ABSTRACT
The topic of rural practice has become more commonplace in psychology literature. This chapter presents sport psychology consultants with useful information related to working in rural settings and with rural clients. According to Malone, rural communities are becoming increasingly diverse due to the outward migration of younger residents coupled with the influx of immigrants and refugees into these areas. Rural residents may prefer to solve their own problems and frequently delay seeking assistance from strangers. The idiosyncrasies of rural populations and service delivery give rise to a number of ethical and professional practice issues for practitioners – including those who reside in the local community, those who travel to provide services within rural communities, and those who consult from afar. The chapter discusses some key issues that include confidentiality, multiple relationships, and training/supervision. Practitioners are encouraged to clearly and preemptively educate athletes and other stakeholders about confidentiality and its limitations.
