A case of top athlete succeeded on returning to races as a result of connection between clinical psychotherapists and cooperation with team officials

Abstract

The case study focuses on a top female athlete who is competing in the long distance races. Currently, she is 20 years old. She is a core athlete in a corporate team in a local city. In order to take part in competitive races and have trainings, she had been away from her home for a long period. An Achilles injury and bad physical condition had impacted on the results of races. In addition, her head coach reprimanded her for her unsuccessful results. In particular, her coach’s reprehension influenced her to suffer depression. She was recommended by a medical doctor of the sport clinic to return to her hometown for a treatment and rest. After she returned to her hometown, the author took over for her treatment. Although the treatment for her condition does not have major differences from non-athlete cases, this study found three typical characteristics of athlete’s condition. First, because of many travels for races and trainings, she had faced a difficulty to see her doctor. Second, there are small numbers of psychiatric doctors who make a diagnosis for athletes. Third, many people both persons concerned and outsiders are involved with athlete. This paper introduces the case that an athlete succeeded on returning to races as a result of establishment of partnerships with persons concerned with athlete (doctor, a clinical psychotherapist and team officials).