Time We Discuss: Becoming a Sports Psychologist with Dr. Jo Lukins
Watch/Listen to this Episode Becoming a Sports Psychologist with Dr. Jo Lukins
In this episode of Time We Discuss, we meet with Jo Lukins, a sports psychologist, who speaks about various aspects of her profession, including her daily activities, how she got started, and the impact of her work on athletes and teams.
Jo Lukins describes her role as a sports psychologist (a specialized field within psychology), focusing on enhancing performance and improving the lives of athletes. She explains that her work is not limited to sports-related issues but also encompasses helping athletes with personal challenges. Her daily activities are diverse, involving individual consultations with athletes, working with teams and coaches, teaching at a university, and consulting with organizations like the Australian Defence Force.
Lukins emphasizes the evolution of sports psychology, noting a shift from merely addressing problems to studying what makes people successful. This approach helps athletes think in ways that enhance their performance. She explains that her work can involve helping athletes overcome specific performance issues, recover from injuries, and prepare mentally for significant competitions like the Olympics.
Jo's journey into sports psychology began unexpectedly. Initially aspiring to join the police force, a chance encounter led her to pursue psychology. Her career path took a significant turn when she started working with a national rugby league team in her hometown, which opened doors to a long-term role and involvement in various sports such as basketball and rugby.
Lukins shares that sports psychology is a growing profession, although it can be a challenge to enter. She advises new graduates to volunteer and gain experience at the local level. The profession's growth is influenced by significant sports events, such as the Olympics, which boost the demand for sports psychologists.
Jo explains that transitioning from a general psychologist or therapist to a sports psychologist requires additional training in sports settings. While a foundation in psychology is essential, understanding the unique aspects of sports and gaining relevant experience are crucial.
Working with different sports involves understanding their distinct cultures. For instance, the culture in rugby league, a high-impact, blue-collar sport, differs significantly from other sports. This cultural understanding helps tailor her approach to meet the specific needs of athletes in various sports.
Lukins also mentions the importance of making athletes independent in their psychological skills, enabling them to perform well regardless of where they are competing. She highlights her experience traveling with teams, such as the Papua New Guinea women's national rugby league team, where she played a dual role in sports psychology and wellbeing management.
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