Sharpening the Mind: The Field of Sport and Performance Psychology

Gerlea Patton

Don’t miss the chance to learn about Sport Psychology, a dynamic field that applies psychological expertise to elevate the performance and well-being of athletes and sports participants at all levels. This specialty addresses everything from mental skill development to the systemic issues within sports organizations, and you can learn directly from the expert, Renee Raymond, at our upcoming Virtual Career Day on October 8th. 

Sport Psychology focuses on the mind-body connection. Professionals in the field implement mental skills training (such as goal setting, imagery, and self-talk) to enhance mental function, foster resilience, and help clients ensure consistent high performance, both in competition and in life.

Meet Our Speaker: Renee Raymond

We are excited to welcome Dr. Renee Raymond, a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Dr. Raymond helps elite athletes strengthen their mental game for consistent and confident high-level performance, bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise and movement science to her consulting. She supports Olympic, Paralympic, and professional athletes, as well as dancers and entertainers. Dr. Raymond serves as the Mental Health and Performance Lead for York United FC and consults with Game Plan (Canadian Olympic Committee). As a former athlete and an expert contributing to the Coaching Association of Canada, she understands the mental demands of high-performance environments and uses evidence-based therapy alongside proven strategies for mental preparation and confidence building.

Sports Psychology vs. Coaching

While both fields aim for success, Sport Psychology focuses on mental health, psychological intervention, and research into human performance. A sports coach focuses on developing physical skills, strategy, and overall team tactics.

Sport psychologists are highly specialized professionals who work with athletes and high-stakes performers. They develop and administer tailored mental training programs, conducting assessments and using techniques to enhance focus, confidence, and motivation. They also provide crucial support during injury recovery.

  • Salary: The average salary for a Sports Psychologist in the U.S. is around $75,000 to $95,000 per year, with top earners in elite settings making over $115,000+.
  • Job Outlook: The field is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with a projected demand growth of around 6 to 8% over the next decade, driven by increasing recognition of the need for qualified mental performance professionals.
  • Education: To be a licensed Sports Psychologist (providing clinical treatment), you typically need a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and state licensure. To work as a Mental Performance Consultant (focusing on performance enhancement), a Master's degree in sport psychology is usually required, often supplemented by the CMPC certification.

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