Sport psychology is a growing field within Australia. Currently a growing number of athletes/ performers, as well as sporting and performing organisations are beginning to effectively utilise the services of sport psychologists in order to help athletes improve areas like consistency, performance, and provide and all-round psychological service to athletes. As a result of utilising the services of sport psychologists’ athletes are commonly provided with less mental stress during competition and performance, whilst also improving the athletes/ performers positive outlook and self-image.
The main purpose of Sport Psychology is to enhance an individual's athletic performance. Mental skills and strategies help athletes concentrate better, deal more effectively with competitive stress, and practice and train more efficiently.
Common skills areas of that a Sport Psychologist will work with athletes/ performers with are:
- Stress and Performance
- Coping with adversity
- Performing under pressure
- Resilience
- Confidence and achievement
- Goal setting
- Focus and awareness
- Being competition ready
- Mental Toughness
- Motivation
- Integrated technology use where appropriate (e.g., Focus band, Blaze Pods, Vector balls)
- Transitions (e.g., into sport, out of sport, to a new environment)
- Mental health and Wellbeing
Further to individual work, a Sport Psychologist will endeavour to provide workshops for athletes, coaches and organisations that include topics such as:
- Team Building and Culture
- How to use psychology
- Mental Health Literacy
- Growth Mindset
- Understanding Stress and pressure
- Mental recovery
- Values and Goals
- Communication
As you can imagine the topics above are just an example of topic areas that can be included, whilst programs can be tailored to individual/ group needs.
