My Coaching Philosophy

SPP Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy as a mental consultant is rooted in several key theoretical orientations. I incorporate principles and interventions from positive psychology, which focuses on cultivating strengths, positive emotions, resilience, and well-being. While psychology and cognitive science have traditionally been applied to address mental issues, my goal as a consultant is to apply the science to unlock the potential for happiness in all individuals. By actively choosing how we perceive and experience the world, we can shape our own reality. Through the application of science and mental skills interventions, I aim to empower individuals to shape their own positive worldview.

Self-Efficacy Theory (Bandura, 1977) supports the importance of individuals’ beliefs in their capabilities to succeed and overcome challenges. I encourage a growth mindset over fixed mindset to foster resiliency, and willingness to take on challenges, and increase motivation, dedication, and overall well-being. Furthermore, I recognize the concept of neuroplasticity, drawing from the work of Norman Doidge (2008), which highlights the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life. This understanding informs my approach, as I acknowledge that individuals can learn, develop skills, and enhance their emotional well-being at any stage of life.

Adopting Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Theory, I prioritize building a therapeutic relationship based on empathy and acknowledging the unique potential of each client. I treat athletes as humans before athletes (Sille et al., 2020), and create an open and authentic environment for all of my clients, regardless of their background or beliefs (Prochaska & Norcross, 2018). Taking a holistic approach, I recognize the interconnectedness of various aspects of an athlete's life, including physical, mental, emotional, cultural, and social dimensions. I emphasize the integration of mental and physical perspectives, encouraging self-awareness, self-regulation, and the use of relaxation techniques to manage arousal levels effectively.

As someone from a multicultural background, I place great importance on cultural sensitivity and effectiveness. I am committed to continuously learning and proactively studying different cultures, customs, and values. Moreover, I remain aware of my own cultural biases, striving to develop my knowledge and expertise to better serve diverse populations.

These orientations serve as guiding principles for my consulting approach and help me tailor intervention programs to meet the unique needs of each client while respecting each humanistic aspect about them.

I employ a cognitive approach as the foundation for my intervention programs. However, I also integrate various mental skills tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, aligning with the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. Some of the intervention approaches I incorporate include: Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and the ABC model to address self-talk, irrational thinking habits, and distorted thinking. Goal-oriented approach using the SMART framework, focusing on motivation, intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations, and the importance of small steps. Mental Toughness training, encompassing the four Cs: commitment, control, challenge, and confidence. Imagery and Visualization techniques that engage all five senses and emotions. Routine development, emphasizing pre-, during-, and post-routines and their integration with other mental skills techniques. Self-Determination Theory, acknowledging individuals' need for acceptance, autonomy, and feelings of success. This includes autonomy-based goal setting, team cohesiveness, and constructive feedback. Energy management, incorporating theories such as the Inverted U theory, Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF), Attentional Control Theory (ACT), relaxation techniques, and mindfulness to enhance attention, focus, concentration, and task orientation.

By incorporating these approaches into my coaching philosophy, I strive to provide evidence-based, ethical, and effective support to athletes and individuals seeking to mental consulting.

​

References

Aoyagi, M., and Poczwardowski, A. (2012). Expert approaches to sport psychology: applied theories of performance excellence. Morgantown, WV. Fitness Information Technology.

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https:// https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191

Berger, K. (2017). The developing person through the lifespan. New York, NY. Worth Publishers.

Burton, D., and Raedeke, T. (2008). Sport Psychology for Coaches. Champaign, IL. Human Kinetics.

Doidge, N. (2008). The brain that changes itself: Stories of personal triumph from the frontiers of brain science. Scribe Publications.

Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner/Simon & Schuster.

Dweck, C. (2008). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, USA: Ballantine Books.

Erickson, E. H. (1993). Childhood and society. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.

Etzel, E., and Watson, J. (2014). Ethical issues in sport, exercise, and performance psychology. Morgantown, WV. Fitness Information Technology.

Gould, D., & Carson, S. (2008). Life skills development through sport: Current status and future directions. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1(1), 58-78.

Horn, T. S., & Smith, A. L. (2019). Advances in Sport and Exercise Psychology (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Latinjak, A. T., & Hatzigeorgiadis, A. (2020).  Self-talk in sport, New York, NY, doi-org.uws.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9780429460623

Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C. (2018). Systems of psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.  

Rogers, C. R. (1986). Carl Rogers on the development of the person-centered approach. Person-Centered Review, 1(3), 257–259.

Schmidt, R., and Lee, T. (2020). Motor learning and performance: from principles to application. Champaign, IL. Human Kinetics.

Siegel, D. (2012). The developing mind: how relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are (2nd ed.). New York, NY. The Guilford Press.

Sille, R., Turner, M. J., Eubank, M. R. (2020), “Don’t be stupid, stupid!” cognitive-        behavioral techniques to reduce irrational beliefs and enhance focus in a youth tennis player. Case studies in sport and exercise psychology, 40-51 doi.org/10.1123/cssep.2019-0018

Sue, D., and Sue, D. (2019). Counseling the Culturally Diverse. Hoboken, NJ. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Turner, M. J., Ewen, D., Barker, J. B. (2020), An Idiographic Single-Case Study Examining the Use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with Three Amateur Golfers to Alleviate Social Anxiety, Journal of applied sport psychology, 32: 186-204, DOI: 10.1080/10413200.2018.1496186