A case study of a trainee sport psychologist adopting a person-centred approach with a professional basketball player

Abstract

This case study reports the experiences and reflections of a trainee sport and exercise psychologist adopting a person-centred approach to service delivery with a professional basketball player. We supplement personal reflections and notes from client work with learning logs and supervision as part of coursework components on a taught doctorate in sport and exercise psychology. This case study examines the client change process and how working in in a non-directive and relational manner enabled the client to take responsibility for shaping sessions to meet his unique reality, needs and preferences. Throughout this paper the trainee reflects on the experiences and specific challenges of working non-directly, offering unconditional positive regard and empathy. This case study contributes to the literature by presenting person-centred therapy within a professional sport environment and supports the recommendation of counselling and communication skills training in the development pathway for applied sport and exercise psychology practitioners.