Having an M.S. in sport psychology, I work with athletes to help improve their mental game. However, I am not considered a sports psychologist. The reason has to do with licensure. I am what’s known as a mental performance coach, or a mental game coach.
Terminology can often be confusing. There are certain differences between titles, but the ultimate goal, no matter what the professional is called, is to help athletes strengthen their mindset and improve performance.
In this article, I’m going to discuss the different kinds of sports psychologists and how they work to help athletes.
Different Types of Sports Psychologists
Sport psychology is the study of the psychological effects of sports. In an applied setting, it involves using tools and techniques to increase mental skills that work to improve athletic performance.
The professionals that carry out such work go by a few different names. Of course, there are sports psychologists. These are individuals who have a Ph.D. in psychology and are licensed by their state to practice sports psychology.
Those who aren’t licensed psychologists cannot call themselves such. However, the work they do is greatly the same.
These professionals go by a few different names, including mental performance coach, mental game coach, sport psychology consultant, mental coach for athletes, and mental toughness coach.
The two most common are a mental game coach and a mental performance coach.
However, no matter what they call themselves, they should have at least an M.S. in sport psychology and the drive to help each athlete they work with become the best they can be.
How Sports Psychologists Help
Sport psychology professionals help improve mental skills. This is done by changing thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is the influence of these applied to sports that then alter athletic performance.
There is a set process that must be followed to ensure the work is done effectively. The process is as follows:
Discovery Time: A lot of times this comes in the form of an assessment. It is the best way for a professional to gain clear insight into the mind of an athlete.
Custom Plan: Following the discovery time, the sports psychologist or professional, will craft a custom plan. This mental game plan will target the main areas that need to be worked on. It will also include strategies for the work moving forward.
Coaching Sessions: To put the mental game plan to work, coaching sessions will take place. These will involve working through current challenges and teaching tools and techniques used to improve mental skills.
Action Steps: In addition to coaching sessions, a good sports psychology professional will provide action steps to put new knowledge into practice.
Check-Ins: Periodically, there need to be check-ins. These allow the professional and the athlete to gauge how the work is going and see if any changes need to be made to the program.
Final Thoughts
The use of a sports psychologist is valuable to athletes who are struggling with their mental game. In addition, they can be valuable to any athlete who wants to gain increased mental skills to elevate their performance.
The different kinds of sports psychologists work towards the same end: helping athletes develop the mindsets they need to perform their best. The change in names comes down to licensure and preference.
When you do work with one, no matter what kind you choose, a key to keep in mind is that they have a set structure to their program. You want to be sure there is a proven framework followed that will help you get the best results.
No matter whether you work with a sports psychologist, a mental game coach, or a mental performance coach, the work will have a positive impact on your mindset and your game.