Sport Psych Network

In our latest episode, I spoke with Christian Pszyk about his sport psychology journey so far!   We covered his training and accreditation experiences, along with some deep truths about practice philosophy. Got to thank Christian for being very open with his answers and I hope others find them as useful/relatable as me!   As always any feedback/comments are welcomed! Thanks to everyone who listens/shares the podcast too, we've had over 5000 downloads in total so far :) If you've got any questions or want to be involved with the podcast, you can find us on Twitter @network_psych , or e-mail m.draper91@live.co.uk!  

For our latest episode, we spoke with Elliot Newell who currently works with the English Institute of Sport. This is an interview a long time coming, and Elliot proved very much worth the wait!  We talked about Elliot's journey through his career, what influences he has had and how his philosophy has grown. We also discussed some key talking points from the world of Sport Psychology, in particular this 'tension' (as Elliot termed it!) between the different areas - teaching, research, practice.    Thanks again to Elliot for agreeing to be interviewed, if you want to see more from him you can find him on Twitter @eis2win. Also a reminder that the podcast now has it's own Twitter account, so you can follow us there @network_psych.    Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback! All the best to everyone for the festive period and wishing you all a strong start to 2021. 

In this episode we spoke with Callum Abbott, a Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist currently working his way through the BPS Stage 2 process. We talked about development of philosophy, the different layers to reflection and Callum gave some insight into the unique challenges faced when working in eSports.    Thank you again to Callum for giving up his time to speak with us, another podcast full of experiences and conversations that can be useful to a practitioner at any stage of their career. If you would like to carry on that conversation, you can find Callum on Twitter @AbbotSportPsy , or visit his website https://www.abbottsportpsy.com .   As always RTs, comments and feedback are much appreciated! We now have a designated Twitter account for the podcast - @network_psych , and keep using the hashtag #SportPsychNetwork .

In this episode I spoke with James Maurice about his development as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist. James is currently a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the BPS, and has recently began completing a PhD at the University of Wolverhampton looking at parent engagement in elite academy football. We discussed early career development, James' experiences within football and what makes an effective sport psychologist (among many other things!). James' experiences to date, coupled with the story of his development as a person make this interview one of my most engaging and informative to date.  You can find James on Twitter (@JamesmauriceSP), and as always your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated! James has also kindly provided a key reading list, compiled of books/research specifically referenced within the interview.   KEY READING: Books:- Being a Sport Psychologist - Richard Keegan- Sport Psychology for Young Athletes - Camilla Knight, Chris Harwood, & Daniel Gould- Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor FranklJournals - Keegan, R. J. (2010). Teaching consulting philosophies to neophyte sport psychologists: Does it help, and how can we do it?. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 1(1), 42-52. - Visek, A. J., Harris, B. S., & Blom, L. C. (2013). Mental training with youth sport teams: Developmental considerations and best-practice recommendations. Journal of sport psychology in action, 4(1), 45-55.- Lubker, J. R., Visek, A. J., Watson, J. C., & Singpurwalla, D. (2012). Athletes’ preferred characteristics and qualifications of sport psychology practitioners: A consumer market analysis. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 24(4), 465-480.

In this episode I spoke with Shameema Yousuf, founder of her private practice Empower2Perform (www.empower2perform.com)  We discussed starting a private practice, how to make the most of the CPD resources available and why it may be beneficial to avoid 'cold-calling' potential clients! Another really insightful conversation for the Sport Psych Network. Shameema also discusses some significant barriers she has faced during her career to date, which I talk about in a bit more detail during the introduction.   As always comments and feedback are appreciated! I'm considering a survey soon so keep your eyes peeled for that potentially appearing in your social media feeds....

In this episode of the Sport Psych Network podcast, I spoke with Dr Philip Clarke about a multitude of sport psychology topics! We covered the different training routes available as a practitioner, knowing which role you want to develop a career in and why you should look after yourself just as much (if not more than) any clients you work with!  Dr Clarke also offers some great insight into the world of online teaching, something which his current role at University of Derby is primarily based on. Given the current climate of the World, a lot of people in a variety of areas are having to find a way to transition from face-to-face delivery to online.  As always a massive thanks to Dr Clarke for offering his time to speak with us, this interview has plenty of noteworthy contributions for practitioners at any stage of their development. You can find Dr Clarke on Twitter @Dr_PhilClarke .

In this episode I chat with Louise Byrne, a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist (QSEP) based in London. We discussed QSEP, the differences between university studies and practising in the real world, and how to be creative when planning! Louise shared a lot of really relevant information for practitioners at any stage of their career. This even includes a very personal story from her life which had a profound effect on her philosophy of practice. Massive thanks to Louise for giving her time to provide such a great insight into her development as both a practitioner and a person. If you want to chat more with Louise, you can contact her via any of the means below! As always any comments, feedback or sharing of the podcast is welcomed.    Contact Louise via: Twitter: @LBPerformPsych Instagram: @LBPerformancePsych E-mail: lbyrnesportpsych@gmail.com     

We are back! After some time away, I've managed to catch up with Mike Clark regarding all things Sport Psychology. He discusses practising in the US, what sparked his interest in this career and how he went about setting up his own consultancy.  Tried to get this interview done a while ago and this was plenty worth the wait! Mike offers plenty of insight for those practising in Sport Psychology, either early career or fully fledged professionals.  Big thanks to Mike for giving up his time. Be sure to follow @Mathios_9 on Twitter and use the hashtag #SportPsychNetwork when sharing any comments! Let me know who you would like to hear from.

