Sports psychology as a discipline has been practiced as early as the 19th century. Any professional team worth its salt has an in-house sports psychologist. Ron Artest, the famed basketballer, once credited his success on the court to wise counsel from his sports psychologists.
This comment spurred speculation from pundits on the state of his mental health. However, you don’t have to be badly off to see a sports psychologist. Sports psychologists, in some cases, can also advise and counsel workers in team-building exercises.
When should you see a sports psychologist?
• Burnout: Sometimes it feels like you are just going through the paces with no motivation. This usually happens when you have been performing for a while as an athlete. A sports psychologist, like those found in New York City, can help you reinvigorate yourself and get back to peak performance.
• Emotional problems: If you lose your cool during games, get anxious, or have any other emotional problem, you might need a sports psychologist. This behavior may lead to sub-par performances or even disciplinary action. A sports psychologist can help you control your temper, motivate yourself and lift your self-esteem.
• Recovery from injury: In the life of an athlete, you are expected to go all out for victory. This dedication and drive often lead to injuries. You have to sit out some games to recover when you are injured. A sports psychologist can help you overcome the uncertainty and frustrations of being benched. He can also help monitor your progress, keep your morale up, leading to a speedier recovery.
• Focus: In most games, you need laser-like focus to excel. For example, in baseball, any loss of focus could lead to foul balls, a strike, or poor contact with the ball. A sports psychologist can help you concentrate in the game and teach you tactics to avoid distractions.
