Debbie Thompson AFBPsS
Chartered Psychologist in
Teaching & Research
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology (Distinction)
MSc Psychological Research Methods (Distinction)
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychologist in training
Mindfulness teacher in training
Sport and Exercise Psychology is the study of how psychology influences sport, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity. Sport and exercise psychologists do not just work with elite and professional athletes on areas of performance; they are also interested in the well being of athletes and help increase exercise adherence and satisfaction in the general population.
After originally qualifying and working as a physiotherapist, in 2000 Debbie became a lecturer and teacher in psychology. Since 2013 she has pursued her interest and specialised in delivering sport and exercise psychology.
Debbie provides consultancy services to athletes and coaches in sports such as rugby, cricket, swimming, athletics, surfing, shooting and football. She has also worked with the Jersey Commonwealth Games Association which has included preparation for athletes competing in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2015, 2017 and 2019 Island Games. She supports the Jersey Sport Foundation with their Olympic Weightlifting programme and Jersey Bulls FC.
Debbie is a keen shooter and still regularly competes in high level competitions. She has represented Jersey at the 2017 Island Games in Gotland, winning a bronze medal in the pairs metric shooting competition. She also represented English Universities as well as taking the ladies title as a student and was manager for shooting at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 Island Games.
In 2016 she graduated from the University of the West of England with an MSc in Sports and Exercise Psychology with distinction and gained her stage 1 qualification towards becoming a Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. She has completed the 8 week mindfulness course (MBSR) and the level 1 teacher training course in mindfulness from Bangor University Centre for Mindfulness and the 8 week Mindfulness Self Compassion (MSC) course. She continues to develop her personal practice and she is able to share mindfulness as an approach, when working with clients.
She is currently completing her Professional Doctorate (PhD) in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University to gain her final qualification as a Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. During her training, Debbie was accepted onto the English Institution of Sport ‘Skills 4 Performance Programme’ where she gained experience in working with GB coaches and support staff.
Debbie works with anyone involved in sport from amateur to professional level, whether competing locally or nationally. Individual client work is delivered on a one to one basis which allows the athlete to focus on the areas they would like help with to improve their performance. These sessions can be delivered via Skype, face to face or in the athlete’s training environment. Debbie can also work with individuals and teams looking at athlete development, wellbeing and lifestyle.
Debbie is able to provide support with areas such as anxiety, emotional regulation, motivation, confidence, goal setting, injury and transition in sport. Work may be undertaken with athletes, coaches and parents to help improve sporting performance either with individuals or teams.
Debbie also works with individuals who seek help with motivation, developing and maintaining exercise programmes.
If you would like any further information, please contact Debbie at sportpsychologyjersey@gmail.com