Sports psychology helps IU students improve performance

.....The psychologist is someone athletes can go to without feeling judged for their issues. Steinfeldt said athletes don’t want to talk to parents who will brush them off or to a coach who can write them out of the lineup.

“I don’t have a vested interest in them other than helping them be the best they can be,” Steinfeldt said.....

....When sports psychology is embedded into the sport itself, Steinfeldt said the mental health stigma in sports can be erased, and the issue can be taken care of. 

“It’s more proactive than reactive,” Steinfeildt said. “Reactive, you have to undo stuff to do stuff. Proactive, you are building relationships and putting things into place.”.....

   ...more

Bethany`s Notes: Proactive work is essential when working in mental health in athletes. They need to know where to go, that it is safe, and they can be honest and open without repercussions in their sport.