Referral Guide

When to refer to a
Sport & Exercise Psychologist

A guide for physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists on recognising when a client's psychological barriers need more targeted attention than a standard appointment allows.

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What to look for

Indicators that a referral may be appropriate

These are patterns that commonly emerge during physical rehabilitation when the psychological dimension is driving the presentation — and where more specialist input is likely to help.

Psychological Barriers

  • Fear of re-injury — avoids movement despite physical readiness
  • Anxiety specifically about returning to sport or exercise
  • Frustration or anger related to the injury
  • Identity crisis — self-worth tied to athletic role
  • Grieving the athlete they were before injury

Performance & Behaviour

  • Performance anxiety on return to sport
  • Perfectionism — pushing too hard, ignoring pain signals
  • Burnout — exhaustion, disengagement from sport
  • Confidence slump — "I'll never be as good as before"
  • Poor adherence to rehab despite physical capability

Chronic Pain & Avoidance

  • Catastrophising — "This pain means I'm broken forever"
  • Hypervigilance to the injured area
  • Avoidance behaviours despite physical readiness
  • Progress has plateaued despite good compliance
  • Prolonged despondency beyond expected injury onset

Signs a referral may be suitable

What you might hear or see — and where to refer

The following presentations commonly indicate that a Sport & Exercise Psychologist (SEP) is the right next step. Broader mental health concerns should be directed to a Clinical Psychologist or GP.

What you hear or see Presentation Refer to
"I'm terrified of tearing my ACL again" Return-to-sport anxiety SEP
"I can't do squats — I'll hurt myself" Avoidance despite physical readiness SEP
"This pain means I'm broken forever" Catastrophising / chronic pain cycle SEP
"If I can't run, who am I?" Identity disruption post-injury SEP
Plateaued despite good compliance; prolonged despondency Psychological maintaining cycle SEP
Severe depression, panic attacks, trauma, eating disorder Broader mental health concern Clinical Psych

About Andy

Who you'd be referring to

Andy Blyth is a Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist (HCPC: PYL35728) with extensive experience working with athletes across all levels, from grassroots to professional sport. He has supported athletes through the psychological demands of injury rehabilitation and return to sport, and has also worked in community settings supporting people with chronic health conditions to overcome the anxieties that prevent them from moving again. Andy is also a qualified counsellor and coach, bringing both therapeutic depth and practical skills to his work.

Referrals accepted through insurance or self-funded

Allianz Aviva Vitality WPA
HCPC Registered British Psychological Society — Chartered Psychologist

Get in touch

If you're thinking about a referral, a brief conversation is always welcome.

No formal paperwork needed at this stage — just an email or call to discuss whether this client might benefit from psychological support alongside their physical rehab.

hello@andyblyth.co.uk Download PDF version