The PsychMapping exercise – revised: Exercise development and practitioner and client experiences

The PsychMapping exercise is a structured self-reflection tool designed to enhance clients’ understanding of their psychological realities within sport and exercise contexts. Since its initial introduction, the exercise has evolved organically through daily use by applied practitioners. As a result, the version currently used in practice differs from the original. This study aims to refine and evaluate the exercise based on practitioner feedback, aligning it more closely with real-world use and enhancing its flexibility, usability, and effectiveness. Key modifications included updated question cards, clearer session structures, and a revised framework for exploring psychological factors such as external influences, personal descriptors, and self-regulation strategies. The exercise was implemented across various cultural contexts by five practitioners, who conducted sessions with 25 clients. Quantitative data revealed high levels of client satisfaction, with an overall average score of 9.03 out of 10 and a Net Promoter Score of 72 (strong likelihood clients would recommend). Qualitative data highlighted improved self-reflection, self-awareness, and enhanced practitioner-client collaboration. Clients reported that the exercise facilitated greater self-knowledge, supporting their development of self-regulation strategies. Practitioners praised the tool’s flexibility, particularly the removal of rigid response requirements, which allowed for more client-centred discussions. Cultural adaptations, though minimal, demonstrated the importance of culturally competent practices in facilitating meaningful client engagement. Despite these positive outcomes, the study acknowledged limitations related to sample diversity and reliance on self-reported data. The findings underscore the value of adaptable, evidence-based tools in sport and performance psychology, promoting ongoing client development and practitioner-client collaboration. The PsychMapping exercise is a self-reflection tool that helps athletes understand their psychological realities. This study refined it based on practitioner feedback, improving flexibility and usability. Used with 25 clients, it boosted self-awareness, self-regulation, and practitioner-client collaboration. Practitioners praised its adaptability and client-centred approach, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering meaningful discussions and personal insights. Supporting self-awareness and self-regulation: Findings suggest that the PsychMapping exercise may serve as a structured tool to facilitate clients’ self-reflection on strengths, weaknesses, and psychological influences on performance. Practitioners reported using the tool to support the identification and discussion of self-regulation strategies aligned with individual client needs.Facilitating practitioner-client collaboration. The revised version of the PsychMapping exercise appeared to enhance collaborative dialogue by allowing greater adaptability to client preferences. Practitioners described this flexibility as contributing to more client-centred interactions, potentially strengthening working alliances and increasing client engagement.Accessible implementation across contexts: The exercise is accompanied by a set of practical resources—including updated question cards, a step-by-step guide, and a visual map—with translations available in several languages. These materials may facilitate implementation across diverse cultural and linguistic settings, supporting broader access to structured psychological reflection. Supporting self-awareness and self-regulation: Findings suggest that the PsychMapping exercise may serve as a structured tool to facilitate clients’ self-reflection on strengths, weaknesses, and psychological influences on performance. Practitioners reported using the tool to support the identification and discussion of self-regulation strategies aligned with individual client needs. Facilitating practitioner-client collaboration. The revised version of the PsychMapping exercise appeared to enhance collaborative dialogue by allowing greater adaptability to client preferences. Practitioners described this flexibility as contributing to more client-centred interactions, potentially strengthening working alliances and increasing client engagement. Accessible implementation across contexts: The exercise is accompanied by a set of practical resources—including updated question cards, a step-by-step guide, and a visual map—with translations available in several languages. These materials may facilitate implementation across diverse cultural and linguistic settings, supporting broader access to structured psychological reflection.