The 6th Congress of Exercise and Sport Sciences

A Brief Literature Review of Psychodynamic Sport Psychology Practice: Ongoing Neglect and Potential Contributions

Ohad Nahum
Psychology, Private Practice, Tel Aviv, Israel

Background: Although the psychodynamic perspective is one of the most dominant and important therapeutic approaches in psychology, it is almost completely missing from contemporary sport psychology consultation practice. One of the major advantages of psychodynamic theory is its ability to describe inner psychological states and experience, and its ability to explain overt behavior and performance. Any effective, tailored consultation or intervention with professional athletes, must relate to different aspects of the athletes` functioning – including their inner psychological experiences. Therefore, the necessity of the psychodynamic perspective in sport psychology consultation cannot be underestimated.

Aims: The aim of this presentation is twofold: Firstly, to describe the ramifications of the ongoing neglect of psychodynamic approaches in sport psychology practice; Secondly, to illuminate the value of psychodynamic thinking to sport psychology consultation.

Method: A brief literature review and a critical analysis of the psychodynamic perspective in sport psychology consultation.

Discussion: Assimilating the psychodynamic perspective will add value to sport psychology practitioners, since the contemporary psychodynamic perspective provides an effective technique for fostering psychological resources and for helping athletes approach challenges with greater freedom and flexibility. Furthermore, understanding the inner dynamics and emotional states underlying the athlete`s overt behavior can remove obstacles and foster both the athlete’s performance and well-being in and outside of sport.

Ohad Nahum
Ohad Nahum
Clinical & Sport Psychologist
Private Practice, The Academic College of Tel Aviv–Yaffo
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in dynamic therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; and performance, sport psychology, and non-violent resistance psychologies. I am particularly interested in finding new and creative ways to apply my diverse interests in psychology, such as finding ways to use clinical and positive psychology in therapy, apply clinical psychology in sport settings, and enhancing well being using positive psychology in therapy. I am a founding member of the Tel-Aviv enter for NVR psychology. I began my involvement with NVR (Non-violent resistance psychology) in the early 2000's as a member of Prof. Omer’s initial team, and have rich experience in several NVR applications including children and adult anxiety, Hikikomori, and child behavior problems. I lecture in my fields of interest in various international forums and professional training workshops.








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