Obviously, there is not a single approach that is superior to others when it comes to working with groups and teams. However, certain methodologies tend to be more prevalent than others. In this discussion, I’d like to shed light on an approach that, to my knowledge, is not extensively utilized in applied sport psychology.

Enter Theme-Centered Interaction (TCI), developed by Ruth Cohn, which emerged within the “humanistic psychology” movement, positioning itself as the intermediary between psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Influenced by Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, and Carl Rogers, the developer of Client-Centered Psychotherapy, Ruth Cohn integrated humanistic perspectives into TCI, making it a potentially valuable addition to group interventions.

In the world of TCI, there are four dynamic factors that demand balance: the theme (or “it”), the individual (or “I”), the group (or “we”), and the context (or “globe”). These factors must all be carefully considered when working with individuals and groups.

TCI postulates values for working with people, emphasizing the interdependence of individuals, respect for life, and the value of humane actions. Moreover, TCI encourages athletes (or coaches) to develop self-leadership, becoming independent of external leadership.

A crucial aspect of TCI, applicable in various workshops and group settings, is the prompt addressing of disturbances. If any disruption arises, the leader and the group should focus on resolving it before proceeding with the meeting’s intended topic. This proactive approach prevents lingering issues that could lead to irritation in the future.

The role of the group leader is to ensure the dynamic balance of all four factors, considering intellectual and emotional engagement, tension and relaxation, and the balance between talking, silence, and action. The term “dynamic” implies that this balance evolves throughout the process.

Now, how can the TCI be applied in sport psychology when working with athletes, coaches and teams? Here are some ideas:

Identifying Themes:

Start by identifying relevant themes that are central to your athletes, teams, or coaches. These themes could be related to team cohesion, individual performance goals, overcoming challenges, or any other aspects pertinent to their context and situation.

Team Building Workshops:

Conduct TCI-based team-building workshops that revolve around chosen themes. Encourage open communication and sharing within the team to create a supportive environment. The chosen theme should resonate with the team’s objectives and values.

Balancing Intellectual and Emotional Engagement:

Emphasize the dynamic balance between intellectual and emotional engagement during team meetings or individual sessions. Discuss not only strategic and tactical aspects but also the emotional aspects of performance, motivation, and team dynamics.

Incorporating Themes into Goal Setting:

Integrate the chosen themes into the goal-setting process. Align individual and team goals with the identified themes to create a sense of purpose and shared direction.

Addressing Challenges through Themes:

Use TCI to address challenges and obstacles by framing them within the context of the chosen themes. This can help athletes and teams approach difficulties with a more positive and solution-oriented mindset.

Reflective Practices:

Encourage reflective practices that allow athletes and coaches to explore the personal and team-related implications of the chosen themes. This can include journaling, team discussions, or individual reflection sessions.

Theme-Centered Workshops for Coaches:

Extend TCI principles to coaching education by conducting workshops for coaches. Explore themes related to effective coaching techniques, understanding athletes’ needs, and fostering a positive coaching environment.

Enhancing Communication Skills:

Focus on improving communication skills within the team by incorporating TCI principles. This includes active listening, empathetic communication, and creating a space for open dialogue about the chosen themes.

Applying the Theme Principle:

Use the theme principle to formulate and communicate the common task and goal of each training session or competition. Aligning the theme of the session with the overall theme keeps the focus clear and purposeful.

Empowering Athletes:

TCI empowers athletes by recognizing their autonomy and interdependence. Encourage athletes to take an active role in their development, considering their individual strengths and contributions to the team.

As you read through the ideas, you might be thinking, “But this is what I am already doing!” That’s great! I believe many of us are indeed implementing these practices. However, perhaps at times, we don’t fully grasp the WHY behind our actions. Now, you might have a new theoretical foundation for what you are doing with your athletes and coaches – and that holds significant value. This is what sets us apart: evidence-based practice that enables us to deliver theory-based interventions to clients, assisting them in achieving their goals.