Sports Psychologist

What a Sports Psychologist Does

Sports psychologists combine a love of the study of human behavior with a passion for sports and athletics. Most sports psychologists work directly with athletes or other clients, hoping to improve their performance or physical abilities. They can be found working in universities, hospitals, athletic centers, research facilities and their own private practices. Focusing on the psychological aspects of sports, these professionals help to motivate athletes, discover ways to improve performance, attain greater team cohesion and change their attitudes. Sometimes they will see clients as individuals or they can work with a team as a whole. Sports psychologists are responsible for helping athletes deal with emotion, minimize the effects of injury, set goals and overcome failures. Some methods of treatment include goal setting, relaxation, visualization, self-talk, attribution training and improving confidence. While many sports psychologists work directly with treating patients, others focus on research that can improve athletics as a whole.

How to Become a Sports Psychologist

A career in sports psychology begins at the bachelor's level. Students should enroll in a psychology degree program to begin with. If the school offers courses in sports psychology, students will be well served by taking as many as possible to learn more about the field and build up their foundation of knowledge. While there is some potential for work with only a bachelor's in psychology, the vast majority of professionals in the field go on to get their master's or doctoral degrees in psychology or sports psychology. If you'd like to start your own business or compete with others in the job market, this may be the best course of action. After completing the basic educational requirements, graduates will need to complete any additional requirements to become licensed and certified. These can vary but often ask for set levels of education, clinical hours and testing to be completed.

Career Outlook for Sports Psychologists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated an increase in jobs in the field of psychology that is average or just above average for the coming decade. This means that new grads entering into this career path will have ample opportunities to find employment. Job growth is projected to hit 12 percent, offering up thousands of new jobs to those who have the qualifications to fill them. With professional athletics being a strong industry even in times of recession, sports psychologists should see little slowdown in business and will enjoy the same job growth as other specializations in psychology. While jobs are available at the bachelors and master's level, those with doctoral degrees will fare the best when it comes to finding work. Additionally, location and experience can play a large role in finding work, and individuals may need to spend more time working or choose a different location to work in order to make the most of professional opportunities.