Psychology- 24/10/22- Introduction to Consulting Philosophies
There is a set of assumptions and values behind every decision and support program offered
by sport psychologists.
o Understanding your consulting philosophy is among the essential prerequisites to
effective practice.
Hierarchical Structure of Professional Philosophy
o Be able to write about your own personal core beliefs and values
Personal Core Beliefs and Values
o Foundation of a professional philosophy; innermost beliefs and values regarding the
world/human behaviour
Typical Values:
Respect for; truth, privacy, autonomy, promises and commitments
Concern for; the growth and development of people, human dignity,
equality and gratitude
Theoretical Paradigm
o More important that one’s philosophy is grounded in one or more major theoretical
and philosophical paradigms of psychology
o Explicitly describe/explain human behaviour and help attempt to predict and control
behaviour change
o How behaviour is manifested and changed
What we use in the needs analysis
o Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Widely represented theoretical paradigms by sport psychologists
Major focus is modifying the client’s thinking patterns
Facilitates change via thought processes and behaviours, assuming that
there is a direct connection between the two
o Humanistic Therapy
Assume every person is unique and perceives the world/develops meaning
in a unique and individual way
Examines the client perception of the present
Goal is not so much to treat the problem behaviour, but to explore
current goals and create new meanings in life
Non-directive approach in therapeutic processes
o Eclecticism
Developing one’s own unique approach to working with clients
Creative synthesis of a number of perspectives and techniques, with
underlying coherent and rigorous theoretical logic to it
Emphasises flexibility that can be useful in order to effectively address:
There is a set of assumptions and values behind every decision and support program offered
by sport psychologists.
o Understanding your consulting philosophy is among the essential prerequisites to
effective practice.
Hierarchical Structure of Professional Philosophy
o Be able to write about your own personal core beliefs and values
Personal Core Beliefs and Values
o Foundation of a professional philosophy; innermost beliefs and values regarding the
world/human behaviour
Typical Values:
Respect for; truth, privacy, autonomy, promises and commitments
Concern for; the growth and development of people, human dignity,
equality and gratitude
Theoretical Paradigm
o More important that one’s philosophy is grounded in one or more major theoretical
and philosophical paradigms of psychology
o Explicitly describe/explain human behaviour and help attempt to predict and control
behaviour change
o How behaviour is manifested and changed
What we use in the needs analysis
o Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Widely represented theoretical paradigms by sport psychologists
Major focus is modifying the client’s thinking patterns
Facilitates change via thought processes and behaviours, assuming that
there is a direct connection between the two
o Humanistic Therapy
Assume every person is unique and perceives the world/develops meaning
in a unique and individual way
Examines the client perception of the present
Goal is not so much to treat the problem behaviour, but to explore
current goals and create new meanings in life
Non-directive approach in therapeutic processes
o Eclecticism
Developing one’s own unique approach to working with clients
Creative synthesis of a number of perspectives and techniques, with
underlying coherent and rigorous theoretical logic to it
Emphasises flexibility that can be useful in order to effectively address:
