Countertransference and the Self-Aware Sport Psychologist: Attitudes and Patterns of Professional Practice

Abstract

The literature in psychotherapy and sport psychology has supported the importance of self-awareness and countertransference management (Ellis, 2001;Leahy, 2001;Van Raalte & Andersen, 2000) and its applicability in all psychological settings (Hayes, 2004). This study was an audit of (n = 58) accredited UK sport psychology practitioners that explored the importance they attached to self-awareness and their behavior in practice that supported the management of these concerns. Results indicated that practitioners regarded self-insight and self-integration as important (Mdn = 4), but relied upon themselves and informal peer networks rather than regular supervision for professional support. Most practitioners never (Mdn=1) used counseling or therapy for personal support. Recommendations are made for piloting post-accreditation professional supervision in sport psychology and developing the provision of general counseling and sport psychology sessions for trainees.There have been growing concerns within sport psychology that the traditional approach to research and practice has paid "maximal attention to the intervention (treatment) and minimal attention to the human deliverer of that intervention" (Andersen, 2000, p. xiv). In marked contrast, the literature and training in psychotherapy and counseling has paid considerable attention to developing self-aware practitioners through training, individual counseling, and ongoing supervision throughout professional practice (Hayes, 2004;Leahy, 2001;Rowan & Jacobs, 2002). While the sport psychology literature has supported the notion of a selfaware sport psychologist, there has been no evidence to date that has informed us how sport psychologists develop and maintain their self-awareness in professional practice.

“It's My Dream to Work With Olympic Athletes”: Neophyte Sport Psychologists’ Expectations and Initial Experiences Regarding Service Delivery

“…In many frameworks of individual counselling and therapy, it is unethical to practice without having engaged in some form of regular personal therapy (Hays, 2002). With more frequent NEOPHYTE SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST'S DEVELOPMENT 22 supervision and a raised self-awareness, practitioner effectiveness could be heightened Winstone & Gervis, 2006).…”

Sport Psychologists’ Experiences of Organizational Stressors

“…Within academia, psychologists mentioned the inappropriate actions of students and the need to be self-aware when discussing work with others as important ethical obligations. Winstone and Gervis (2006) raised the importance of self-awareness in professional practice. Dificulties may arise when the unaware sport psychologist is faced with the inappropriate actions of clients and subsequently displays negative countertransference (e.g., negative behaviors) which may compromise a psychologist's relationship with his or her client and job performance.…”

The Use of Counseling Principles and Skills to Develop Practitioner-Athlete Relationships by Practitioners Who Provide Sport Psychology Support

“…However, 89 sport psychologists have been found to vary in the nature, frequency and amount of 90 supervision that they have (Sharp & Hodge, 2011). Additionally, a quantitative study found 91 that only one sport psychologist out of 58 reported using personal counselling despite them 92 deeming self-awareness to be important (Winstone & Gervis, 2006 which athletes may find themselves (Sharp & Hodge, 2011). In spite of these initial insights,…”

“…The unreal relationship is a psychodynamic concept and comprises client transference Supervision and personal counselling have been recommended as a means through which to 88 raise practitioner-awareness of countertransference (Winstone & Gervis, 2006). However, 89 sport psychologists have been found to vary in the nature, frequency and amount of 90 supervision that they have (Sharp & Hodge, 2011).…”