Sports Psychologist
Cheyenne Bourgeois
Occupation Description
A Sport Psychologist does two main different things, research and counseling.
- Research in sport psychology involves observing athletes in order for them to find out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what they can do better to succeed. A sport psychology researcher might also try to find ways for athletes to perform better and with fewer obstacles.
- Counseling in sport psychology involves a number of different things as well. One includes being therapist-like and lending a open ear for an athlete to talk to. Sometimes athletes have a rough day on the field, and need someone to talk to. Another includes helping an athlete get back on the field after a rough injury. After surgery and recovery from the physical problems, a sports psychologist is there to motivate an encourage an athlete. Sports Psychologist do a lot of different things with athlete to get them to perform better as well. Like a strength and conditioning coach would work on an athletes body to get them stronger, a sports psychologist will work on an athletes mind to get them stronger for their next game.
Certifications
- 400 hours of mentored experience observing athletes on and off the field
- 100 of the total hours must be spent working with teams
- 40 hours spent in a mentored clinical setting
Daily Activities: Nature of the Work
Some Daily Activities include...
Counseling and clinical interventions: athletic motivation, weight management, substance abuse, depression, rehabilitation after injury, career transitions or team moves.
Consultation: team building, sports organization consultation, consultation with parents and families involved in youth sports, education of coaches
Education Requirements
In most countries, a two-year master's or four-year doctoral degree is needed to become a sports psychologist. Some colleges offer Sports Psychologist majors, but you can obtain a sports psychology job with just a major in Psychology or Physical Education.
Payday: Annual Income
Skills
- Needs to enjoy athletics/sports (many sports psychologist play sports themselves)
- Being "hands on" with athletes
- Enjoys motivating and encouraging
- Enjoys the brain and mental processes
- Traveling
- Working with a wide variety of cliental
Fun Facts & Job Settings
At least 20 NCAA Division I universities have a sport psychologist on staff
Sports Psychologist can be found anywhere from the PGA tour, to the Cleveland Cavaliers, The Cubs, Olympic teams, and high school tennis.