So you’ve decided you would like to seek some support with the ‘mental side’ of your performance, and now comes the potentially daunting task of choosing the right person to help you. Selecting a suitable professional to provide your sport psychology support may initially feel a little overwhelming especially if you, like many of my clients, have never worked with any kind of psychologist before. Please don’t worry, as you are most certainly not alone! I have put together five tips to help you navigate this.
1. Check out qualifications
A quick internet search will throw up lots of people (with an array of qualifications) offering support with your sports performance mindset. In the same way you would be sure to see a qualified doctor or physio for a physical issue, it is important that you take the same care when it comes to your mind. Take time to check out what qualifications and experience the practitioners you are considering hold, so that you can feel confident they will be able to provide you with the support you are looking for. Reputable practitioners are likely to be upfront with their qualifications, and you can usually find these on their website (or they should be willing to tell you if you ask!). A Sport Psychologist (or Sport and Exercise Psychologist) will be registered with HCPC in order to use that title (as it is legally protected). You can use the HCPC search function here in order to check whether someone is a registered 'Practitioner Psychologist'. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Remember practicalities
A perhaps obvious but really important point, is to think about the practicalities of receiving support. If you find a sport psychologist you really like the sound of, but who is based nowhere near to you and only offers face-to-face consultations, they are unlikely to be suitable. Take some time to think about the sort of support you would be comfortable with prior to beginning your search. If you are happy to work online, this is likely to offer you more flexibility around who you can work with, as where they are based is not as important. If you would prefer face-to-face support, think about how far you may be willing to travel, or if you would be looking for someone who could come to you. Many practitioners, like myself, may offer a mixture, for example with standard support offered online, but face-to-face or attendance at specific events also possible.
3. Take advantage of free introductory meetings
Choosing a psychologist who feels ‘right for you’ is probably one of the most important factors in your success. Having a strong working relationship with your psychologist is known to be beneficial, and that’s why you should take time to consider your decision. Many sport psychologists offer free introductory meetings, which enable you to get a much better ‘feel’ for how you would work with them. Websites are great but there is no match for actually chatting with the person, and seeing if you think you will get on. Do take advantage of these meetings where they are offered. If you have a specific struggle that you are seeking help with, ask them about their experience working with this.
4. Don’t be afraid to speak with more than one person
Linked to the point above, don’t feel that you can only make contact with one person in the beginning! Whilst sometimes we may find the person we think is ‘right’ straight away, this is not always the case. While you are in the ‘choosing’ phase, do feel comfortable reaching out to a few different people who you think may be suitable. Even brief email interactions can sometimes help us to get a feel of whether we will work well together with someone. Then perhaps narrow down to a couple of introductory meetings, before making a final choice about who to start working with. Be honest with the people you are speaking to, they will appreciate your being open about the fact that you are talking with others (and openness gets the relationship off to a good start!). As a sport psychologist I fundamentally want you to perform at your best and enjoy your sport, and part of that means I want you to work with the person who you feel most comfortable with.
5. Remember – you can always change!
My final tip is that although of course you will do your due diligence and pick the person you think is right for you at the start, don’t fret too much or end up in ‘analysis paralysis’. Remember you are never ‘stuck’ working with someone forever! In an ideal world yes, you choose someone who turns out to be a great fit and you work together successfully, but if you don’t, or even if you just want to try working with someone else, you can!
In summary, all sport psychologists are different, just as all athletes are different. We all have different strengths and approaches. There really is no single ‘right’ answer other than picking someone that you feel comfortable working with and that you feel you will be able to open up to. Take your time, and enjoy the process.
When you feel ready, I am here! If you have recognised that the ‘mental side’ may be holding you back, why not book an online introductory meeting to see if I could help you? As well as being convenient (no travel required!), they are completely FREE, and there is no obligation to proceed further. Email me on laura@laurarowe.co.uk or visit www.laurarowe.co.uk/contact to book yours today.
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