What to Expect During Your Sports Psychology Discovery Call: Finding the Right Fit for Your Athletic Journey

Have you ever felt like your mental game is holding you back from achieving peak performance? A sports psychologist can help, but the journey starts with the first conversation—the discovery call. This conversation allows both the athlete (or their coach/parent) and the psychologist to determine if they’re a good fit for each other.

We’ll break down what a discovery call with a sports psychologist looks like, the kinds of questions that are typically asked, and how this conversation can help you choose the right sports psychologist. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, understanding this process will guide you toward making an informed decision and ultimately getting the most out of sports psychology.

Why an Initial Discovery Call Matters

The initial discovery call is a critical part of the process for several reasons:

1. Building Rapport: This call is your first opportunity to get a feel for the sports psychologist’s communication style, approach, and personality. Establishing a positive rapport is essential since working with a psychologist requires trust, openness and collaboration.

   
   

2. Understanding Needs: The call helps the psychologist understand the athlete’s specific needs, goals, and challenges. This information is essential for creating a tailored plan that aligns with the athlete’s mental training requirements and presenting issues.

   
   

3. Clarifying Services: It's a chance to ask questions about the psychologist’s services, their methodology, and what the sessions will entail, so you can make sure their expertise matches your goals.

   
   

4. Assessing Fit: Not every sports psychologist will be a perfect match for every athlete. The discovery call allows both parties to assess whether they can work together effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.

What to Expect During the Call

A discovery call is typically a 15 to 20-minute conversation where the sports psychologist learns more about you, and you get the opportunity to ask questions about their services. Here’s what you can expect during this initial interaction:

1. Introduction and Overview

The call usually begins with the psychologist introducing themselves and providing a brief overview of their background and services. They may share details about their qualifications, specialisations, and experience working with athletes at different levels—from youth sports to professional teams.

2. Questions About the Athlete’s Background

To understand your specific needs, the sports psychologist will ask questions about your background. These questions are designed to give them insight into your current challenges and objectives. Common questions include:

• What sport(s) do you play, and at what level?

  The psychologist will want to know the specific sport you participate in and whether you compete at the junior, amateur, or professional level.

• Have you ever worked with a sports psychologist before?

  Understanding whether you’ve previously engaged in mental training helps the psychologist gauge your level of familiarity with the process.

• What are your goals?

  The psychologist will want to know what specific outcomes you’re hoping to achieve—whether it's improving performance under pressure, building mental toughness, or enhancing team dynamics.

3. Exploring the Athlete’s Current Situation

During this part of the call, the sports psychologist will delve deeper into your current challenges. The purpose is to identify not just the issues on the surface but also the underlying factors contributing to them. Expect questions such as:

• Do you struggle with nerves or anxiety before games or competitions?

  This helps the psychologist understand if performance anxiety is a major hurdle.

• How do you handle setbacks or failures?

  This question assesses resilience and how the athlete responds to adversity.

• How do you mentally prepare for competitions?

  The psychologist is looking to evaluate the role mental preparation plays in your current training and lead up to your competitions.

4. Assessing Strengths and Areas for Improvement

In addition to identifying challenges, the discovery call is an opportunity to recognise the athlete’s strengths. A sports psychologist will often ask about:

• What are your strengths as an athlete?

  This might include mental toughness, focus, resilience, or a strong work ethic.

  
  

• What areas do you feel need improvement?

  This helps the psychologist understand where you think there’s room for growth in your own words and where you might need the most help.

5. Explaining the Consultation Process

Once the psychologist has gathered enough information, they will explain how their services can help address your specific needs. They may cover:

• Overview of Techniques: The psychologist will likely explain some of the methods they use, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

• Session Structure: You’ll get an idea of how the sessions are structured. This includes things like how much time is spent psychoeducation and implementing techniques. They may also explain the typical length of sessions and the frequency (weekly, biweekly, etc.).

6. Answering Your Questions

The discovery call is also your opportunity to ask the psychologist questions. Here are some helpful questions you might consider asking:

• Do you have experience working with athletes in my sport?

  It can be helpful to work with a psychologist who understands the specific mental demands of your sport.

• How long does it typically take to see results?

  Mental training is a process, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about when you might begin to notice improvements.

• What are your fees, and do you offer packages?

  Financial considerations are important. Ask about the psychologist’s pricing structure and whether they offer packages/plans that could be more cost-effective over the long term.

• Can you provide testimonials or success stories?

  Hearing about past successes can give you confidence that the psychologist’s methods are effective.

7. Setting Expectations and Next Steps

Toward the end of the call, the psychologist will likely summarise the discussion and outline the next steps. This usually involves scheduling your first session and filling out intake forms.

Take Home Message

An initial discovery phone call with a sports psychologist is a valuable step in ensuring that you choose the right professional to help you achieve your goals. It’s a chance for both you and the psychologist to assess compatibility, discuss challenges, and establish a path forward.

By asking the right questions and paying attention to the psychologist’s approach, you can make an informed decision that will set you up for success in your sport.

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Want to learn more about how sports psychology can help you? Book your free discovery call today!