The Sport Psychology Office offers a range of services for individual athletes, teams and coaches. Services are twofold: first, athletes can access performance psychology training focused on mental skills for practice, training and competition. In addition, consultation can provide an opportunity to talk about issues that may be preventing you from achieving optimal performance athletically or academically, or enjoying college life. Meeting with the Sport Psych Consultant is confidential, and emphasis is placed on providing non-judgmental assistance to gain perspective, explore options, and examine possible courses of action for your situation.
Dr. Deidre Connelly is a Certified Consultant of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Services in the Athletics Department are designed to provide support and counseling in numerous areas including:
- mental preparation strategies for training and competition
- motivation, goal setting and visualization
- performance planning, anxiety management, concentration/re-focusing skills
- confidence building and self-control skills related to personal success
- coping strategies for dealing with adversity
- mindfulness and relaxation training
The Sport Psychologist also offers support and assistance to those individuals having difficulties with issues such as:
- coping with athletic injury
- managing time or stress
- over-thinking or perfectionism
- making the transition from high school to college
- balancing academic, athletic and/or personal needs
- mental health concerns
- eating disorders
- substance abuse
- dealing with reduced playing time, slumps, or issues related to status on your team
Note: meetings are confidential and information is not shared without written consent.
Training for teams includes education on topics such as team culture, leadership, communication skills, and mental skills for training and competition.
APPOINTMENTS
All student-athletes are welcome regardless of the issues they wish to discuss. Meetings are confidential. Coaches are not informed of use of the services. To contact Dr. Connelly:
- Email (dxconn@wm.edu) -simply ask for appointment times; it is not necessary to give any details of your situation by email.
- Phone: 757-221-3386
- Stop by in person (Kaplan Arena Room 288)
Dr. Connelly is also a member of the Counseling Center staff and can help with a referral to the Center or therapists in the community. Student-athletes are encouraged to visit the Counseling Center website at
www.wm.edu/counselingcenter for information on mental health issues (see the "Self-Help" links under Resources).
