ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of observation in consultation and provides an overview of the techniques and strategies that can be used to make informative observations. Observational assessment is an out-of-session opportunity for consultants to monitor clients in their sport environments; it is also an opportunity to observe behaviors that may indicate changes in well-being. Effective sport psychology consulting relationships are often built on a foundation of trust and rapport. Conducting practice and game observations can be excellent ways to develop rapport with individual clients or teams. Initial observations are often started from a distance, which can help with observing the entire team and overall processes. After observing the general processes of the team, and learning more specifics about presenting problems, consultants might observe practice from a closer proximity. Such observations allow consultants to hear specific interactions between athletes, coaches, and support staff, and to observe typical behavior and verbal and nonverbal communication.
