What is Sport and Performance Psychology?
Sport and Performance Psychology uses psychological knowledge and skills to help athletes and performers achieve their optimal performance. A common misconception is that sport and performance psychology exists to only help elite athletes. Professionals in this field work with a variety of ages and performance contexts including athletes, coaches, teams, exercise, performers, military, and businesses. Through evidence-based interventions such as goal setting, imagery, emotional regulation, etc., athletes and performers learn to push their mental game to enhance overall well-being and perform consistently.
What is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant?
Some sport and performance psychology professionals will obtain the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential. This certification indicates that an individual has met the highest standards of professional practice that include completing educational and work requirements, passing a certification exam, adhering to ethical principles and standards, and committing to continuous professional development. Please note that a CMPC is not a licensed counselor and cannot ethically offer those services without proper credentialing.
What is mental toughness and how can it be achieved?
Mental toughness refers to a number of psychological skills that are of utmost importance to achieving optimal performance. There is varied research out there that narrows in on what these skills are, but one thing is consistently agreed upon: mental toughness is what separates two athletes when they are physically and skillfully at the same level. Mental toughness can be nurtured through a variety of ways such as mindfulness, simulation, and mental skills training.
A relatively new field, Sport and Performance Psychology helps to address different techniques, theories, and interventions in building mental toughness in performers.
Sport psychology is only for elite athletes.
MYTH
Sport Psychology is also beneficial for ANY age; building mental skills will only enhance your performance career.
fACT
Sport psychology is a quick fix.
MYTH
Sport psychology is not a magic trick that fixes everything overnight. Much like your
muscles and skills that require repetition and practice to grow and improve; sport psychology is
the same way.
Fact