Sports Consulting

What to Expect as a Client

Initial Consultation

The first session is foundational. The consultant will:

• Build Rapport: Establish trust, speak the client’s language, and create a comfortable environment.

• Identify Presenting Concerns: Discuss what brings the client to consulting-performance slumps, anxiety, confidence, or team issues.

• Explore the Problem: Gather background information, performance history, and specific challenges.

• Assessment: Sometimes, standardized inventories or self-report questionnaires are used to assess mental skills, personality, or readiness7.

• Clarify Expectations: The consultant explains their approach, sets boundaries, and addresses any misconceptions about sport psychology7.

• Goal Setting: Together, you’ll define clear objectives for the consulting process.

Ongoing Sessions

Subsequent sessions are tailored to the client’s goals and progress. They typically include:

• Skill Building: Teaching and practicing mental skills, such as imagery, focus, or emotional regulation.

• Application: Applying these skills to real-life training and competition scenarios.

• Feedback and Adjustment: Reviewing performance, discussing what worked, and refining strategies.

• Homework: Clients may be given exercises or reflections to practice between sessions, reinforcing new skills.

• Progress Tracking: Regular check-ins to assess growth, adjust plans, and celebrate successes.

A Collaborative Partnership

Performance consulting is not “therapy” in the traditional sense; it’s an active, collaborative partnership. The consultant acts as a coach, educator, and sounding board, while the client is expected to engage fully, practice new skills, and provide honest feedback.

A Safe, Confidential Space

Sessions are confidential, allowing clients to discuss fears, doubts, and setbacks without judgment. The consultant’s role is to help normalize these experiences and destigmatize seeking help for mental performance.

Evidence-Based, Practical Tools

You can expect to learn actionable strategies that you can apply immediately to your sport or performance domain. These tools are grounded in research and tailored to your personal style and goals.

Measurable Progress

Consultants often use performance metrics, self-assessment, and feedback to track progress. Success might be measured by improved confidence, better focus, more consistent results, or enhanced enjoyment of sport.

Outcomes and Benefits

Sports and performance consulting can lead to a range of positive outcomes:

• Enhanced Performance: Improved focus, confidence, and consistency in competition.

• Better Emotional Control: Ability to manage nerves, frustration, and pressure.

• Resilience: Greater capacity to bounce back from setbacks and maintain motivation.

• Stronger Team Dynamics: Improved communication, leadership, and cohesion in group settings.

• Personal Growth: Increased self-awareness, self-belief, and satisfaction in sport and life.