Vicky Begg
MSc Psychology of Sport, Trainee Counsellor DipCBT, COSCA Counselling Skills, Level 3 Triathlon Coach, Coach Tutor (Triathlon Scotland), B Des Printed Textiles, MA Textile Design
Why choose Vicky at The Sports Counsel?
Listening
Empathy
Experience
Knowledge
Testimonials
The most important element has been that you have listened to me. I trust that you would not suggest that I do something that I had not developed the skills to achieve. Sarah Kinsella, Glasgow
Vicky has given me a fresh perspective that to get the best results and the most fulfilment from sport, you have to work on both yourself and the disciplines involved in your sport. Sarah Heward, Killin
Working with Vicky is a rewarding joy… giving me the confidence to be confident. Christina Cox, Glasgow
I felt I needed a coach who would listen. I recommend Vicky’s considered, thoughtful and well-educated approach. She is brilliant. Fiona Russell, Inverness
My sports story
Psychology of Sport, COSCA Counselling Skills, and Trainee Counsellor in Cognitive Behavioural Skills (DipCBT)*
I firmly believe you are the route to achieving your goals. My specialist education in psychology of sport and CBT counselling* differentiates me from other coaches and counsellors. I can support you safely as you navigate through the myriad services, events, and activities on offer. The role I hold as your coach or sport psychology and CBT therapist is based on you taking the lead. There are coaches and specialists that give you advice and deliver programmes you can follow for several weeks, months or any other duration; a generic schedule of sports or activities, a nutrition plan, strength and conditioning exercises and other packages. I fundamentally disagree with the off-the-shelf approach. One size definitely does not fit all. With The Sports Counsel you won’t receive a fully-resolved annual or monthly plan and I won’t tell you what you ought to do. Your programme and development is based on your experiences, self-reflection, and trust in our relationship.
Coaching, tutoring, mentoring, and volunteering
My roles as Head Coach and Coach (Glasgow Triathlon Club), Coach Tutor (TriathlonScotland), mentor, and volunteer have grounded my philosophies around empowerment, learning, and leadership in sport. By valuing the individual and hearing what an athlete, coach, or colleague is saying the route to defining and achieving what matters most is fundamental to the process of development and a successful relationship.
Competition, participation, and sport as life
My sport and life are inextricably linked. Honestly, I can’t think of a time when sport and activity hasn’t played a part.
From early days of triathlon competition in Scotland in the 1990’s, I progressed to become ITU World Age Group Champion (35-39yrs) in 2008 at Sprint Distance, in Vancouver, Canada and rode as pilot with Paralympic Track Cycling Gold Medallist Aileen McGlynn for a season in 2009 culminating in a gold medal in both the 3km Pursuit and 1km time trial at the Paralympic World Cup.
I have experienced many other cycling, triathlon, running, swimming, and sporting successes and failures all of which make me the person I am.
Special Interest: menopause and sport
As part of my studies at Stirling University on the MSc Psychology of Sport, my dissertation topic was; “A systematic review of menopause and sport”. The review revealed a limited amount of research and understanding of how the menopause affected women and their attitudes to sport and physical activity. It is only women who can change this; by talking, explaining, learning, listening, and making better choices about their lives we can improve our experiences and make a better, healthier future for society.
Other things
Textiles, drawing, cats, family and friends…
*I am currently a Trainee Counsellor DipCBT, graduating spring/summer 2026.
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