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The “Old PsychMapping Foundations Course”
In 2022, Alexander T. Latinjak served as an Associate Professor at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich, UK, where he developed a PsychMapping course featuring a series of audio chapters, akin to a podcast. Following his departure from Suffolk in January 2025, the course was discontinued. On this page, you can access select episodes from the course, offering a foundational introduction to PsychMapping and its core exercise.
However, PsychMapping has significantly evolved since 2022. For the most comprehensive training, we recommend the PsychMapping book, published by Routledge in 2024. Compared to the episodes, the book provides:
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A more advanced and cohesive PsychMapping model, enhancing the original Knowledge Map.
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An updated version of the PsychMapping exercise, featuring improved question cards.
We suggest listening to the episodes to familiarize yourself with the basics and then diving into the book for the most up-to-date and thorough preparation.
A triangle of consultation
In this episode of #PM, we dive into the cornerstone of the #PM philosophy: the consultation triangle. This dynamic framework integrates the consultant, the participant, and the task, offering a balanced approach to consultation. Moving beyond the polarized debate of consultant- vs. client-centeredness, the triangular philosophy emphasizes tasks as independent entities fostering growth and autonomy. Discover how tasks guide participants, enable consultants to support effectively, and create opportunities for self-discovery and challenge. This episode sets the stage for understanding #PM’s innovative tools and their application, paving the way for meaningful change in performance and wellbeing contexts.
In Chapter 12, the triangular philosophy is explored in detail, while Case Chapter 3 provides a practical example showcasing how the transfer of control unfolds in real-world practice.
In Chapter 12, the triangular philosophy is explored in detail, while Case Chapter 3 provides a practical example showcasing how the transfer of control unfolds in real-world practice.
Mapping
In this episode of #PM, we delve into the second pillar of the #PM philosophy: visual representations. Unlike the philosophical discussion on tasks in Episode 2, this episode focuses on the practical benefits of mapping. Discover how visual tools, like #PM summary maps, simplify complex psychological realities, enhance participant understanding, and foster metacognitive growth. Explore the value of take-home products created collaboratively with participants and how they improve session retention and satisfaction. Additionally, learn how visual representations facilitate collaboration, referrals, and interdisciplinary work among professionals, establishing a shared visual language. Get ready to map your way to better consultation!
In the book, the concept of visual representations appears throughout, but it is in Chapter 12 where discussions similar to those in this episode are most thoroughly explored.
In the book, the concept of visual representations appears throughout, but it is in Chapter 12 where discussions similar to those in this episode are most thoroughly explored.
Specialise, specialise, specialise
In this episode of #PM, we begin the transition from foundational principles to the origins of the #KM framework. Reflecting on the challenges of modern science, we explore the tendency toward over-specialization, the fragmented nature of research, and the struggle to address real-world questions about people and their behavior. Using vivid examples, we illustrate how niche topics dominate academic inquiry, often isolating answers from broader contexts. The episode introduces the #KM as a response to this issue—a tool to assemble and organize niche findings into a coherent framework, offering insights into performance psychology and practical solutions for applied practice.
In the book, the issue of overspecialization is thoroughly examined in Chapter 1.
In the book, the issue of overspecialization is thoroughly examined in Chapter 1.
The wardrobe
In this episode of #PM, we delve into the structure and purpose of the #KnowledgeMap, likened to a metaphorical wardrobe designed to organize the overwhelming diversity of niche research topics in performance psychology. Learn how the #KM brings order to chaos by categorizing concepts into intuitive sections, from external variables and personal descriptors to applied practices and psychological skills. More than just an organizational tool, the #KM evolves into a practical model, offering simplified yet meaningful answers to real-world questions. Discover why the #KM prioritizes utility over perfection, helping consultants and researchers navigate the complexities of human behavior.
This episode becomes improved by the book, especially Chapters 2 to 10. While the Knowledge Map is enough to understand and use the PsychMapping exercise, the new model is superior to the Knowledge map in basically any way imaginable.
This episode becomes improved by the book, especially Chapters 2 to 10. While the Knowledge Map is enough to understand and use the PsychMapping exercise, the new model is superior to the Knowledge map in basically any way imaginable.
Applied Practice
In this episode of #PM, we explore the applied practice drawer of the #KM, diving into the concepts and strategies professionals use to solve problems and support personal development. We distinguish between explanatory concepts—like emotions or thoughts that describe reality—and applied practice concepts, such as interventions, strategic actions, and therapeutic frameworks. Learn how applied practices are built on knowledge of explanatory concepts, with examples ranging from self-talk interventions to resilience-building programs. Additionally, we highlight the dual role of sports and exercise as both a therapeutic framework and an intervention, emphasizing their profound impact on psychological and social development.
