Psychological Skills Used by Sport Psychology Consultants to Improve Their Consulting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine self-practice by identifying the psychological skills that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) used to improve their consulting as well as where, when, why, and how they used those skills. The participants were 8 Canadian-based SPCs (3 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 37 years (SD = 6.86) and approximately 10 years of consulting experience, who were professional members of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association. Most SPCs were part-time mental performance consultants with either a PhD or a master’s degree. Individual open-ended, semistructured interviews were conducted with the participants, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The SPCs reported using deep breathing, goal setting, self-reflection, time management, imagery, mindfulness, self-talk, and bio-neurofeedback with themselves. They practiced these psychological skills at different times (e.g., when needed, before a session), in a variety of ways (e.g., spontaneously, deliberately, applying specific techniques), and for various purposes (e.g., refine their service delivery, achieve a work–life balance). As such, SPCs should be encouraged to “practice what they preach,” given the range of potential benefits associated with the use of psychological skills (e.g., foster the consultant–client relationship, understand the psychological skill, enhance psychological constructs).

Lay summary: The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological skills that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) used to improve their consulting. The SPCs reported using eight distinct psychological skills. They practiced these psychological skills at different times, in a variety of ways, and for various purposes.