Rachael Lawrence
BASES Sport and Exercise Psychologist in Training
BSc Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University
WHAT IS SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY?
If you've ever heard of sport and exercise psychology before, it's probably within elite sport, and something that was mentioned by a presenter or pundit. That is sport psychology. Sport psychologists generally work to help improve sporting performance, be that helping athletes overcome anxiety, pressure, or confidence issues, guiding coaches in effective relationships and communication with their athletes, or even educating referees in understanding unconscious biases and how to manage them to ensure fair games.
Exercise psychology refers to supporting individuals to gain access to exercise, build up and maintain motivation, and break down barriers stopping them from engaging in physical activity.
Whilst both sport and exercise psychology is for everyone, generally sport psychologists work with athletes, coaches, sports teams and sports organisations. Exercise psychologists have a much wider market, and can offer support to anyone who feels that they need help to engage in physical activity (be that going to the gym, a weekly fitness class, or even running round the garden with the kids).
SO, WHAT DO I DO?
I pride myself in identifying as an exercise and sport psychologist in training. Whilst I have worked and continue to work within sport, I enjoy supporting individuals to feel empowered in exercise settings. I can support people to build up and maintain healthy habits, as well as work with groups who often have barriers to physical activity - such as clinical groups ( people living with chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, currently undergoing treatments, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities).
I have a background, personally, in elite artistic swimming, and professionally, in swim teaching for children and adults, and therefore I am able to adapt to work in both exercise and sport settings.
Get in touch for a free initial consultation