Sport Psychology Consultants

The term "Peak Performance" has come a long way in the last 10 years. It has developed into a commonly used buzz word in business, athletics and day to day living. More than ever there is a link between the word peak performance and sport psychology consultant.

In the book, "Applied Sport Psychology,"(1993), Ken Ravizza, Ph.D. (kinesiology) a sport psychology consultant interviewed 20 male and female athletes from a range of competitive skill levels in twelve different sports his research findings report that the act of being in a state of "peak performance" to these athletes included: loss of fear-no fear of failure, no thinking of performance, total immersion in the activity, effortless performance, feeling of being in complete control.

Jim Loehr, Ph.D.(education) in the same chapter concluded through his hundreds of interviews with athletes that athletic performance could be increased through a combination of feelings which include:
high energy(challenge, inspiration, determination, intensity), fun and enjoyment, no pressure, optimism and positiveness, mental calmness, confidence etc....

For a moment let's accept that two Ph.D's with different academic backgrounds can help establish an orientation of the word "peak peformance." But what is the definition of a sport psychology consultant? Are training people in peak performance skills the only service they provide?

The Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) puts out a helpful guideline for choosing sport psychology consultants and guidelines for what the differences between consultants and services may offer. In the AASP guidelines for choosing a sport psychology consultant they suggest, "Professionals who provide sport psychology services generally take one of two academic routes to obtain their credentials: the sport science route (through physical education or kinesiology programs) or the psychology route (through clinical
or counseling psychology programs).

Guidelines: Sport psychology consultants may provide a variety of services. Some providers have combined their training to include sport science and counseling psychlogy services. So when you are thinking about hiring a sport psychology consultant ask yourself the following:

-What types of services am I looking for? Ex: a sport psychology consultant who develops performance enhancement programs for an individual or a team? A sport psychology consultant who is skilled in teaching specific mental, behavioral, psychosocial and emotional control skills for sport. A sport psychology consultant who can help with parental or coach pressure and/or team dynamics. A sport psychology practitioner that can work with injured athletes on the mental aspects of injury and preparing to re-enter the sport competitively.

- Ask, what specific licensing, certifications, credentials, academic training and experience does this professional have that will assist in providing those services?

Sport psychology is a growing aspect of sport culture at every level of participation. Whether the players are professional, collegiate, high school, youth or seniors, the field offers athletes, coaches, families, teams, a variety of useful services. Spend some time thinking about what services you want and do a little research to figure out who is qualified to provide them.
For further information check out: http://www.aaasponline.com/