Services > Sport Psychology > Teams

 
 

My sport psychology work includes consulting with the Canadian Olympic teams, university and college teams, and recreational teams. The highlights of my work as a sport psychologist so far have been attending the Olympic Winter Games in Torino and sharing in the success of many athletes at different World Cup and World Championship events.

It is often not enough to proclaim, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” A systemic approach is needed to apply the principles of team building and group dynamics to sports teams. Teams are more effective when they maximize the importance of group cohesion and goal setting. Working with a team is based on the understanding of the importance of individual differences among the players and the effects of interpersonal dynamics on the team.

The role of the sport psychologist is to identify the factors that promote or interfere with team cohesion and to develop a plan for mutual respect between the athletes and coaches. My work with teams also includes one-on-one confidential counselling services and psychological interventions to help athletes handle other challenges that might interfere with their sport. In addition to working with athletes, I consult with the coaching staff, who often face similar pressures and problems.

One aspect that differentiates successful athletes and teams from those that are less successful is confidence. Self-confidence is one of the psychological attributes that is associated with peak performance, and being confident at major competitions, such as the Olympics, is not easy. As a sport psychology consultant, I help teams uncover their strengths and identify sources of confidence to psychologically prepare the team and each individual athlete to win.