The Hidden Gym
Academic Portfolio
I will be completing my master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States in September of 2023. Below you will experience my best academic portfolio which will provide more insight on how I approached the program and how I able to apply these artifacts when it comes to working with athletes. Each artifact will showcase 5 pillars of PLO (Program Learning Outcomes)
Artifacts
1
SPP Coaching and Philosophy
The main focus that I selected was Acceptance Commitment Training (ACT). By understanding an athletes thoughts I may be able to work on the different thinking patterns and be able to have the athlete accept certain thoughts to mitigate harmful thoughts while pre-season, injury, during season, post-season, and off-season. I was successful when understanding an athlete emotions because it allowed them to be themselves and open up. The 6 pillars of ACT, acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self-context, values, and committed action. Often times to get to know the athlete motivational interviewing is needed to help gauge what the athlete is thinking and what thinking patterns are impacting their physical and mental performance. A lot of the tennis athletes I worked with were unable to balance out what they are able to control versus what they can't control.
2
Predominant Theories
In sport, athletes need to find a flow state that would help with emotional regulation. I saw first-hand tennis athletes struggle with confidence and controlling anxiety. One of the models I spoke about was the Cusp Catastrophe Model and how it impacts anxiety and performance. When anxiety levels go up performance drops. My job during applied mentorship was to find a good flow state for the athlete to succeed in while regulating their anxiety levels during certain scenarios. I now understand that the higher the situation the athlete is placed in, the greater the performance anxiety which puts a lot of pressure on the athlete. I've researched flow triggers and flow blockers and it's important to understand how to stay in a steady flow state. I think of this as late in the game where the game slows down for you. Using approaches and techniques that is evidence-based will be more effective than just guessing. But getting a starting point is key to understand which theories to select.
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3
Ethical Codes and Rationals
As a professional, I need to understand what it takes to be a professional by staying within treatment guidelines. These artifacts have provided me with more understanding regarding how to stay within the scope of my practice and to avoid any legality issues by being able to document a session thoroughly. Two of the major factors to consider when consulting is that when an athlete demonstrates a depressive state or suicidal thoughts you're obligated to break confidentiality. Each of the artifacts allowed me to provide my own self-reflection regarding interventions and rationale for my selections. One of the issues that may arise is miscommunication when working with other multidisciplinary staff. Understanding that you have to work with parents especially athletes who are minors. I believe that I've showcase throughout my time providing mental skill services to a tennis club.
4
Development of consulting philosophy
My philosophy going forward as a mental performance consultant is to take the time to understand an athlete on a deeper level. I believe that when working with athletes if you're able to make that connection and demonstrate not only as a professional but you're a personable person then the likelihood of maintaining that relationship is likely to stay connected and may refer their other friends. On my TOPE I've started to develop a ACT and CBT approach because it both coincides together. I wanted to incorporate more culture. My ability to experience firsthand through the tennis club patterns that the athletes seem to deteriorate themselves. If I could incorporate more real-life scenarios and personal life such as stories I think it would make me a better mental performance consultant. I'm still developing my TOPE and how to incorporate more strategies with athletes. I'm still learning how to incorporate more short term and long term solutions but once I develop into a better professional it will guide me to find creative approachesalong with experience to get the results I need for athletes.
5
Performance enhancement interventions
My ability to start putting approaches and techniques together has been helpful for me to start designing a more holistic wellness approach for athletes. My basic knowledge is now more moderate knowledge of understanding how society plays a role in the athletes, gender roles, and perspectives of athletes. I'm starting to understand the benefits of structural theories and how they play a role in society. I'm beginning to understand that some of the athletes tend to limit their potential and it starts with practice. I've seen a lot of tennis athlete especially just go through the motions in practice and then they complain about not getting better. Tapping into their mental performance and building skill acquisition should allow me to develop my TOPE and be able to provide mental skill techniques such as imagery, relaxation, and goal setting to support the athletes in improving their performance. My ability to approach each athlete and their cultural background with openness and willingness should extend my growth in this profession.
6
Multicultural society, and cultural consulting strategies
With all athletes, there are different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Every multicultural athlete should be treated equally and treating them equally it will allow for providing education on mental skill techniques to be much easier. My proactive thinking multicultural issues is common in sport. Again, I believe that when working with athletes there isn't a one size sits all method because every athlete is unique and they will all come with their own individual challenges. Strategies such as taking my time when working with athletes and using past experiences from other athletes will be beneficial for selecting my interventions. When providing services I think lsitening a major part of this profession and being able to treat the root cause instead of the symptoms is key to make an impact in an athlete's performance. This artifact makes me question how holistically I'm able to incorporate an athlete's personal life. I think understanding the athlete as a whole and using some of the negative or positive experiences from their life and using it when it's right to compare the present moment is important to allow the athlete to continue staying in the present moment. To not push any boundaries with the athlete, establishing a professional and personal approach. Such as making jokes with the athlete or when it's time to be serious understanding through body language and tone of voice. Often times through reviews and the experience of one athlete, if I treat the athlete the same as everyone else, especially through experience, the athlete will feel more comfortable to speak and not feel like they can't share important information that may play a factor in their performance.