Why introduce 'A Psychological Insight'
'A Psychological Insight' are interviews that take an in depth look at how psychology has played a part in an athletes performance. It is a unique insight into how psychology has shaped a particular individual into the athlete they are today. It looks at how much effort and time an individual has invested into mental training and what resources (if any) they have had to aid them in integrating specific well known techniques into their training schedule.
We look at not just professional athletes but also recreational through to the everyday athlete, as psychology affects every athlete no matter what level they are at in their sport at. Any interesting issues/comments thrown up during the interview will be expanded upon. We will also talk to coaches, parents and other professionals to see psychology from a different perspective and how they think it affects the individual in question.
The idea behind 'A Psychological Insight'
The idea behind this concept is threefold. Firstly, to understand why psychology hasn't played a more prominent appearance in any athletes training despite mental resilience being named as the key to athletic success. Secondly, to raise awareness at just how much psychology we use even (at times) without realising so. And thirdly, to identify where psychology could have helped and how we can capitalise on our performance if only we realised.
What I hope 'A Psychological Insight' will achieve
From my experience of sports as both a performer, coach and psychologist, it is clear that there is a misinterpretation of psychology out there in the sports environment. My goal is to encourage and motivate individuals to actively seek psychology and integrate various forms of mental training into their schedule. And to do so, an increase in the appreciation and understanding of psychology and the underpinnings behind certain strategies.
Moving forward
Accepting psychology is half the battle. As psychology deals with the complex human mind, there is no guarantee that an outcome will surface. Each individual is unique and will respond to strategies and/or techniques differently. For example, we all eat protein to build and repair muscle and we all eat carbohydrates for energy. We know this because it has been tested for and results repeatedly shown. Safe in this knowledge, we ingest protein and carbohydrate for the above purposes and we can see the results almost instantaneously.
Mental training is very different. We need to take into account the other pertinent facets that may affect and influence an individuals thoughts, behaviours and actions. Additionally, we need to account for an individuals responses to different stimuli i.e. stress, worry, pressure, environment, fear, failure, adrenaline etc. Unfortunately, the effects of mental training are not as clear cut as the above nutrition example. This is where my job as a Sports Psychologist comes in. To try and manage or 'control' these other facets through theory, applied practice and theoretical underpinnings to create the most effective psychological aid for that unique individual so that mental training can be as effective as possible. The process of encompassing everything we know about ourself and applying it to the sport environment is the best way to fully prepare ourselves mentally.
'A Psychological Insight' are interviews that take an in depth look at how psychology has played a part in an athletes performance. It is a unique insight into how psychology has shaped a particular individual into the athlete they are today. It looks at how much effort and time an individual has invested into mental training and what resources (if any) they have had to aid them in integrating specific well known techniques into their training schedule.
We look at not just professional athletes but also recreational through to the everyday athlete, as psychology affects every athlete no matter what level they are at in their sport at. Any interesting issues/comments thrown up during the interview will be expanded upon. We will also talk to coaches, parents and other professionals to see psychology from a different perspective and how they think it affects the individual in question.
The idea behind 'A Psychological Insight'
The idea behind this concept is threefold. Firstly, to understand why psychology hasn't played a more prominent appearance in any athletes training despite mental resilience being named as the key to athletic success. Secondly, to raise awareness at just how much psychology we use even (at times) without realising so. And thirdly, to identify where psychology could have helped and how we can capitalise on our performance if only we realised.
What I hope 'A Psychological Insight' will achieve
From my experience of sports as both a performer, coach and psychologist, it is clear that there is a misinterpretation of psychology out there in the sports environment. My goal is to encourage and motivate individuals to actively seek psychology and integrate various forms of mental training into their schedule. And to do so, an increase in the appreciation and understanding of psychology and the underpinnings behind certain strategies.
Moving forward
Accepting psychology is half the battle. As psychology deals with the complex human mind, there is no guarantee that an outcome will surface. Each individual is unique and will respond to strategies and/or techniques differently. For example, we all eat protein to build and repair muscle and we all eat carbohydrates for energy. We know this because it has been tested for and results repeatedly shown. Safe in this knowledge, we ingest protein and carbohydrate for the above purposes and we can see the results almost instantaneously.
Mental training is very different. We need to take into account the other pertinent facets that may affect and influence an individuals thoughts, behaviours and actions. Additionally, we need to account for an individuals responses to different stimuli i.e. stress, worry, pressure, environment, fear, failure, adrenaline etc. Unfortunately, the effects of mental training are not as clear cut as the above nutrition example. This is where my job as a Sports Psychologist comes in. To try and manage or 'control' these other facets through theory, applied practice and theoretical underpinnings to create the most effective psychological aid for that unique individual so that mental training can be as effective as possible. The process of encompassing everything we know about ourself and applying it to the sport environment is the best way to fully prepare ourselves mentally.