As parents, our children are our hearts outside of our bodies. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect, guide, and nurture our children to grow into the best versions of themselves.
When our children gravitate towards things we are not familiar with, it can be overwhelming. This is the case for many parents of children who excel in sports. The sports world is continually evolving. Should they play multiple sports? Must they specialize in a sport or position? Do they do additional training? If so, with whom? What should they eat? This is a regular cycle of uncertainty about the most important job possible.
One blaring question that is of the utmost importance is, “How do I ensure my child is not only mentally healthy but thriving?” In addressing youth mental health in the context of individuals engaged in sport, one might initially consider the role of a sports psychologist. This is indeed an excellent place to begin. However, it may not be as cut and dry as you think.
The Role of Sport Psychology
A sports psychologist’s role is to enhance performance while building mental resilience, motivation, and confidence. They assist athletes in coping with stress, performance anxiety, and mental strategies for athletic success. Sports psychology is especially useful in high-pressure situations like the Olympics, professional leagues, and competitive sporting seasons. It assists athletes in creating concentration, developing confidence, and performing under pressure through visualization, goal setting, self-talk, and mindfulness.
While sports psychology may provide a short-term solution to enhance performance in the present moment, it does not necessarily touch on the more underlying psychological issues that are part of an athlete’s issue. Though helpful, it cannot replace psychotherapy.
The Importance of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy addresses the root causes of an athlete’s emotional and psychological problems. Where a sports psychologist may assist in overcoming performance anxiety, for instance, psychotherapy inquires: What are the fundamental reasons why this anxiety has occurred? Is there a…
- Fear of failure? – Is the athlete linking their self-worth with their performance?
- The feeling of inadequacy? – This may stem from an individual’s experience with imposter syndrome or from previous encounters where expectations were not fulfilled.
- Pressure from external sources? – Are they carrying the weight of expectations of coaches, supporters, family members, or their own expectations in a unhelpful way to their well-being
Psychotherapy provides a space to process these deeper issues, allowing athletes to develop a holistic and long-term mental health strategy. By addressing and processing these emotions, athletes are better performers and feel more whole and integrated in their lives.
Other Advantages of Psychotherapy over Sports Psychology
Long-Term Emotional Well-Being – Unlike sports psychology, which is often performance-focused, psychotherapy helps individuals navigate relationships, self-worth, and identity beyond their sport.
Resilience Beyond Competition—Athletes do retire. Eventually, the game will end for the last time. Psychotherapy helps individuals develop coping abilities that extend beyond their playing careers, making the transition away from sports less difficult.
Treating Wider Mental Health Problems – Athletes, like others, suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and life stressors. Psychotherapy treats these in totality, not only symptom-managing performance-affecting symptoms.
Developing a Sustainable Mindset – Rather than offering quick fixes, psychotherapy enables individuals to comprehend how thoughts and emotions influence behavior, thereby developing long-term mental strength.
Although sports psychology is valuable in high-performance, immediate result driven settings, it is essential that psychotherapy be applied consistently and take priority. The deep work achieved in psychotherapy enhances performance and results in a healthier, better-balanced life.
Sports psychology can assist an athlete in completing a game. Psychotherapy can assist them in getting through life.
Do you want your child to PLAY better or BE better?
If you’re looking for support in your journey, know that help is available.
– Justine Bernier, MACP Intern, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
