What is Sport & Performance Psychology?
A missed goal, an upcoming audition, or a presentation in front of the class can bring up big feelings. Sport and performance psychology helps children and teens build skills to handle these moments with greater confidence, while protecting their enjoyment and overall well-being.
At YEG Psychology Kids, we support young people in pursuing goals that matter to them. Whether your child participates for fun or competes at a high level, we help them manage pressure, recover from setbacks, and develop a healthy relationship with achievement.
“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
Sport Psychology
Sport can offer friendship, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment. It can also bring worries about making mistakes, disappointing others, or keeping up with teammates. Sport psychology helps young athletes understand these pressures and learn skills they can use in practice and competition.
Support is tailored to the child’s sport, developmental stage, and goals. It may also address motivation, team relationships, or the emotional side of injury recovery and returning to sport alongside their healthcare team.
Typical clients include
- Children and teens in recreational, school, club, or competitive sport
- Young athletes preparing for tryouts or moving to a new level of competition
- Parents and caregivers seeking ways to support their young athlete
Common techniques include
- Setting realistic goals focused on learning, effort, and progress
- Imagery and visualization to prepare for specific situations
- Breathing and relaxation strategies for pre-game nerves
- Attention skills and routines for staying focused
- Helpful self-talk and ways to reset after mistakes
- Communication skills for working with teammates and coaches
Performance Psychology
Performance pressure also shows up on stage, in a music lesson, or in the classroom. A child may feel comfortable practicing at home but become nervous when others are watching. Performance psychology helps young people prepare for these situations and respond to pressure without letting it overshadow their interest or enjoyment.
Typical clients include
- Young musicians, dancers, actors, and other performers
- Children and teens preparing for auditions, recitals, or competitions
- Students facing exams, presentations, or other evaluative situations
Key focus areas
- Mental rehearsal and preparation routines
- Managing nerves and staying engaged in the task
- Responding to self-criticism and perfectionism
- Building confidence and sustaining motivation
- Handling feedback, disappointment, and comparison with others
- Balancing goals with school, rest, friendships, and family life
How Can Sport & Performance Psychology Help?
A young person’s confidence can take a hit when they feel that every mistake matters. Counselling can help them develop a broader view of success and practical ways to approach challenges. Depending on their needs, support may help them:
- Feel more prepared for competitions, performances, or presentations
- Manage stress and respond more effectively to setbacks
- Focus on what they can control
- Communicate their needs and ask for support
- Recognize strengths beyond results or rankings
- Maintain enjoyment and a sustainable balance between activities and everyday life
Parents may also learn how to respond after a difficult game or performance, encourage effort without adding pressure, and recognize when a child needs a break.
What Can You Expect From Sport & Performance Psychology?
Sessions are tailored to your child’s age, interests, and goals. Activities may include conversation, visual tools, games, and skills practice linked to situations they encounter in their sport, activity, or school life.
Introduction & Planning
We get to know your child, explore what they enjoy and what feels difficult, and identify what they would like help with. Caregivers may contribute background information and help set goals that reflect the child’s needs.
Building Skills and Confidence
Your child learns strategies they can try between sessions, such as a preparation routine, a way to reset after a mistake, or a response to unhelpful self-talk. We review what worked and adjust together.
Ongoing Support
As challenges change, sessions can address new goals, upcoming events, setbacks, or shifts in motivation. Caregiver involvement is guided by the child’s age and needs, with space for teens to develop independence.
For Young Athletes and Performers
Support can be planned around a training season, audition, competition, or return from injury. Goals remain grounded in the young person’s development and well-being, helping them grow in their activity and beyond it.
How does Confidentiality Work?
The general rule of practice is that your psychologist is not permitted to disclose anything that you tell them to anyone without your written permission for them to do so. There are some limits to confidentiality that your psychologist will discuss with you in detail at the start of your first session.
What is the Length of a Session?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length with the additional ten minutes used for post session notes and other professional services (such as consultation or phone calls if needed). If you feel that you require more or less time per session, this can be discussed with your psychologist.
What is the Cost of a Session?
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta recommended fee for individual counselling is $235per therapy hour. The therapy “hour” is usually 50 minutes allowing 10 minutes for after-session notes and other services. Payment is due at the end of each session in the form of credit card or cash. Clients are issued a receipt that they can submit to their private insurance for reimbursement.