Sports psychology

What is sport psychology?

Sport psychology involves the study of how psychological factors affect performance. In turn, it also covers how participation in sport and exercise can impact psychological and physical factors. Sport psychology is an inter-disciplinary science that draws on knowledge from many related fields, including biomechanics, physiology, kinesiology, and psychology.

What do Sports Psychologists do?

Sports psychologists work with athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase motivation. They can also use exercise and sports as a way of enhancing people’s health and wellbeing throughout their life. In addition to instruction and training for performance improvement, applied sport psychology may include work with athletes, coaches, and parents regarding injury, rehabilitation, communication, team building, and career transition.

In what ways can sports psychology help you?

• Enhance performance
• Manage competitive stress
• Improve confidence
• Recover from injuries
• Keep up an exercise program
• Enjoy sport

Sport psychology can also help people off the field. The same strategies that sports psychologists teach athletes, such as relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring, can also help people in the workplace and in their everyday lives.

Is a referral required?

A referral is often required for a sports psychology consultation.

Can I claim this service as an extra on my health insurance policy?

A sports psychology session may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of cover, please check with your private health insurance provider.