Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, CMPC

Athlete Mindset

Apr 16 2024 • 27 mins

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii is joined by Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, a seasoned expert in sport and performance psychology. Dr. Pope-Rhodius, who has spent over three decades in the field, currently leads the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. This episode is part of a three-part series exploring the nuances and depth of sport and performance psychology.

This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants. About:

Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

“Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius” Highlights:

  • Dr. Pope-Rhodius outlines the differences between sports psychology, which traditionally deals with athletes and coaches, and performance psychology, a broader field encompassing various high-pressure professions, including the military and emergency services.
  • This episode provides insight into how Dominican University’s Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program equips students for success. The program aligns with the CMPC certification, integrating coursework with practical experience.
  • We look at the hands-on training involving direct work with teams and individuals to build essential counseling skills, complementing theoretical knowledge with substantial field experience.
  • Dr. Pope-Rhodius shares the diverse career paths program graduates often pursue, including roles in the military, sports teams, private practices, and beyond, highlighting the program’s strong industry connections and emphasis on comprehensive career preparation.

About Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius:

  • With over thirty years in the field, Dr. Pope-Rhodius has extensively worked with elite performers and now leads the next generation of psychologists as the director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California.
  • Dr. Pope-Rhodius is a certified mental performance consultant who specializes in preparing students not only for successful careers but also for the CMPC certification, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the needs of performers across various sectors.
  • Visit the Dominican University of California's official page for more details on Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius's work and the university's programs in sport and performance psychology.

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