ABSTRACT
In this chapter, a case study is presented demonstrating the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for health anxiety and performance readiness. Health anxiety is characterized by exaggerated rumination with intrusive worries about harboring serious illness and a persistent preoccupation with one’s health leading to significant impairment and a decrease in quality of life. Performance readiness is defined as the ability to focus on the right thing, at the right time, every time. This case illustrates the use of ACT with an elite female endurance athlete to address a complex mental health issue while simultaneously helping her achieve greater performance readiness in training and competition. Eilenberg, Frostholm, and Kronstrand’s (2014) “Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy (ACT-G) for Severe Health Anxiety” program was adapted and delivered across seven sessions (60–90 minutes each), interspersed and combined with sport psychology sessions over several months. The approach described in this chapter reflects both the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Sport Psychology Team’s holistic service philosophy as well as the overall mission of the USOPC to “Empower Team USA athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and well-being.” Recommendations are offered for sport psychology consultants seeking to apply ACT in their own practice with athletes.
