SIEP Interview: Discovering the Profession of Sports Psychologist

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the SIEP (Information Service for Studies and Professions) about my professional background and my work as a sports psychologist. This in-depth interview explores my career, the role of a sports psychologist, the most common psychological challenges faced by athletes, the methods used in sports psychology and the evolution of this profession.

This page provides an extended English summary of the interview. Readers wishing to consult the complete interview can find the original French version on the SIEP website: https://metiers.siep.be/interviews/mr-manuel-dupuis/

Sports psychology has become an increasingly important part of modern sport. While physical, technical andtactical preparation remain essential, psychological factors also play a decisive role in athletic performance, personal development and overall well-being.

Through this interview, I discuss the different dimensions of sports psychology, the situations in which psychological support can benefit athletes and the evidence-based methods commonly used in everyday practice.

A Career Combining Elite Sport and Psychology

The interview traces Manuel Dupuis’ journey from high-level table tennis player to sports psychologist. Following a serious injury that ended his ambitions as a competitive athlete, he studied psychology at the Université libre de Bruxelles before specialising in sports psychology at Université Clermont Auvergne in France.

Since beginning his career in 2003, he has supported athletes at every level of competition, from young talents to professional athletes, while also working with coaches, teams and national sports federations. His professional activity combines clinical practice, work within sports organisations, university teaching and postgraduate education in sports psychology.

The Role of a Sports Psychologist

One of the main messages of the interview is that sports psychology extends far beyond mental preparation before competitions.

Sports psychologists support athletes throughout their sporting careers by helping them develop self-confidence, manage stress and emotions, improve concentration, strengthen motivation, prepare mentally for competition, cope with defeat, recover psychologically from injury and navigate difficult periods in both sport and everyday life.

The interview also emphasises the clinical dimension of sports psychology. Athletes may experience anxiety, depression, burnout, eating disorders or other psychological difficulties requiring professional support. Psychological care therefore contributes not only to performance but also to mental health and overall well-being.

The Most Common Challenges Faced by Athletes

The interview describes the issues most frequently encountered in sports psychology.

Among the most common are low self-confidence, competitive stress, concentration difficulties, managing defeats, coping with high-pressure competitions, psychological fatigue and the emotional consequences of injury.

It also discusses collaboration with coaches, teams and, for younger athletes, parents, highlighting the importance of communication, mutual trust and professional confidentiality.

Psychological Methods Used in Sports Psychology

The interview presents several evidence-based psychological approaches commonly used with athletes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques help athletes modify thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that interfere with performance. Mental imagery allows athletes to mentally rehearse technical skills and competitive situations before they occur. Mindfulness, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques contribute to emotional regulation, concentration and stress management.

The interview also discusses “switch” techniques, which help athletes quickly recover their focus after mistakes or emotionally challenging situations, as well as the importance of adapting every intervention to the individual athlete and the specific sporting context.

A Profession That Continues to Grow

According to the interview, sports psychology has evolved considerably over the past two decades.

Athletes are increasingly open to mental preparation and psychological support. Clubs, sports federations and high-performance organisations are progressively integrating sports psychology into their daily practice, while greater attention is being paid to athletes’ mental health alongside physical preparation.

This evolution reflects a broader understanding that psychological well-being is an essential component of long-term sporting success.