Sample interview questions: Can you describe a situation where you successfully helped an athlete overcome a fear or phobia that was hindering their performance?
Sample answer:
In my role as a sports psychologist, I have had the privilege of guiding athletes through various mental challenges, including fears and phobias that impact their performance. One such instance stands out:
Athlete: A young gymnast, Sarah, was struggling with a fear of heights, which was affecting her performance on the uneven bars. As she ascended the apparatus, her heart would race, her palms would sweat, and her mind would spiral with catastrophic thoughts, hindering her ability to execute her routines gracefully and confidently.
Intervention:
1. Establishing Trust and Rapport: I started by building a strong therapeutic alliance with Sarah, creating a safe space where she felt comfortable discussing her anxiety and fears.
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Fear Assessment: Through open-ended conversations and questionnaires, I conducted a comprehensive assessment of Sarah’s fear of heights, exploring its origins, triggers, and the extent of its impact on her gymnastics career.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques:
- Cognitive Restructuring: We identified and challenged Sarah’s negative and irrational thoughts about heights. We replaced them with more realistic and adaptive beliefs, focusing on her strengths, accomplishments, and the support system around her.
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Exposure Therapy: Gradually and systematically, we exposed Sarah to her fear in a controlled and supportive environment. This involved visualizing being on the uneven bars at varying heights, watching videos of successful routines, and eventually prac… Read full answer