(The) Body (of) Knowledge: Somatic Contributions to the Practice of Sport Psychology

Abstract

Much of applied sport psychology focuses on mental training or mental skills. There is clearly great benefit in looking at the mental aspects of performance and experience. In this article, we explore how mental aspects (language/mind) can be considered in a broader perspective of the human being, which includes emotion/mood and the body. We illustrate how a somatic view (e.g., Strozzi-Heckler, 2003, 2007) creates potentially powerful methods of working through the body, enabling a more holistic approach to understanding and helping clients. Examples of using these methods in sport psychology consultations with collegiate and other elite athletes and performers are presented. A case study shows how these perspectives are incorporated into initial consultations, intakes, and interventions. The intention here is that the ideas, experiences, and tools presented will help expand the service repertoires of sport psychology practitioners.