Sport & Performance Psychology

Sport & Performance Psychology Q & A

What is sport and performance psychology?

Sport and performance psychology is a specialized field within psychology that focuses on understanding and improving the mental aspects of athletic performance. This branch of psychology examines the ways in which psychological factors such as motivation, anxiety, and focus can impact an athlete's performance, and how athletes can use mental strategies to improve their overall performance.

The primary goal of sport and performance psychology is to help athletes achieve peak performance by teaching them mental skills and strategies that can help them better manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Some of the specific techniques used in sport and performance psychology include goal-setting, visualization, relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, and attentional control.

One of the key principles of sport and performance psychology is the idea that mental and physical performance are intimately linked. In other words, an athlete's mental state can have a significant impact on their physical performance, and vice versa. By understanding the interplay between these two factors, sport and performance psychologists can help athletes improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more effectively.

Sport and performance psychology can be applied in a wide range of athletic contexts, from youth sports to professional athletics. It can help athletes at all levels of ability improve their performance, and can also be used to help athletes recover from injuries or overcome other obstacles that may be hindering their performance.

Overall, sport and performance psychology is a fascinating and important field that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of athletes. By helping athletes understand and manage the mental aspects of their performance, sport and performance psychologists can help them achieve their full potential and achieve their goals both on and off the field.

What problems can sport and performance psychology address?

Sport and performance psychology can address many common issues, including:

Lack of confidence

If you don’t feel confident that you can perform at your best, chances are that you won’t achieve your goals when the time comes.

Lack of motivation

It’s not uncommon to feel tired and unmotivated occasionally when you’re training or exercising regularly. However, if you’re having difficulties with energy and motivation repeatedly, there could be an underlying issue that needs addressing.

Motivational difficulties often have their roots in physical or mental stresses. Dr. Shelton can help you identify the cause and find ways to overcome the problem.

Injuries and setbacks

If you’ve been injured or suffered a major performance setback, the emotional stress can lead to depression, further affecting your confidence.

Lack of focus

Attentional focus is the ability to ignore distractions like the spectators and concentrate on what you’re doing. However, tuning out the noise and awareness of being watched is quite a challenge for some people.

What techniques are used in sport and performance psychology?

Dr. Shelton uses a variety of sport and performance psychology techniques when helping clients. These include:

Visualization and mental rehearsal

Visualization is a kind of self-hypnosis, where you imagine yourself performing at your best. This improves your confidence and enhances your abilities.

Self-talk and positive mental attitude

It’s not always easy to guide your mind to positive thoughts. However, with regular mental skills training, Dr. Shelton can help you reduce anxiety and stress, minimize distractions, and focus on positive outcomes.

Mental and emotional resilience training

Dr. Shelton shows you how to use mental skills to cope with an injury or other setback.

Some of the approaches Dr. Shelton uses include deep breathing, body awareness, mindfulness, performance enhancement, behavioral treatment for body-focused repetitive behaviors, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and team building.
​​​​​​​

To find out how sport and performance psychology could benefit you, call Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy today or book an appointment online.