ABSTRACT

Written for graduate students and early professionals who are conducting applied sport psychology work for the first time, Excelling in Sport Psychology is a guide for planning, preparing, and executing this work. Each chapter addresses a critical component of the internship experience, such as selecting a site for an internship, preparing to begin the work, evaluating the completed work, and marketing oneself throughout one’s early career. The diverse experiences of the various authors provide a range of viewpoints for trainees to consider and apply to their growth as sport psychology or mental skills professionals. The text is written in a practical manner, with suggestions and questions that will drive this personal and professional growth. Each chapter also includes a personal account from a current student or recent graduate about their experience in that area.

This book will appeal to students in academic sport psychology programs seeking additional support and guidance about the internship process, as well as post-graduates who did not have an internship component to their program. Supervisors will benefit from reading the book as it highlights ways to work with trainees. Drawn from the experience of the applied Sport Psychology department at John F. Kennedy University, which has helped students set up internships, have successful experiences, and attain jobs for over 25 years, this book can provide a model for training programs approaching the challenges of fieldwork.

chapter 1|9 pages

Pursuing Applied Work

Are You Ready?

chapter 2|14 pages

Securing an Internship Site

Where in the World Are You Going?

chapter 3|10 pages

Finding a Supervisor

How Can You Create the Right Match?

chapter 4|10 pages

Acknowledging Biases

How Can Who You Are Affect What You See?

chapter 5|16 pages

Developing Self-Awareness

Have You Ever Looked in the Mirror?

chapter 6|15 pages

Working with Your Supervisor

What, You Have Another Relationship to Think About?

chapter 7|19 pages

Doing the Work

Can You Go from the Classroom to the Field?

chapter 8|11 pages

Collaborating

Are You a Team Player?

chapter 9|12 pages

Being Your Best

Are You Looking After Yourself?

chapter 10|12 pages

Ethical Quandaries

What Were You Thinking?

chapter 11|13 pages

Handling Referrals

What If Your Clients Need More?

chapter 12|13 pages

Evaluation

You Think You’re Good, but Do You Really Have Any Idea?

chapter 13|12 pages

Reaching the Finish Line

That’s It . . . What Do You Do Now?

chapter 14|12 pages

Securing Work

Will Anyone Pay You?

chapter 15|16 pages

Marketing Yourself

How Do You Tell the World How Good You Are?

chapter 16|12 pages

Using Technology in Practice

How Do You Stay Connected?

chapter 17|8 pages

Continuing Education

There’s Still More to Learn?