Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sport and exercise psychology is equally about performance excellence, personal development, and wellbeing, working with clients to help them to better understand themselves – how they work, how they think, and how they behave – so they can use this information to impact their performance and their lives.
Who can see a Sport and Exercise Psychologist?
For sport and high performance – Sport and exercise psychologists can support performers at any age across any level. Professional athletes and teams, athletes representing their country, and recreational or junior aspiring athletes may employ the services of a sport psychologist. Sport psychologists can also apply their expertise to other types of performers such as business people, gamers, performing artists and many more.
For exercise – Sport and exercise psychologists can also help people with their engagement in exercise. They may help people to deal with the barriers that restrict their participation in exercise, and develop individualised plans that help people to maximise their enjoyment of exercise.
Why is Sport and Exercise Psychology Important?
Many coaches and athletes testify to the importance of psychological factors in sport. Practitioners may be able to help with many types of challenges such as low confidence, coping with pressure, underachievement, and dealing with injury. They will also help to identify and maximise strengths. Sport and exercise psychology is equally about performance excellence, personal development, and wellbeing. Practitioners work with clients to help them to better understand themselves – how they work, how they think, and how they behave – so they can use this information to impact their performance and their lives.
When choosing a Sport and Exercise Psychologist
In the UK, Sport and Exercise Psychologist is a protected title. Only those individuals who have completed or are in training on an accredited pathway, and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), may use it. Before working with anyone, it is recommended that clients check the practitioner’s qualifications and professional expertise.
