What does a Sport Psychologist do?
Sport psychologists are psychologists who have received specialist training in helping athletes and performers consistently achieve their potential. Sports psychologists do this by teaching mental skills and strategies and through using a sport focused counselling perspective. Many professional sporting clubs, for example in the AFL, employ a sport psychologist to help players and the team.
Everyone remembers a time when they performed at their best. We help you to reproduce your best performances on a consistent basis. As you practice the mental skills that we teach you, you increase the chance of consistently performing at your best.
Sport psychology is not restricted to elite and professional athletes, however, and the majority of those people using a “sport psych” are recreational athletes. Children and young adults are also a significant user of sport psychology services.
What kinds of issues do sport psychologists help with?
Individuals can be taught specific techniques that focus on developing effective strategies to regulate levels of arousal, thoughts processes and behaviour. Mental skills that enhance performance include:
- Goal setting
- Imagery
- Relaxation techniques/Anxiety management
- Increasing arousal
- Pre-performance Routines
- Re-focusing routines
- Competition plans
- Imagery
- Self-talk
- Concentration skills
- Mental preparation
Referrals for Sport Psychologists
A referral is not necessary to see a sport psychologist although Rowville Sports Medicine Clinic staff may suggest that you work closely with a sport psychologist to ensure the best possible treatment and care.
Rebates Sport Psychologists
You are unlikely to be able to receive a Medicare rebate for sport psychology services although many private health insurance providers rebate for psychology services.
What does a psychologist do?
Psychologists study the way people feel, think, act and interact. Through a range of strategies and therapies they aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional wellbeing. Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, and have studied the brain, memory, learning and human development. Psychologists can assist people who are having difficulty controlling their emotions, thinking and behaviour, including those with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, serious and enduring mental illness, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders.
All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. This means that they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counsellors or therapists are registered psychologists. Seeing someone who is registered ensures you receive high quality ethical treatment.
What kinds of issues do psychologists help with?
We provide support and counselling services across a range of areas including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Relationship counselling
- Work and career issues
- Weight and dietary management
- Grief and loss
- Low self-esteem levels
- Low self-confidence
- Sleeping issues
- Work/life balance
Referrals and Rebates for Psychologist
A referral is not necessary to see a psychologist but to receive a rebate (approximately $80) under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative you must be referred by your GP, your psychiatrist or paediatrician. Your GP will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist.