Improve Your Mind and Body With Sport Psychology
Sport psychology involves the mental and behavioural aspects of participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity. People contact a sport psychologist for various reasons, some of which include:
- Improvement of performance
- Dealing with the pressures of competition
- Enhancing the sport or exercise experience
- Assistance with the mental or psychological aspects of injury rehabilitation
- Assistance with motivation for an exercise program
- Guidance in dealing with life challenges
- Seeking the performance edge in a business environment
How Do I Choose a Qualified Sport Psychologist?
When you’re seeking out a sports psychologist it’s important to choose a qualified professional with the proper accreditations, experience and expertise. You trust them with your mind, body and sports performance. Ask these questions to ensure they are qualified:
- Does the sport psychology consultant have a psychology degree, and supplemental training in the sports field?
- Does the sports psychologist belong to any of the major professionalorganizations in sport psychology, such as the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP) or the American Psychological Association’s Division of Exercise & Sport Psychology? Have they been involved in these organizations? Are they involved with local organizations, such as Sport Psychology Ontario or the Canadian Sport CentreOntario?
- Has the sports psychologist obtained credentials such as a “Certified Consultant, AAASP”?
- What kind of experience does the sports psychology professional have working with people similar to you? For example, what sports has the consultant worked with, what age levels, what skill levels, etc.
Does Sport Psychology Only Apply to Elite Athletes?
Definitely not! Anyone can benefit from mental training, both in relation to sports and other aspects of life. Many of the methods that you may see being used by elite athletes, or may have read about, can be easily learned, and once they are tailored to your specific circumstances, put into practice whether you’re a professional athlete or an amateur.
Are Sport Psychology Services Covered By Provincial Health Plans?
No. However, sport psychology services are generally brief (typically, three to five sessions) and, if you work with a registered sport psychologist, some of the service may be covered by your extended healthcare plan. Refer to this chart for SEMI’s sport psychology fees.
Contact SEMI to learn more about our sports psychology services. We can set up an appointment or consultation with one of our top sports psychologists.