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Mental performance vs mental health
Mental performance vs mental health
So what exactly is mental performance consulting? And who is it for?
While the terms mental performance and mental health are very similar and do have some crossover, there are a few fundamental differences.
Mental performance consultants are not required to be licensed counselors. While some may also hold those credentials and offer counseling services, it is only a small aspect of the practice.
Mental performance focuses on strategies to improve and excel in already existing strengths. Coping mechanisms can be a part of those strategies, as every athlete is susceptible to performance anxiety and self-doubt, but addressing major mental health concerns is not the focus. (If you struggle with mental health, seek out counseling from a licensed professional.)
“Making good, great.” Generally speaking, mental performance consulting will work the best for those athletes who already have the drive and ambition to become successful. As with any coaching and consulting services, you get out what you put in. And if an athlete is not yet to the point of being able to motivate themselves to put in the work, seeing a licensed counselor for mental health may be a better starting point.
What is sport psychology?
What is sport psychology?
Simply put, sport psychology focuses on the mental side of sport participation. Often, the general perception of athletes focuses on their physical capabilities (i.e. how fast they are, how hard they can throw, how well they can shoot, how efficient they can be in competition).
While the physical aspects of athletes are important, the mental side of their performance is regularly overlooked. This is where the mental performance work of sport psychology comes into play, especially in the world of elite athletics.
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