CONSULTING PHILOSOPHY

My consulting philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practices and a client-centered approach, designed to empower athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations to reach their full potential. Through this philosophy, I help clients navigate challenges, optimize performance, and sustain long-term success.

My philosophy is reflected in the following key areas:

Theoretical Approach

In regards to my theoretical approach, I have two that I use as I feel they balance my consulting style.  The core of my theoretical approach as I work with clients is Person Centered. I provide a client-centered approach as it emphasizes the importance of a working relationship where the client is an active participant in the mental training process. This collaboration with clients allows them to develop self-actualization into what works best for themselves.

Additionally, I also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For a client to understand any topic or technique, this approach must be applied. Anytime a new technique is taught, there are two steps that occur. First, clients must demonstrate what they have learned. This allows for them to practice the technique in a safe environment and they can ask any questions to get a clearer understanding of technique. Second, the clients discuss how they can use it both in and out of their domain. Finding ways to incorporate the technique allows for practice to occur and determine when are the most appropriate times to use it.

Model of Practice

The Psychological Skills Training Model is the core model of practice for my philosophy. Educating a client on a topic (i.e. confidence, imagery) allows for them to enhance their knowledge base and reflect on if they have used this previously in their career. From that point, clients are taught the background of mental skills before learning the numerous strategies to implement it. After learning the skills, practice is important. They must discover ways to use these skills in practice so it becomes a useful, practical tool during competition.  

Additionally, I also incorporate the Interdisciplinary Sport Science Model. Problems in performance are not attributed to only psychological issues (physical, technical, tactical, theoretical, and psychological). Therefore, a collaboration with other sport science professionals is important as it gives be better insight to the athletes. Additionally, in my experience I have found that relationships with other sport science staff builds rapport with them which can help build rapport with the team.

Consultant Role

As a consultant, there are two major roles I have: educator and collaborator. The first step in Psychological Skills Training is education, where clients are taught an introduction to a topic or skill. This can be from what the research has found, summarized descriptions of it from a textbook, and/or speaking from personal experience. Before the application can be put in use, clients must first understand why it is being taught and why/how it can be effective. Education is the foundation for a client as they grow with the skills they learn. Over the last four years of consulting with teams and individuals, no topic or skill gets introduced without educating the client first.

As a consultant, I may be viewed as the expert. But each client is the expert of their sport, their domain and themselves. Therefore, I am more of a guide for the athlete to come to self-understanding about their mental approach to performing, while still helping the athlete come to these self-realizations through various techniques and interventions. Through the theoretical framework of person-centered, collaborating with the client allows for them to take the lead and to develop at their own pace. Furthermore, being able to see clients in action help develop my complimentary role as a observer. Observing my client allows me to accomplish two goals: 1) use observations to enhance information on the client for our sessions, and 2) shows that I am a part of the client’s team as I take time out to build rapport by being there.

There are a couple of different techniques I use for interventions with clients. The first one is a Drill Based approach.  A study by Diment (2014) showed how a drill based approach allowed for athletes to learn mental skills while in practice through a collaborative effort with coaches. From prior experience as a consultant, this hands on approach provides a more direct way for clients to see the tools and techniques they have been taught in action. While traditional methods work, this method gives the client times to apply the skills in the moment during practice. Therefore, clients are allowed to see how to best implement the mental skills when it comes to competition through rehearsal first.

Whenever an intervention is given, it is more about what type of client I am working with.  I have been fortunate enough to apply sport psychology services for both teams and individuals. After these experiences, I feel prepared to execute for whichever type of client comes to me looking for help. I have always determined that observation is key to get an unbiased view of what the client may need. However, I also value input from others especially when new to a team. Getting feedback from the coaches and staff is helpful, but also allowing the athletes to give input to what they view is important to focus on is critical. I have noticed that getting the input from athletes also builds rapport as it allows them to have a say into how our sessions will develop over the course of the season.

Additionally, every client gets an individualized package of consulting.  I have seen firsthand a mental training “package” delivered to a team. I realized from this experience that is shows a lack of creativity as well as being able to personalize the package. Over my 4 years of working with teams for multiple seasons, I have never packaged mental training. Everyone is different and we have to build unique toolboxes for everyone that fits them best. Therefore, regardless of teams or individuals, each program I implement will be unique to that client. This approach keeps me on my toes when it comes to not only staying current with the literature and interventions, but it allows for creativity on my part which I truly value.