Bringing ACT to life: Six techniques for enhancing psychological flexibility in sport and performance contexts

Intervention techniques are a salient feature in the service delivery of sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals (SEPPPs). In recent years, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as a popular therapeutic approach in sport and performance contexts, which offers a range of creative techniques that promote psychological flexibility to enhance performance and wellbeing. In this book chapter, we provide an overview of creative hopelessness and metaphors, with particular focus on the ACT Matrix—a visual technique for conceptualising client "stuckness". A fictitious case study illustrates the step-by-step application of the ACT Matrix with an elite athlete, followed by six techniques targeting the core processes of the hexaflex model. Reflections from applied practice highlight opportunities and challenges in delivering ACT, namely challenging the dominant control agenda, working online, and using single-session interventions. Finally, the chapter calls for more rigorous and culturally sensitive research to strengthen the evidence-base for ACT in diverse sport and performance contexts.