Why do people contact a sport psychology professional?
• To improve performance. This is the most common reason for consulting a sport psychology professional. In general, performance may be enhanced through the teaching of mental strategies that either refine the practices of effective performers or help ineffective performers overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their potential. • To learn how to cope with the pressures of competition. Athletes at all levels seek help in dealing with the pressures of competition. Such pressures may stem from parental and/or coach expectations, the fans, as well as the athlete’s own expectations regarding performance. • To enhance the experience of youth sport participants. Youth sport organizations may employ a sport psychology professional to educate coaches about how to increase the satisfaction and enjoyment of participants and about the coaches’ role in promoting the development of healthy self esteem. • To provide psychological assistance with injury rehabilitation. Individuals who hav
