A Rational-Emotive-Behavior Therapy Mindfulness Approach to Working Within the Elite Player Performance Plan

Armstrong, Dawn and Turner, Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1975-5561 (2023) A Rational-Emotive-Behavior Therapy Mindfulness Approach to Working Within the Elite Player Performance Plan. Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7 (1). pp. 79-88. ISSN 2470-4849

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Abstract

Consultancy with children is rarely reported in sport psychology literature. In light of this, the current case study seeks to outline an age-appropriate approach to support provision for a 10-year-old soccer athlete at an elite soccer academy. The Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist utilised a combined Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and mindfulness-based approach to practice in understanding the athlete’s challenges and implemented Psychological Skills Training (PST). Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated through a modified family-systems approach and player feedback was elicited using an adapted Consultant Effectiveness Form (CEF). Reflection on the intervention details how open-mindedness to service delivery can facilitate the understanding of PST in the early years of sport performance, and could pave the way for future reception and application at later levels.