The Coach and the Athlete

: A Sport and Exercise Psychology Doctorate Student Gaining Applied Practice and Research Experience

Abstract

This thesis portfolio documents the development of a trainee sport and exercise psychologist as a student on the professional doctorate in sport and exercise psychology at the University of Portsmouth from October 2021 to August 2025. Centred on the trainee’s evolving identity as a practitioner and researcher, the portfolio integrates consultancy, research, continuing professional development and reflective practice, to evidence the competencies and standards outlined by the Health and Care Professional Council for approved programmes in sport and exercise psychology, as well as standards of proficiency outlined in the Portsmouth Professional Research and Development Project in Sport and Exercise Psychology (PRDP) DSESP01 Handbook. The reflective diary in chapter one provides a window into the trainee’s professional development capturing key experiences and critical events which have significantly shaped how she approaches professional practice and research. The practice log in appendix one tracks the trainee’s work and experience over this four-year period, structured around continuous professional development, consultancy and research. Together these elements help narrate the trainee’s journey through the doctorate. This portfolio presents four consultancy case studies illustrating the trainee’s applied work with different clients and across a range of settings over her four years of development. Chapter three explores early casework conducted during the doctorate with university sport scholars, using a co-delivery approach.
Chapter four highlights one-to-one work with a high-performing coach, while chapter five presents the trainee’s experience within a team at a multi-sport event. Chapter six showcases the trainee’s use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in practice. These cases collectively chart the trainee’s growth in confidence, adaptability and theoretical approaches. Two empirical research papers demonstrate the trainee’s scholarly engagement and commitment to integrating research with applied practice. The first paper qualitatively investigates coaches’ experiences of well-being within UK athletics, while the second offers a process evaluation of an intervention aimed at enhancing runners' self-regulatory processes. Together, these studies have allowed the trainee to learn to design, initiate, conduct, and present psychological research. The portfolio concludes with an epilogue reflecting on key developmental milestones and themes that shaped the trainee’s journey toward becoming an autonomous practitioner and researcher in sport and exercise psychology.

Date of Award	19 Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Chris Wagstaff (Supervisor) & Alessandro Quartiroli (Supervisor)