ABOUT
Peter Jones - Sport Psychologist Trainee
Psychology has played a large part in my life. Having had issues with my own mental health, I feel privileged to be in a position where I can help others overcome their challenges. If you work with me, I’ll help you disconnect from your negative emotions and thoughts, so you can immerse yourself in the present moment.
Compassionate, Diligent, Mindful
My name is Peter Jones and I am Stage 2 Sport and Exercise Psychologist Trainee. I have loved psychology ever since I discovered it in school, and have spent most of my life since then working towards becoming a Sport Psychologist. I am also an avid sport fan having gained a lot of experience throughout my life including in football, rugby, and skiing. During university I was coach of the Counter-Strike esports team. I am also a qualified football coach and a big supporter of the national teams in football and rugby.
I hold an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University and have level-2 accreditation from The Association for Psychological Therapies for my training in ACT. I have practical experience with a variety of ages, including with children and teens, and have worked with individual players, coaches, and whole teams.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a third-wave cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). This means that ACT is a member of the newest wave of developments in CBT. Unlike earlier waves of CBT, which used positive thinking and challenging beliefs respectively to change behaviour, ACT teaches acceptance of negative emotions. Acceptance of negative emotions lets you Commit to goals that you value and Take action towards those goals. ACT believes that if you can do this then your life will be meaningful.
THE GOAL OF ACT
ACT's primary goal is to teach psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to the challenges of any situation so you can choose how you act. If you do not have psychological flexibility then you will be controlled by your emotions.
THE THREE PILLARS OF ACT
There are many methods used to explain ACT. You have already read one in the introductory paragraph. This metaphor portrays ACT as the 3 pillars to a temple which hold up meaning in your life. The stronger each of these pillars is the more weight it can bear and the more meaning you will experience.
OVERVIEW
Values are the way you wish to act everyday. They are something that you are because you do it. If you were to stop doing a value, or act in opposition to one, then you would no longer be that value. Examples of values are compassion, creativity, hard working. By acting in line with your values you create meaning in your life.
PILLAR 1 - VALUES AND ACTION
Awareness is the part of ACT where you are living your life. It is the here and now, the decisions you make, the things you do, the emotions you feel. By being aware you experience more of life, both good and bad. Awareness allows you to obtain as much information as possible with which you can identify the challenges you face and the value-aligned action you wish to take.
PILLAR 2 - AWARENESS OF YOURSELF AND THE MOMENT
These are the methods ACT uses to overcome challenges. De-fusion is the separation of yourself from your thoughts and emotions. It allows you to see them for what they are - just thoughts. This makes it easier to accept them as they are, without struggle. Just let them come and go. By doing this they lose their power, allowing you to act freely.