Sport Psychology
What is "sport psychology"?
Sport psychology involves the mental and behavioural aspects of participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity. People contact a sport psychology professional for various reasons, including:
- 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 enviroment
In Canada, who is a qualified sport psychology consultant?
Psychology is a regulated profession, and as such, only Registered Psychologists can use the term "psychology." There is no specific exam or credential for "sport psychology." Those qualified to practise sport psychology will have a doctoral degree either in psychology with supplemental training in the sport sciences or in sport sciences with additional training in counseling or clinical psychology.
If I wanted to work with a sport psychologist, what would be relevant questions to ask?
- Does the sport psychology consultant meet the minimal standards, described above?
- Does the consultant belong to any of the major professional organizations 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 Centre-Ontario?
- Has the consultant obtained credentialing as a "Certified Consultant, AAASP"?
- What kind of experience does the consultant have in working with people similar to me (for example, what sports has the consultant worked with; what age levels; what skill levels)?
Do sport psychology methods work only with elite athletes?
No! Anyone can benefit from mental skills training, both in relation to sport and other aspects of life. Many of the methods that you may see being used by elite athletes, or may read about, can be easily learned, once they are tailored to your specific circumstances and practiced!
Are sport psychology services covered under my provincial health plan?
No. However, sport psychology services are generally brief (typically, three to five sessions) and, if you work with a registered psychologist, some of the service may be covered by your extended health care plan.
Table Of Contents
- FAQ
- Forms
- General Questions
- Sport Medicine
- Sport Physiotherapy
- Sport Psychology
- Sport Podiatry
- Sport Massage Therapy
- Naturopathic Medicine
Thank you to your staff! Thanks to your diagnosis, treatment and support I was able to fully recover from a back injury and (other minor injuries) to complete in Ironman Canada 2003. A year ago I would not have believed I'd ever do another Ironman when I was walking (not even running) around the block and unable to bend over to touch my own toes! After a year of recovery under close guidance from you and your excellent crew of doctors and of therapists, it enabled me to get to that start line. If only I could bottle some of these rushing emotions I experienced as I ran down the finishing chute and share them with the gang at SEMI. I truly thank you, all!
