A Systemic Solution-Focused Intervention Promoting Mental Health in Elite Athletes: A Single Case Study

Abstract

Besides everyday stressors, elite athletes are exposed to sport-specific stressors (Jones & Tenenbaum, 2009). With vulnerable athletes, this combination may lead to the development of mental disorders, especially when there is a lack of resources (e.g., social network). In elite sport, this social network is often physically absent. The application of systemic-solution-focused interventions allows one to find solutions involving the perspectives of physically absent people (Levold & Wirsching, 2014). Therefore, such multi-perspective approaches are also suitable for sport psychological consultations. This case study describes the application of systemic-solution-focused techniques with an elite athlete. Because of the athlete's family history, there is a given state of vulnerability. Injuries, a conflict between the head coach and the coach-together with the athlete's father-and transitions are the key stressors. A counseling sequence of six interventions illustrates how systemic-solution-focused techniques are used to accompany adaptation processes. Furthermore, experiences, processes, and results of the counseling are reflected upon.