what is sports psychology? mental skills training

So, what is Sport Psychology & who is a Sport Psychologist? Many people I meet have these same questions, and they are valid. Simply, sport psychology is a field of study and practice that is focused on teaching, training, and coaching about the mental skills that enhance performance in all sorts of arenas. For the select few of us who have earned certification in this realm, we have done so by completing a mentor-supervision program AND standardized assessment through the Applied Association of Sport Psychology (AASP). We are officially known as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). By meeting the standards set by AASP, such professionals have demonstrated mastery of psychological factors associated within the sport and performance contexts, and how to implement interventions that assist in improving performance for our clients. Presently, such certification is required to work with USA Olympic teams, professional organizations, and US Military groups. I encourage you to inquire about credentials and certification to make sure you are aligning your needs of service with the qualifications of the professional you choose to work with. Be a wise consumer, and ask about CMPC titles.

Be weary of those advertising themselves as a "sport therapist" or sport psychologist. There are several therapists who are fraudulently using these titles, but who are not certified in the specialized field of sport psychology.

A CMPC, focuses his/her efforts on teaching individuals & teams to develop mental skills which enhance performance. Teams within Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and major NCAA conferences have all implemented specific positions for cognitive performance coaches within the last decade, and the trend is growing. Even more impressive is the inclusion of cognitive performance specialists for soliders (i.e. special forces) within the US military. Our military organizations have been ahead of the curve in recognizing the value of being mentally prepared to perform at a high level. Working with a CMPC can be beneficial for athletes, students, professionals, coaches, and teams at any level. Those who do can experience improved performance by strengthening their "mental game".



I use a strengths based approach to help you grow from where ever you are now. This means enhancing your skills, talents, and assets with evidence based techniques of mental training from solid research in the fields of sport and performance psychology. My approach is an integrated one that helps you develop positive thinking, manage your emotions, and engage in productive behaviors for your area of competition and performance. This may also include the learning of new mental skills that you can incorporate into your training and performance, allowing you to reach new heights.

Why work with me? Because you are looking for more. Anyone, at any level, can improve what they do and how they perform by implementing mental skills training. I have decades of experience as an athlete, coach, and educator which I use in my practice as a certified sport psychology professional. My focus to is work with people who seek growth by being challenged, and then learn to challenge themselves in creative ways so as to promote continuous growth.

If this sounds like what you are looking for in seeking a higher level of performance, contact me so that we can begin to work together to help you get the results you believe you can achieve.

Todd Dilbeck, MA, CMPC