Practising what we preach? Reflections on using sport psychology skills and strategies to overcome the challenges of combining a PhD with QSEP training.

Conducting an empirical research investigation is one option that sport psychologist trainees can choose to fulfil the requirements of Key Role 3 on the QSEP. This presentation will reflect on combining a PhD with QSEP. More specifically, the PhD topic – “Self-practice/self-reflection in sport psychologist trainees” - will be explored in relation to the author’s QSEP and PhD journey to date. First, the considerations, benefits, and challenges of embarking on a PhD alongside QSEP will be explored. Such considerations include the research topic, supervision, location, and institution-specific opportunities. Possible benefits encompass developing and utilising cross-over skills, building networks, exploring topics of personal interest, and boosting future job prospects. Potential challenges involve time management and prioritising, work/life balance, self-doubt, and supervisory relationships. The second part of the presentation will draw upon the author’s personal experiences and research findings, to address how self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) has been and could be applied to the afore-mentioned challenges. Emanating from clinical psychology, SP/SR refers to the use of applied skills and techniques (that a practitioner may use with clients) on oneself, followed by structured reflection on lessons learned for both the self and professional practice. By ‘practising what we preach’ in this way, practitioners might employ SP/SR to overcome both consultancy and personal challenges. It is anticipated that this presentation will highlight to students, trainees, and their supervisors, the dual demands and benefits of undertaking a PhD alongside QSEP; and for practitioners to reflect on their use and possibilities of SP/SR.