Areas of expertise and advancements long recognized within the field of sport psychology have recently gained recognition for improving performance outside the realm of sport, in areas such as the performing arts, the armed services, and even enhancing ones overall health and quality of life. The textbook uses a life development intervention model designed help students and current practitioners alike sharpen the skills needed to help clients enhance their performance. Applicable for use in a one-on-one setting with clients, or in a class, workshop, professional development or training program, this textbook provides a conceptual overview and framework for teaching, applying, and evaluating this new intervention model that emphasizes positive development. When used together, this two volume set -- textbook and workbook -- serves as a valuable resource that pairs the concepts and tools with activities and practical application appropriate for use across disciplines, age groups and demographics in a variety of fields, from physical and mental health therapists, life coaches, and sport psychologists, to undergraduate and graduate students in these and related fields of study.
Steven J. Danish is president of Life Skills Associates and emeritus professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He served as chair of the department of psychology and founder and director of the Life Skills Center. Dr. Danish is a licensed psychologist and a diplomate in counseling psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology and a registered sport psychologist of the Sports Medicine Division of the United States Olympic Committee. In 2008, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Education at Michigan State University. He has written in the areas of military, counseling, community, sport, and life-span psychology; health and nutrition; and substance abuse prevention. Dr. Danish has coached basketball at both the college and high school level and has consulted widely with professional and amateur athletes, allied health professionals, corporate managers, and police. He is the developer of the Going for the Goal (GOAL), SUPER (Sports United to Promote Education and Recreation), FREE 4 Vets (family, relationships, education and employment) and HELP 4 Families (health, empowerment, lifestyle and parenting) programs. He has been married to his wife for over 50 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren.
Dr. Tanya Forneris is currently an undergraduate coordinator in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada. She obtained her Masters in sport psychology at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and her PhD in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tanya's expertise is in positive youth development and community programming. More specifically, the development, implementation, and evaluation of life skills based sport and physical activity programs to enhance youth development. In this work she has collaborated with local community, national, and international non-profit organizations.
