Sport and Performance Psychology Certification Program

About This Course

This faith-based Sport and Performance Psychology Program is the educational pathway for the Cognitive Performance Coach (CPC) certification offered through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). The program equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral, neurological, and ethical foundations essential for enhancing human performance in sport, leadership, and other high-pressure environments. Grounded in scientific research and faith-based principles, the training integrates core concepts from performance psychology, including motivation, focus, resilience, and stress regulation, with practical strategies that support values-driven decision-making. Participants will examine the neurological underpinnings of cognition and behavior, learn tools that improve mental clarity and performance, and study best practices that promote growth while upholding the highest ethical standards. As the field’s only faith-based certification in sport and performance psychology, this pathway prepares coaches to guide individuals and teams toward cognitive excellence and greater understanding while strengthening overall performance.

Note: In this program, we use the title Cognitive Coach for athlete understanding and to reduce stigma around psychological services, hence the emphasis on cognitive and performance coaching. The program is designed for licensed professionals who seek competency and proficiency in delivering performance-focused cognitive skills training to athletes and other high performers and is distinct from general life or mental health coaching in a non-clinical setting.

Learning Objectives

Participants will…  

1. Develop a strong understanding of the behavioral and neurological foundations of sport and performance psychology to support athletes, leaders, and high performers with confidence and competence.
2. Apply evidence-based cognitive and psychological strategies to improve focus, resilience, motivation, and stress management in performance settings.
3. Integrate faith-based principles with scientific approaches to create holistic, values-driven practitioner practices.
4. Examine and uphold ethical considerations within the field of sport and performance psychology to ensure responsible, professional, and compassionate guidance.
5. Utilize best practices to design effective interventions and applications that enhance mental clarity and sustained performance.
6. Cultivate a purpose-driven cognitive coaching approach that empowers individuals and teams to achieve excellence while remaining aligned with their core values and faith.

Lesson Titles

SPPC 101: Defining Sport and Performance Psychology 
Ed Garrett, Psy.D. 

SPPC 102: Sacred Synergy: Integrating Biblical Faith and Evidence-Based Therapy for Peak Performance 
Zach Clinton, Ph.D. 

SPPC 103: The Coach’s Commission: Helping Others Pursue Excellence Through God’s Calling 
Zach Clinton, Ph.D. 

SPPC 104: Behavior 101: Theories and Foundational Principles of Why We Do What We Do 
Karl Benzio, M.D. 

SPPC 105: Interpreting Behaviors to Maximize Functioning: Tools and Tips to Disciple Athletes 
Karl Benzio, M.D. 

SPPC 106: The Neurological Foundations of Sport and Performance Psychology 
Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D. 

SPPC 107: The Cognitive Foundations of Sport and Performance Psychology 
Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D. 

SPPC 108: Understanding Diversity Within Sport and Performance Psychology and Navigating Ethical Challenges 
Mark Crear, Ph.D. 

SPPC 109: Building Inclusive Coaching Environments with Ethical Integrity 
Mark Crear, Ph.D.

SPPC 110: Psychological Skills Training: Tools and Applications 
Ed Garrett, Psy.D. 

Course Presenter

Ed Garrett, Psy.D., Zach Clinton, Ph.D., Kristin Mauldin, Psy.D., Mark Crear, Ph.D, and Karl Benzio, M.D.

Continuing Education Approval Statements

American Association of Christian Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7543. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is an Approved Continuing Education CE provider by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/