Psychodynamics in sport performance enhancement consultation: Application of an interpersonal theory

Psychodynamic concepts have only recently begun to attract serious attentio n in the sport psychology literature. A dynamically based, interpersonal ap proach to sport psychology consultation is outlined in this article. Key in terpersonal constructs such as important persons and their internalized rep resentations (IPIRs), copy processes, and self-sacrificing gifts of love ar e described to portray how a case formulation may be developed to explain a nd guide interventions to overcome some performance problems. Two cases, on e involving a performance phobia and the other an enduring slump related to a fear of success, are presented to demonstrate the unique contributions o f interpersonal case formulations in performance enhancement consultation.