Frequently Asked Questions
Some commonly asked questions about mental health counseling and sport/performance psychology consulting services.
What do I look for in a counselor or sport psychology/performance consultant?
The two most important elements in searching for a mental health counselor or a sport/performance psychology consultant include:
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Having a natural and comfortable relationship with the counselor/consultant. Every counseling/consulting expereince is different. Therefore, you will want to ask enough questions on the front end to try and determine if the experience will be a "good fit."
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The counselor or consultant has high quality credentials that qualify him/her to provide mental health and/or sport psychology services. Mental health counselors should be licensed by the state in which they practice. Most Departments of Health have websites in which the general public can determine if a counselor is appropriately licensed. When searching for a sport/performance psychology consultant it is often helpful to work with someone who is certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). AASP has a directory for general public to search for qualified consultants in your area.
How much do services cost?
Excel offers a wide range of counseling and performance consulting services. Individual sessions typically range from $80-$110 per session. Group and team packages are available. Contact Excel for available options.
How does Excel work with insurance providers?
All Excel services are direct pay with payment due at the time services are rendered. Depending on the type of service requested it might be possible for Dr. Jason Grindstaff to help you fill out the necssary paperwork requested by your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please feel free to talk wtih Dr. Grindstaff about this option.
How long do sessions last?
Most individual sessions last approximately 45-50 minutes. Team and group sessions often last 60-90 minutes though this can be tailored to meet the organization's time and schedule demands.
If I work with a counselor or sport psychology consultant does that make me "crazy" or "mentally weak"?
Transitions, challenges, plateaus, setbacks and difficulties are simply part of life. To encounter a difficult time does not mean you're "crazy" or "mentally weak" at all. In fact, often times what causes someone the most frustration and heartache in life is the overwhelming desire to try and handle everything life throws at us on our own.
It's important to remember that the ability to be self-aware and recognize the desire and need to reach out is an incredible strength.
What does sport & performance psychology entail?
Most people think of sport psychology primarily from the standpoint of how mental factors affect athletes during competition. Though the psychological influence on athletic performance is crtiical to success, performance issues affect a wide range of professionals including coaches, performing artists, business executives, and military personnel.
In actuality, any profession where confidence, mental toughness, communcation, leadership and goal attainment are important sport & performance psychology consultation services could be beneficail. The goal of these consultation services is to make individuals, groups, and teams more consistent and perform at a higher level.
How long does it take to notice results?
Though results vary the amount of time it takes to initially notice results is highly dependent upon your degree of motivation, desire to change, and willingness to work during and between sessions. The counseling/ consultation process is most effective when you demonstrate a high level of commitment to the strategies and resources addressed during the sessions. Though not every strategy works for every single client, the more consistent you are in practicing the session techniques outside of our time together the more likely you will notice desirable changes.
Where are services provided?
Excel is located at 500 Park Ave in Lebanon, TN. However, many services can be provided in Nashville, TN and throughout middle Tennessee. Contact Excel for more information.