Putting sport psychology into (your) practice.

Abstract

The psychologist interested in expanding or diversifying practice will find the relatively new field of applied sport psychology rich in opportunities for learning, collaboration, and development. Exercise can be an important adjunct to psychotherapy, and psychological skills training offers systematic methods for performance improvement. Sport psychology is derived from a blending of sport science and psychology, and practitioner psychologists bring unique skills to this domain. Building on already developed areas of expertise, the psychologist can apply new skills to different populations in diverse settings. At the same time, the practitioner with an interest in sport psychology should obtain sufficient training, consider credentialing, and recognize ethical issues particular to this field.

Psychological Benefits of an Active Lifestyle: What We Know and What We Need to Know

“…Considerable research is needed, but exerciselsport psychology and a host of other specializations are on the verge of greatly expanding the present state of mind-bodyspirit knowledge. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and exercise psychologists are investigating the benefits of exercise in psychotherapeutic settings (e.g., Hays, 1994Hays, , 1995Martinsen, 1993;Martinsen & Stephens, 1994). Psychologists and kinesiologists are beginning to capture the characteristics of flow, peak experiences, and fun in exercise and sport settings (Csikszentmihalyi, 1991;Kimiecik & Harris, 1995;Wankel & Berger, 199 1;Wankel & Sefton, 1989).…”

“…Hays considers exercise to be a therapeutic tool similar to free association and desensitization. Advantages of exercise therapy in comparison to conventional sedentary approaches include new clarity of thinking and fluidity of mental association, enhanced use of symbolism and metaphor, and increased nonverbal communication (Hays 1994(Hays , 1995.…”

Imagine the emotion: the use of mental simulations in supporting the development of emotional skills of preschool children

“…Almost all athletes and coaches use imaging techniques as a part of the preparation of an athlete (Morris, Spittle, & Perry, 2004). Mental training helps people to acquire new skills, maintain and strengthen well-known skills, improve strategy game performance, solve problems, control stress, build self-confidence, develop attentional focus, increase motivation, preview and review performance, and support the process of recovering from injuries and severe physical training (Hays, 1995;Morris et al, 2004;Perry & Morris, 1998).…”

Guidelines for Counsellors Working with People of African Ancestry in a Sport Context

“…Besides a psychological assessment service, sports counselling is another service a counsellor can render to athletes (Cole & Tinsley, 2009;Hays, 1995). Sports counselling is described as the psychological process that unfolds between a counsellor and athletes, with the aim of addressing problems pertaining to performance termination (Level I: MCS-SP), performance impairment (Level II: MCS-SP) and performance dysfunction (Level III: MCS-SP) (Gardner & Moore, 2004).…”

“…Sport psychology is described as the psychological process that unfolds between a counsellor and athletes, with the aim of addressing performance development (Level IV: MCS-SP) (Gardner & Moore, 2004). Hays (1995) states that sport psychology is often equated with performance development.…”