SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY WITH CHILDREN: MEETING PARENT AND CHILD

As a Child Sports Psychologist, I aim to work in an open, quick and straight-forward way. As such, I ask that I meet the child (under-18) along with his or her parent. This is for a three main reasons:

1) So that we all know why we are meeting and what we are planning to do

2) So that the parent can provide information and perspective on the difficulties

3) And so after the session the parent can reinforce the new understanding and solutions

I aim to set the child (and parents) at ease and to help explain how their difficulties are understandable. In this way, I want the child to understand how it is NOT the case that there is something majorly wrong with them, that they are weak, deficient or to blame for their difficulties

To give you an idea of the types of problems I help with, here are three examples:

SOME CHILD SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY SOLUTIONS

MANAGE ANGER

UNDERSTAND THEN MANAGE

When things don't go our way, we get annoyed. As children, these emotional responses can be intense and dificult to manage naturally. Children can learn useful skills to quell their anger and upset, helping them to perform and continue in sport.

MANAGE ANXIETY

UNDERSTAND THEN MANAGE

In the lead-up to important performances, nerves, anxiety and stress can rise, getting in the way of performance and ending up in disappointment. Children can learn to change this pattern, managing stress and increasing confidence.

IMPROVE TEAMWORK

UNDERSTAND THEN IMPROVE

Playing sport can be difficult enough without having to deal with teammates or others who's words or actions distress or limit us. Understanding, interpreting and influencing these interactions is important if we are to perform well and get more out of others.