An Existential Counseling Case Study: Navigating Several Critical Moments With a Professional Football Player

in Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Samuel Porter School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom;

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8140-6832 *
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Noora Ronkainen Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland

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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3785-0458 *
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Richard Sille School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom;

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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1363-6043 *
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Martin Eubank School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom;

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9696-0537 *
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/cssep.2021-0013
Keywords:
transition; decision making; contract negotiations; sport psychology service delivery; practitioner development
In Print:
Volume 5: Issue 1
Page Range:
106–113
Restricted access

The current article presents a reflective case study following an applied service delivery experience with a 21-year-old professional footballer. The primary aim of the intervention was to support the client while facing several critical moments (breakdown in relationships, identity, and contract negotiations). This support involved creating a confidential space for her to discuss her values, beliefs, and identity while considering some of the tensions and dilemmas experienced while considering her future. Throughout this process, the first author adopted an existential counseling approach to practice and utilized the Four Dimensions of Existence and Emotional Compass as hermeneutic devices to analyze the client’s presenting challenges. The working relationship lasted for 3 months and spanned eight online sessions. Reflections on practitioner individuation and the value of adopting an existential approach to service delivery are provided.

Conflicts of interest: The authors have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

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