Sport psychology is a specialized field that applies psychological principles to optimize athletic performance, enhance mental well-being, and foster personal growth through sports participation. Sport psychologists work with athletes to develop mental skills such as concentration, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.

A sport clinician can help improve your performance by teaching you mental skills such as goal setting, visualization, focus techniques, mindfulness, and strategies to manage performance anxiety. They can also help you develop a pre-performance routine, enhance team communication, and navigate challenges like slumps or injuries.

In your first session, the sport clinician will typically conduct an initial assessment to understand your background, goals, and current challenges. They’ll ask about your sport experience, mental aspects of your performance, and what you hope to achieve. This session establishes the foundation for creating a personalized mental performance plan.

Sport clinicians can be qualified to work with athletes with or without a certification, but all clinicians on the directory have either a license or certification to work with athletes. For instance, if you are interested in working with what has traditionally been called a “sport psychologist,” check if they’re certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and have their Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Also, consider their experience working with athletes in your sport and their clinical licensure or credentials. It is the responsibility of the clinician to explain their competency and background to potential clients and clients should feel empowered to ask questions to better understand their potential sport clinician.

No, sport psychology is beneficial for athletes at all levels, from beginners to professionals. Mental skills training can help youth athletes develop a healthy relationship with sport, collegiate athletes balance academic and athletic demands, recreational athletes enjoy their participation more fully, and elite athletes optimize their performance.