In the book, Chapters 10 and 11 examine applied practice from a fresh perspective. The PsychMapping model is utilized to explore and make sense of various direct and indirect approaches within professional sport and exercise psychology.
In the book, Chapters 10 and 11 examine applied practice from a fresh perspective. The PsychMapping model is utilized to explore and make sense of various direct and indirect approaches within professional sport and exercise psychology.
Around us (external variables)
In this episode, we delve into the external variables in the #KM, exploring how the world around us shapes behavior and performance. Starting with the distinction between internal and external worlds, we discuss the four major categories of external variables: physical environments and objects (like climate, locations, and infrastructure), organizational factors (laws, entities, and contracts), social influences (relationships ranging from close family to distant figures), and tasks and special events (the nature of what we do and pivotal moments). While the categorization is artificial, it’s a practical framework for understanding how external factors interact with the internal world, forming the basis for explaining behavior in the ecological cycle. This sets the stage for using these insights effectively in the #PsychMapping exercise.
In the book, Chapter 6 delves into external factors, offering a simplified and more cohesive structure compared to the detailed and intricate approach taken in this episode.
In the book, Chapter 6 delves into external factors, offering a simplified and more cohesive structure compared to the detailed and intricate approach taken in this episode.
Around us (the ecological circle)
In this episode, we explore the ecological circle, examining how external variables interact with the internal world and how people influence their environment through behaviour and performance. Building on Part 1's categorization of external variables, we discuss how these variables impact individuals indirectly through processes like sensory input, attention, perception, and appraisal, often working in complex combinations. We also highlight the reciprocal relationship between external influences and the inner world, emphasizing how perception and appraisal are shaped by personal predispositions and how actions create feedback loops that influence both the environment and one’s inner state. This understanding lays the foundation for connecting external and internal worlds within the #PM exercise.
In the book, the reciprocal relationships between external factors and the "inner world" are explored in depth across multiple chapters, including a focused discussion in Chapter 5. Additionally, while the concept of perception is only briefly mentioned here, it is thoroughly examined and expanded upon in Chapter 8.
In the book, the reciprocal relationships between external factors and the "inner world" are explored in depth across multiple chapters, including a focused discussion in Chapter 5. Additionally, while the concept of perception is only briefly mentioned here, it is thoroughly examined and expanded upon in Chapter 8.
Dr Banner and The Hulk: Who’s Hulk?
In this episode, the focus shifts to the "inner world," exploring what differentiates humans from other organisms: awareness. The episode delves into the interconnected nature of traits and states, highlighting how personal descriptors—traits and states—shape our behaviour and performance. Through a detailed examination, the concepts of physical and psychological traits (both general and contextual) are unpacked, alongside the dynamics of situational states like emotions, thoughts, and motivation. A metaphorical framework inspired by Dr. Banner and the Hulk is used to illustrate the tension between the rational and irrational aspects of the self, setting the stage for understanding self-regulation.
In the new PsychMapping model, a key innovation compared to the previous Knowledge Map is the clear distinction between descriptive traits and descriptive states, which are now organized into separate clusters. Accordingly, descriptive traits are thoroughly examined in Chapter 2, while descriptive states are the focus of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 then delves into the dynamic relationship between traits and states, providing a comprehensive understanding of their interplay.
In the new PsychMapping model, a key innovation compared to the previous Knowledge Map is the clear distinction between descriptive traits and descriptive states, which are now organized into separate clusters. Accordingly, descriptive traits are thoroughly examined in Chapter 2, while descriptive states are the focus of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 then delves into the dynamic relationship between traits and states, providing a comprehensive understanding of their interplay.
Dr Banner and The Hulk: Metacognition
In this episode, the discussion delves deeper into self-awareness, metacognition, and psychological challenges—key elements linking personal descriptors to self-regulation in the Knowledge Map. Building on the concepts of traits and states explored in Part 1, this episode introduces the notion of psychological challenges, defined as a lack of harmony within or between personal descriptors and external variables, and categorizes them into four types: double-negative, double-positive, positive-negative, and negative-positive challenges. Self-awareness and metacognition are presented as essential processes for identifying and addressing these challenges, guiding individuals toward effective coping strategies such as reappraisal, problem-solving, acceptance, avoidance, or compensation. The circular interplay between descriptors and self-awareness highlights how awareness can amplify or transform internal states, akin to attention and appraisal for external variables.
In the book, a clear distinction is drawn between self-knowledge, presented as a descriptive trait explored in Chapter 2, and self-awareness, which is examined in Chapter 9 as a dynamic component of the self-regulation process.
