Gloria Balague (Photo: Spanish Association of Sport Psychology)
What strategies do you to facilitate communication and overcome posible resistances from athletes towards the sport psychologist?
I believe resistance is often due to negative expectations regarding the role of a sport psychologist (sometimes based on previous negative experiences!). My approach is to not pressure anyone but be present, watch practices, ask questions, and wait for opportunities. When I travel with a team I try to sit at a different table every meal and I will not talk about sport psychology unless asked. Same thing with travel arrangements and seats in trains, planes, etc. I also believe that not everyone needs to consult with me, and I respect these athletes and treat them the same way. In general, I find it helpful to have a general talk explaining what I can do and I tend to ask things such as: Do you perform consistently at the level you are physically and technically capable? If not, and there is no injury, what is the reason? For me, psychological skills will not make “good” an athlete who is not or who does not put in the effort, but if used well, they will give you something important: consistency. My job requires trust, and that has to be earned, it does not come with the title, so I have learned to be patient!
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