“He’s Asked for You. . . . ” One-to-One Support With an Elite Academy Soccer Player and Navigating Through the Unforeseen Roles of Sport Psychology Practitioners

Abstract

This case study outlines the holistic development of an adolescent soccer player, placing focus on the welfare of the individual first and the performer second. The client was seeking support as family life disturbances were having a negative impact on his mental health and general well-being. In addition, scholarship decisions were imminent, and the client felt that his performance had deteriorated. An introduction to the practitioner and client is provided, along with an account of the challenging and anxiety-provoking process encountered. Practitioner reflections are embedded throughout, and recommendations for other trainee sport psychology practitioners are provided. This case highlights the potentially unforeseen roles that sport psychology practitioners may, at times, play to best support their clients. It demonstrates the benefit of seeking guidance and support from supervisors and collaborating with other members of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the importance of having a clearly defined philosophy of practice to ensure that one is working from a place of congruence.

Supporting transplant athletes: perspectives on delivery of a sports performance and well-being service at the British Transplant Games

“…The service was designed to have three strands; psychological and emotional support; psychoeducation on physical activity and lifestyle factors; and psychological skills training (PST) for performance-related issues. The team adopted a transplant athlete-centered philosophy that considered the whole person ( 25 , 26 ) and the wider context of participation at the BTG. In the context of transplant recipients, it is arguably even more important to adopt a holistic approach that places the well-being of the individual first and the performer second ( 27 ).…”