Happy to share my latest interview as I speak with Matthew Cunliffe. Matt has experience as a Sport & Exercise Psychologist with the EIS, holds a position with the University of Greenwich whilst also assessing and supervising candidates on the Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP) with the BPS.  With a growing profile like that, it's only natural that Matt gave a really insightful interview. We discussed working for the EIS, starting up as a solo practitioner, and how core personal values can inform (and be present within) practice as a sport psychologist.  Thank you to Matt for offering to take time out from his busy schedule and be interviewed, and I hope everyone listening takes as much from this episode as I did!   

After a bit of a break we're back!! For this interview I spoke with Courtney Walton, a provisional Sport Psychologist based in Brisbane! After completing a PhD (in something a little different to Sport Psychology!), Courtney has decided to pursue the route of applied practice. In this interview he gives a really honest, open and pretty raw account of the first placement experiences he has had (in both sport and general settings).  I feel as though this interview will resonate a lot with early years/trainee practitioners from all walks of life! We discuss the barriers to athlete engagement, CPD and how I un-knowingly stole his idea for a podcast! Thanks again to Courtney for providing this interview, and apologies again for the delay in publishing. As always any comments/shares on social media are welcomed! Also a quick reminder that I'm always looking to complete more interviews, so let's continue the growth of the Sport Psych Network! My e-mail address is m.draper91@live.co.uk. Or you can follow me on Twitter - @Mathios_9  

In this episode I chat with Pete Jackson, yet another individual who has decided to switch careers and train in Sport & Exercise Psychology! Pete has over 10 years experience working in advertising, and we discuss the benefits of this as he embarks on the BPS Stage 2 process.  Pete provided some really pertinent links between his career in advertisement and developing as a sport psychologist, with particular focus on the sharing of information between professionals! We also discussed how philosophy of practice can develop, the benefits of networking & attending conferences, and the importance of developing a robust process of ethics.  Big thanks to Pete for giving up his time and contributing to the Sport Psych Network! Find out more information on the work he is doing by visiting his website https://www.petejackson.co.uk/ 

With a varied background of experiences, it was a great pleasure speaking to Stuart Holliday for the Sport Psych Network podcast. Stuart is a BPS Stage 2 Trainee, with experiences including a Premier League academy, Chip Management, Olympic & Paralympic athletes and Asics.  He gives a really good insight into practising as a Sport & Exercise Psychologist in different environments, and offers some great advise for his fellow trainees! I think this interview is a great eye-opener for anyone thinking of a career in Sport Psychology (or just starting out on their journey). 

Delighted to have interviewed Professor Damian Hughes, who brings his knowledge of organisational psychology and change to the Sport Psych Network podcast.  We talk about his background, his latest publication (The Barcelona Way), and pretty much all about how culture can inform practices within elite sport! How can it be created? How can it be maintained? What effect can it have? Damian was very insightful, and all I can suggest is that you give this a listen as there are plenty of lessons for anyone working in elite sport (but particularly those within Sport & Exercise Psychology!).  

Dr Richard Keegan, Assosciate Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology with the University of Canberra, gave his insights into Sport Psychology. Our topics ranged from translating theory to practice, publishing (which Dr Keegan has significant experience in!) and how you can't pour from an empty cup! After our talk we both agreed we could probably fill another episode with the topics we didn't get round to. Massive thank you to Richard for giving up his time, think anyone working in sport psychology would benefit from listening to his advice!

Back to it this week, another brilliant interview! I spoke with Lena Kessler, a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist who is nearing the completion of her BPS Stage 2 training. Topics including competing in sport (and how that has effected philosophy as a practitioner), working in Australia and how to answer when put on the spot! Massive thanks to Lena, plenty of take home points.

Another great interview, this time with Zach Brandon from IMG Academy! He talks us through practicising as a Mental Conditioning Coach in Florida, his journey to get where he is and what advice he gives to others working within Sport Psychology.  Thanks to Zach for his time, gave some really honest insights into making mistakes as a practitioner. 

Another interview done! This time I spoke with James Claffey, a college lecturer and sport & exercise psychologist with over 10 years experience.  We discuss the difference in training routes between the UK and Ireland, philosophy of practice and why should never undersell yourself as a practitioner! We also had an open discussion about mental health and how the stigma can only be removed by talking - which James did with great personal detail. Thankful for James sharing his experiences, hope other people find them as insightful as I did!

This episode features an interview with Muhammad, who is working practising sport psychology in Malaysia having studied in the UK. We discuss the route for Sport Psychologists in the UK, taking a risk to find your own opportunities, and how congruence can help not only sport psychologists' but also prison guards!   Another really good interview from someone with passion and drive to succeed within the field of sport psychology, and I've no doubt he will!   EDIT: Upon request, I've made some changes to take out some langauge that people may find offensive.

Another detailed interview, this time with Chris Hartley (http://sportpsychologyscotland.co.uk). We talk BPS Stage 2, philopsophy of practice and how sport psychology in the UK can grow. I also provide a reflection on the latest edition of BPS Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, linking a piece of work on sharing good practice to our very own Sport Psych Network!  With 2 talking points to finish, make sure you get involved in the discussion - #SportPsychNetwork on Twitter.

No comment from me this episode as my feature interview is a lengthy one! I speak with James Newman, a fellow BPS Stage 2 trainee based in the North East of England. Lots of detail and talking points which I feel will resonate with a lot of Sport Psychs, trainee or otherwise.

A brief introduction to the Sport Psych Network podcast! I talk about what to expect in future episodes, and give information regarding our first feature interview!