsay et al, 2007).…”

“…During a practitioner's development it is particularly important that they reflect upon their personal philosophy, and its congruence with their applied behaviors (Lindsay et al, 2007). Moreover, as there is rarely a clear line from the theory taught on their graduate programs to the realities of applied practice, neophyte practitioners are constantly involved in making reactive decisions and judgments (Martindale & Collins, 2007).…”