Do you have trouble staying focused during competition? Lack confidence during games, or simply choke during important competitive events? If you answered "yes- to any of these questions, then maybe you are wondering who you can go to for help. The answer is a sport psychologist. Many people don't know what a sport psychologist is or what they do, they don't know the credentials in becoming a sport psychologist, they don't know what skills are needed to be successful, and for the people seeking to become sport psychologists, they don't know what internships will make them more attractive to employers. .
Scientists have been studying psychological aspects of sport for more than 100 years but yet it had not been recognized as a discipline until the 1970's (Brewer, 4). The textbook definition of sport psychology is: (a) the study of the psychological and mental factors that influence and are influenced by participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity, and (b) the application of the knowledge gained through this study to everyday settings (AAASPonline.org), but what do they really do, and who do they work with? .
If I had to state my dream career', it would be to work in the field of psychology, science, and athletes. Thus forms the science of sport and exercise psychology. I would love to work around athletes, being one myself, and being able to help them perform better. Although collegiate, professional, and elite amateur athletes have traditionally been the main recipients of sport and exercise psychology, professionals in the field have extended the scope to include youth competitors, adult recreational sport participants, and masters athletes, and many others (Brewer, 5). There is no "typical- sport psychologist; however, the field of study has expanded outside of playing fields and laboratories to include schools, health clubs, sports medicine clinics, counseling centers, and private practice offices (Brewer, 6).
