Sports Psychologist #149: Dr. Andrea Firth - Click-worthy Moments & Psychology Tools to Enhance Your Coaching

On this episode of The Coaching Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of performance enhancement, the coaching relationship, well-being, and the utilization of personal resources. Our guest, Dr. Andrea Firth, shares valuable insights into the world of coaching, drawing from her expertise in areas such as goal-setting, positive psychology, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Join us as we explore the best and worst coaching moments, the importance of labeling emotions, and the concept of RISE (Relationship Inferred Self-Efficacy). Dr. Firth takes us on a journey through her experience at Tennis Australia in the "Sliding Doors" segment and offers practical advice on developing a coaching philosophy. Discover the power of positive psychology in improving performance, navigate the complexities of cancel culture, and gain valuable tips on effective goal-setting. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting your coaching journey, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to enhance your coaching toolkit. 

Some of the highlights include;

• 1.46: Best coaching moments: Coaching is trying to turn on a light switch in someone's head and so the best coaching moments are when you get that "click"!
• 6.02: Worst coaching moments: A client who was 'stuck'  sometimes just needs the time to 'think' when you asking challenging questions at a 'change point'.
  • ACT = Acceptance Commitment Therapy
• 11.51: It's an important skill to label your emotions - what are you feeling right now? 
• 12.27: Sliding Doors: The experience of going to work at Tennis Australia.
• 14.24: What Makes a Great Coach?  
  • Be Still and Listen - If you want to practice this - "stop talking!" 
• 16.59: RISE:
  • Relationship Inferred Self Efficacy 
    • Do I have belief in my self-efficacy to do what's best for the other person?
    • Do I believe in the athlete's ability to grasp what needs to be done? 
    • Twist: Does the athlete believe in their ability and believe in me (the coach)?
• 18:45: What is your philosophy (as a coach when working with your clients)?
• 19.08: How to develop your coaching philosophy - take a deep dive into your own values.
• 20.53: What is positive psychology? Using people's strengths to improve performance. 
• 21.52: Cancel culture - identify the problem, let them have their moment to release the emotion, and look for ways to problem-solve together to help the person move forward.
• 25.01: Goal setting:
  • 1) Outcome goal - Where do you want to get to? (Then don't dwell on it because it is not within our control.)
  • 2) Performance goal - The things that we need to do to get to the outcome goal (50% within our control).
  • 3) Process goals (1 or 2) - These are 100% within your control.
• 29.14: Can you be successful and humble at the same time? YES!
  • Do you have stable self-esteem so that people can challenge you and question you?
• • 1) Acquire more knowledge
  • 2) It's okay to make a mistake - it's a chance to learn
  • 3) Reflect with honesty and evidence (write it down)33.27: Top 3 tips to improve your psychology coaching tool kit

The Coaching Podcast is sponsored by The Sampson Agency - a talent entertainment and sports management company owned and operated by Tina Samara.

Visit: www.thesampsonagency.com or  email: [email protected]

To learn more about becoming a workplace coach or advancing your coaching skills, visit: www.opendoorcoachingusa.com or email: [email protected] 

About Dr. Andrea Firth

Andrea is a BPS sport and exercise psychologist, registered with the HCPC and BUPA. She is also a coaching psychologist and counselor. Andrea works with elite, sub-elite, and recreational athletes. She also works with performing artists and small to medium-sized businesses. She lectures part-time and has a number of peer-reviewed publications. Her research interests include areas of performance enhancement, well-being, applied practice, cyber defense, heart rate variability, biofeedback, mindfulness, heart rate variability, and performance.

Connect with Andrea:

Website: https://www.headgame.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrea-firth-2732619/