Sports Psychologist

Explore the Sports Psychologist career...

sports psychologist

Understanding how the mind affects an athlete's performance draws many into a sports psychology career, a career that explores the critical mind-body connection - a connection that gives those who understand its potential a strategic advantage.

Yet gaining a strategic advantage translates into more than winning, even though winning is what preoccupies almost all athletes, according to Jeff Greenwald, a sports psychology consultant and licensed family therapist in Northern California(learn more about Jeff on his website). The sense of empowerment one gets from performing at an optimal level affects all people, regardless of occupation.

Sports psychologists employ many of the same psychological principles and interventions that other psychology professionals use to empower and change lives: helping others understand the connection between their thoughts and behaviors - and likewise, how their behaviors affect their thoughts.

"From my perspective, it's getting a playbook for your mind, " Greenwald said, describing how the "mental" game helps athletes win - and cope with losing.

Greenwald and many other sports psychology professionals use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in consulting with athletes because this therapy uses specific, goal-directed techniques and interventions. These interventions are based on science, developed from empirical studies that measure outcomes.

A college high jumper, for example, who set a track and field record but who suddenly can't jump the bar at levels much lower than her record seeks assistance from a sports psychology professional. This professional might employ visualization techniques, having her picture herself jumping over the bar at the lowest possible level, and then in her mind, raising the bar in increments, successfully clearing the bar at each stage.

The consultant will then take the athlete to the field and, through several stages, have her begin jumping again.Relaxation techniques will also help the high jumper, techniques that she can practice before each jump, or deep breathing exercises to calm her, decreasing tension and apprehension while increasing her focus.

If the athlete remains unable to overcome her sudden fear of jumping, a trained sports psychologist might suggest hypnosis.

Greenwald, who played tennis professionally for two years before becoming a sports psychology professional, said that different individuals react differently to pressure, depending on a number of personality traits. Distraction is a major issue that affects many athletes, especially for those who are highly tuned into the environment, sensitive, and emotional.

To help a softball player overcome issues with distraction and anxiety, Greenwald creates scenarios that simulate a competitive situation. Before taking her to the field to pitch or hit to her, he teaches her techniques on blocking out the distractions and remaining focused. On the field, he creates distractions and anxiety-producing situations, helping her to use the techniques they practiced in the office.

It's about helping individuals reframe their thoughts, showing them how to focus on relevant cues, such as the ball or target , or the task at hand, Greenwald said.

"The best of the best have a very narrow focus when they're performing at their peak," he said.

These athletes learn to take the surge in adrenaline they feel when they become fearful or anxious, and channel it to their advantage.

About half of Greenwald's 25 weekly clients are athletes, the other half are individuals and families with a variety of mental health issues. Greenwald said that his work as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist adds a depth of knowledge to his expertise when working with the parents of youth athletes.

"People get frustrated with parental involvement, but the attempt to exclude them is a mistake," Greenwald said. "They need to be included, but in the right way."

Greenwald said educating parents is essential. He coaches the parents on how to optimize the youth's experience by saying and doing the right things - in other words, how to work as team members with their children.

Preparing for a career in sports psychology also requires an understanding of how sports, exercise, and physical activity affect overall development and health throughout the life span. A career in sports psychology can involve conducting research and educating others about the field. These professionals teach at colleges and universities, and also work with athletes, coaches, or athletic administrators.

Sports psychology research and principles are used by a number of other professionals, and often a career in the field involves consulting or advising a number of different specialists. Exercise specialists, athletic trainers, youth sports directors, recreation directors, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists and other psychologists all utilize sports psychology research findings and principles.

Master's degrees and PhDs are required to work in the sports psychology field. Those who want to work for a sports team usually need a PhD although some teams hire consultants at the master's level.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports psychology, either as a consultant or as researcher, request information from schools offering either a Master's degree in Sports Psychology or a PhD/PsyD in Sports Psychology.