Learn how to communicate effectively and respectfully with sports psychologists and mental health professionals, and how they can help you and your athletes.

I agree that as sports managers we need to respect the privacy and the expertise of the experts working with all athletes but that doesn't mean we should stay quiet when things seem a bit off. If we have doubts that the work with the experts is not done well or we see something that's worrying us, we should take that to the very experts so we can discuss the issue and develop a strategy for overcoming it if needed. Let's not forget that all experts are also humans who make mistakes and collaboration is the best way to see the black spots that we all miss sometimes.

I think that article is well put. Collaboration, transparency and clear communication of the desired goal are essential. Perhaps it's good to clarify that we should communicate all long-term yearly goals as well as our short-term weekly or monthly goals to ensure the whole team is thinking and moving in exactly the same direction. We can call it laser-focusing the whole team on one single objective.

How can you communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals?

Communication is a vital skill for sports managers, especially when it comes to working with sports psychologists and mental health professionals. These experts can help you and your athletes improve performance, cope with stress, and overcome challenges. But how can you communicate with them effectively and respectfully? Here are some tips to help you build a productive relationship with sports psychology and mental health specialists.

1 Understand their role

Sports psychologists and mental health professionals have different roles and scopes of practice, but they both aim to help athletes achieve their goals and well-being. Sports psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of sports performance, such as motivation, confidence, concentration, and teamwork. Mental health professionals deal with the emotional and mental health issues that may affect athletes, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance abuse. Both types of experts can work with individuals or groups, and they may use different methods and techniques depending on the situation and the client's needs.

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Petar Krastev

✝️ Believer --- Founder & Head Coach at Coach PK --- I Help Entrepreneurs And Executives To Lose Fat, Build Muscle & Powerful Sustainable Habits With Elite 1-to-1 Fitness Coaching.
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This is a controversial topic because most people and even experts get lost in identifying the correct help an athlete or a person needs. There is a big problem with the mental health activists who aim to help people overcome depression, anxiety and other mental health problems that could ruin or destroy someone's life. Their role is vital and by no means I would ever discredit them but there is something people have to understand. The advice tailored for someone with a chronic depression for example can be potentially harmful and lead to the very depression if given to a healthy person who just had a bad day. That's why it is vital when identifying someone's problem to clarify the phase of that problem.

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2 Respect their boundaries

As a sports manager, you may have access to some information about your athletes' psychological and mental health status, but you should respect the confidentiality and privacy of their sessions with the experts. You should not ask for details or interfere with their treatment plans, unless they give you permission or there is a serious risk involved. You should also avoid giving your own advice or opinions on their issues, as this may undermine their trust and progress. Instead, you should support them by following the recommendations and referrals of the experts, and by providing a safe and supportive environment for them.

Add your perspective

Petar Krastev

✝️ Believer --- Founder & Head Coach at Coach PK --- I Help Entrepreneurs And Executives To Lose Fat, Build Muscle & Powerful Sustainable Habits With Elite 1-to-1 Fitness Coaching.
Report contribution
I agree that as sports managers we need to respect the privacy and the expertise of the experts working with all athletes but that doesn't mean we should stay quiet when things seem a bit off. If we have doubts that the work with the experts is not done well or we see something that's worrying us, we should take that to the very experts so we can discuss the issue and develop a strategy for overcoming it if needed. Let's not forget that all experts are also humans who make mistakes and collaboration is the best way to see the black spots that we all miss sometimes.

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3 Communicate your expectations

While you should respect the boundaries of the experts, you should also communicate your expectations and goals for your athletes and your team. You should let them know what you hope to achieve, what challenges you face, and what feedback you need. You should also discuss how you can collaborate and coordinate with them, such as how often you will communicate, what channels you will use, and what reports you will receive. You should also be open to their suggestions and input, and be willing to adjust your plans if necessary.

Add your perspective

Petar Krastev

✝️ Believer --- Founder & Head Coach at Coach PK --- I Help Entrepreneurs And Executives To Lose Fat, Build Muscle & Powerful Sustainable Habits With Elite 1-to-1 Fitness Coaching.
Report contribution
I think that article is well put. Collaboration, transparency and clear communication of the desired goal are essential. Perhaps it's good to clarify that we should communicate all long-term yearly goals as well as our short-term weekly or monthly goals to ensure the whole team is thinking and moving in exactly the same direction. We can call it laser-focusing the whole team on one single objective.

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4 Listen and learn

One of the best ways to communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals is to listen and learn from them. They have valuable insights and knowledge that can help you understand your athletes better, and improve your own skills and strategies. You should pay attention to what they say, ask questions, and seek clarification if needed. You should also be respectful and appreciative of their work, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. By listening and learning from them, you can build a trusting and respectful relationship that benefits both you and your athletes.

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5 Provide feedback

Another way to communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals is to provide feedback on their work and impact. You should let them know how your athletes are doing, what changes you notice, and what challenges you still face. You should also share your own experiences and feelings, and how their work affects you. You should be honest and constructive, and avoid blaming or criticizing them. You should also express your gratitude and recognition, and celebrate the successes and improvements. By providing feedback, you can help them evaluate and improve their work, and show them that you value and respect their work.

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6 Seek support

Finally, you should communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals when you need support for yourself. As a sports manager, you may face a lot of pressure, stress, and challenges, and you may also experience psychological and mental health issues. You should not hesitate to seek help from the experts, and to share your concerns and needs. They can help you cope, manage, and overcome your issues, and enhance your performance and well-being. By seeking support, you can also model healthy and positive behavior for your athletes, and show them that you care about yourself and them.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their role

2 Respect their boundaries

3 Communicate your expectations

4 Listen and learn

5 Provide feedback

6 Seek support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sports Management

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How can you communicate with sports psychologists and mental health professionals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their role

2 Respect their boundaries

3 Communicate your expectations

4 Listen and learn

5 Provide feedback

6 Seek support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sports Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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