Graig M. Chow, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology

Sport Psychology Practitioner

The Field Psychological factors that influence

participation and performance in sport and exercise

Psychological effects derived from participation

Theories and interventions to enhance performance, participation, and personal growth

Areas of Specialization and Interventions

Areas Personality Motivation Stress and anxiety Group dynamics Mental skills training Concentration Exercise

behavior/adherence Injury Burnout Clinical sport psychology Character development Youth sport

Interventions Relaxation Imagery Goal setting Self-talk Routines Activation Biofeedback Mindfulness Self-regulation

techniques Hypnosis Team Building Communication skills

Activities

Typically there is a mix of these activities

Employment Opportunities Faculty position Research center Private practice (CC-AASP) Private practice (clinical or counseling) Army Center for Enhanced Performance

(ACEP) University counseling center University athletic department U.S. Olympic Committee Sport academies

Graduate Training Sport psychology/kinesiology/sport sciences

trackMasters = 2 yearsPh.D. = 3-5 yearsCC-AASP

Clinical or counseling psychology trackMasters = 2 yearsPh.D. = 4-7 years, including internshipPostdoctoral training may be necessaryLicensed psychologist

Masters in sport psychology and Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology has been recommended

Salary Faculty or athletic department = 55-150k

ACEP = 60-90K

Counseling center = 55-90k

Private practice = range is much wider with higher ceiling and lower floor

Amount and Stability of Employment

Limited tenure track professor positions and full-time applied work with only athlete clients

ACEP is largest employer of sport psychology graduate students

Adjunct faculty, athletic department, and college and professional retainer opportunities are increasing

Rapid growth in exercise psychology and application of sport psychology to non-athlete populations

Dress Code Business casual in university and clinical

or counseling private practice settings

However, because much consulting work with athletes and teams occurs during practice, athletic coaching attire is appropriate

Turnover

Low turnover rate for faculty, university (counseling center, athletic department), and USOC positions

Higher turnover rate for private practice and ACEP

Undergraduate Experiences Graduate school is necessary B.A. in psychology and/or kinesiology Typical admission requirements (varies by program)

GPA of 3.3 or higherGRE○ At or above the 50th percentile for verbal/quantitative○ At or above the 60th percentile for analytical writing○ Research experience of one year or higher

Strong letters of recommendation

Most Rewarding Aspects

Variety of activities and available opportunitiesResearch that informs consulting and teachingConsulting with recreational to professional/

international level athletes across all age groups

Supervision of neophyte sport psychology consultants

International travel opportunities

Biggest Drawbacks Tenure track professor positions are

limited

Grant funding for research is scarce – need to be innovative

Difficult to find a career with only a Masters

Full-time consulting work with only athlete clients is rare

Resources APA Division 47

http://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/ AASP

http://www.appliedsportpsych.org NASPSPA

http://www.naspspa.org/ FSU Sport Psychology

http://coe.fsu.edu/Current-Students/Departments/Educational-Psychology-and-Learning-Systems-EPLS/Current-Students/Educational-Psychology/Sport-Psychology

Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/publications/

graduate-program-directory/