What happens in a sport psychology session?

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens in a sport psychology session, you’re not alone. Many athletes are curious but unsure what to expect – or worry that sport psychology is only for people who are really struggling.

So, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what working with me is like: what we talk about, how sessions work, and how sport psychology can support you both in performance and wellbeing. Most importantly, I want you to know this:

Sport psychology is for you. You don’t need to be at breaking point.

The Initial Consultation

Before any work is agreed, I always begin with a free 30-minute initial consultation.

This is an informal, relaxed conversation where we get to know each other. It gives me the chance to learn more about you – your sporting journey, where you started, how you’ve progressed, and what challenges you’re currently facing. Just as importantly, it gives you the opportunity to get a feel for me, my style, and how I work.

I offer this consultation for free because I know how important it is for athletes to find the right person to work with. I have my own approach and way of working, and while it suits many athletes, it won’t be the right fit for everyone – and that’s absolutely okay. There’s no obligation to continue after this conversation (although feedback is always appreciated if you decide not to).

Some of the questions we might explore include:

• When did you start playing your sport?

• What do you love about it?

• How long have you been competing?

• What is competition day or matchday like for you?

After the consultation, I take time to reflect on what we discussed and consider how I might be able to support you in working towards your goals. I also encourage you to reflect on what it felt like to talk to me. I’ll follow up with recommended next steps, along with information about scheduling and payment.

If you decide to continue, we move into the next phase of sport psychology sessions.

And just to be really clear: you do not need to be at a low point to access sport psychology. In fact, many athletes benefit most from starting sessions before things feel overwhelming or spiral out of control.

Sport Psychology Sessions

After the initial consultation, we usually agree on a block of sessions, which we review regularly as we go. This approach tends to work best because meaningful change takes time. Sport psychology isn’t about quick fixes – it’s about developing habits, skills and ways of thinking that support you in the long term.

The first two to three sessions often build on what we discussed in the initial consultation. These sessions help us develop a clearer understanding of what’s going on in your mind and how this might be influencing your performance and/or wellbeing.

Early on, I’ll set clear expectations about what we can work on together and the approach we’ll take. Much of this involves talking through different sporting situations you find yourself in, so we can gently unpick what’s happening for you in those moments.

As sessions progress, some athletes find that continuing to talk through their experiences in detail remains hugely valuable. Having a space to think, reflect and feel listened to can be powerful in itself. For others, we identify specific strategies or techniques that you can begin to apply directly to your sport.

When we introduce strategies, we always work through them together in session first. This gives you the chance to experience what they feel like while I’m there to guide and support you. We then decide together when and how you’ll practise them between sessions.

Practice is vital. You’re learning a new skill, and like any skill, it needs time and repetition before it becomes familiar and automatic. I usually suggest practising new strategies in comfortable, low-pressure situations before applying them in training, matches or competitions.

Sport psychology is always a two-way process. I’ll check in with you regularly to see how things are going, what’s working, and what might need adjusting. These sessions are for you, and if at any point you want to change direction, there’s always space to say so.

Ending (or Continuing) Sessions

As we approach the end of an agreed block of sessions, we’ll talk about how ready you feel to use what you’ve learned independently.

For some athletes, this feels like the right time to step away and apply their skills without ongoing support. For others, additional sessions feel helpful – and we’ll discuss what that might look like based on your needs. Some athletes choose to reduce the frequency of sessions to allow occasional check-ins, while others continue more regularly to deepen and reinforce their learning and development.

There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ending point – just what feels right for you.

Additional Information

Meeting a new person for the first time can feel a bit nerve-wracking. Hopefully knowing what to expect will help you feel more at ease.

I offer sessions both in person and online:

In-person sessions are held at my home in Narborough, Leicester. The space is cosy and relaxed, designed to help you feel comfortable. Sessions are accessed via stairs, but if you have accessibility needs, we can discuss a suitable alternative. There is plenty of parking available, with a priority space for your first session.

Online sessions (usually) via Microsoft Teams are ideal if you live further away or need more flexibility. These sessions replicate the in-person experience. It’s important you have a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.

I work with adults and children aged 12+. For children under 16, parental involvement is essential. This might include short check-ins before or after sessions, sharing observations between sessions, or supporting practice of agreed strategies. The level of involvement is agreed after the initial consultation.

Everything you discuss in sessions is confidential, so you can speak freely and safely.

Sessions usually last around 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly, fortnightly, or at a pace that suits you. If you’d like to arrange an initial consultation or have any questions, you can reach out via my website or email.

Next Steps

If you’ve been curious about sport psychology but unsure whether it’s for you, I hope this has helped explain the process. If you’re open to a conversation, I’d love to hear about your sport and see whether working together could be helpful.

You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes, starting with a chat is more than enough.

Book a free consultation