Superstar, Los Angeles Laker Ron Artest recently has made huge strides in lessening the pseudo stigma that has surrounded Sport Psychology. During the Lakers post NBA celebration interview Artest openly thanked his psychologist for helping him stay calm during the championships. In the last few years Artest says he has been seeing a psychologist who has helped him manage his emotions and gain a bigger picture of his life as a father and an athlete. Although the psychologist that Artest sees doesn't identify herself as a Sport Consultant - the professional skills of life management, energy management, focus, keeping calm under unusual pressure are all skills that are taught and incorporated into a well balanced sport psychology program.
The recent article by Shelley Smith regarding Ron Artest and his growth as an athlete and individual through counseling - speak to the benefits that have come to Artest's life through awareness, dedication and shift of his life strategy from defense to offense. His long term goals are to develop into the best person and athlete he can be on and off the basketball court. He is very clear he will never be perfect - but hey dude - whoever is? Congrats on your success!
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5698248