In the book, a clear distinction is drawn between self-knowledge, presented as a descriptive trait explored in Chapter 2, and self-awareness, which is examined in Chapter 9 as a dynamic component of the self-regulation process.
Dr Banner and The Hulk: Self-control
In this episode, the discussion concludes the exploration of self-regulation within the #KM by delving into psychological skills and their pivotal role in transforming intentions into self-control. These learned, intentional processes enable individuals to regulate personal descriptors, either directly or indirectly, to address psychological challenges effectively. The episode categorizes psychological skills into areas such as physiological, affective, cognitive, motivational, self-skills, motor control, social skills, and life skills, highlighting their diverse applications and complexities. It also introduces the auxiliary cluster connecting psychological skills to personal descriptors, featuring key concepts like self-control, mental toughness, and resilience, which signify the effectiveness of self-regulation. The episode emphasizes the gradual, non-categorical distinction between personal descriptors and psychological skills and recaps the self-regulation process step-by-step, preparing participants for upcoming #PM exercises and applied practice. Finally, it underscores the importance of self-awareness, metacognition, and psychological skills in enhancing self-regulation and optimizing behaviour and performance.
Chapter 9 of the book delves into self-regulation, with a particular focus on coping goals and coping means, which significantly broaden the traditional understanding of self-control presented in the Knowledge Map.
Chapter 9 of the book delves into self-regulation, with a particular focus on coping goals and coping means, which significantly broaden the traditional understanding of self-control presented in the Knowledge Map.
Impact
This episode explores the dynamic concepts of behaviour and performance within the framework of the Knowledge Map. After summarizing key insights from previous episodes—covering applied practice, external variables, personal descriptors, psychological skills, and self-regulation—this episode takes a deep dive into how actions coalesce into behaviours and how these behaviours intersect with performance. Behaviour is defined as a group of actions reflecting physical and psychological traits and states, with an emphasis on differentiating internal processes (e.g., thinking) from external actions (e.g., walking). Social behaviours, goal-oriented behaviours, and their measurable internal and external components are discussed, highlighting how they are influenced by personal descriptors and external variables. Performance is introduced as the meaningful appraisal of behaviour in personal, historical, or social contexts, illustrated through nuanced examples like running, weightlifting, and sports competition. The episode culminates in presenting a performance model based on the Knowledge Map, linking behaviour, self-regulation, external variables, and performance outcomes through a blend of theory, practical insights, and an engaging battle analogy.
In the new PsychMapping model, behavior and performance are integrated into a new cluster called the Externalized Self, introduced in Chapter 5. This chapter explores how descriptive traits and states drive behavior, alongside other performance antecedents. The performance model presented in this episode represents an early foundational step in the development of the new PsychMapping framework.
In the new PsychMapping model, behavior and performance are integrated into a new cluster called the Externalized Self, introduced in Chapter 5. This chapter explores how descriptive traits and states drive behavior, alongside other performance antecedents. The performance model presented in this episode represents an early foundational step in the development of the new PsychMapping framework.
The PsychMapping exercise
This episode introduces the foundational tool of the PsychMapping framework, emphasizing its versatility and practicality. After exploring the philosophy and theoretical underpinnings of PsychMapping in earlier episodes, this instalment shifts focus to the PsychMapping exercise itself, detailing its purpose, structure, and unique features. Designed to map the internal and external factors contributing to performance and wellbeing, the exercise provides insights into strengths, weaknesses, and psychological challenges across a wide range of contexts. It consists of three key sections—opening, central, and summary—each serving specific consultation goals, from fostering rapport to structuring discussions and creating actionable visual outputs. This episode highlights the exercise's adaptability for individual and group sessions, its potential for repeated use to enhance self-awareness and metacognition, and its ability to serve as a baseline measure for tracking changes over time. Concluding with a discussion of its distinctive features, including its holistic approach, objective outputs, and accessibility for professionals of varying experience levels, the episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into the #PM exercise in future episodes.
In the book, the PsychMapping exercise is introduced in Chapter 12, featuring an enhanced version of the original exercise. This updated iteration reflects further refinements, offering a more polished introduction and streamlined structure to better align with the book's comprehensive approach.
In the book, the PsychMapping exercise is introduced in Chapter 12, featuring an enhanced version of the original exercise. This updated iteration reflects further refinements, offering a more polished introduction and streamlined structure to better align with the book's comprehensive approach.
The guide (setting up a session)
This episode focuses on the preparatory stages of conducting the PsychMapping exercise, as outlined in the original 2021 guide. The episode revisits the exercise's foundational purpose: exploring internal and external factors influencing performance and well-being while mapping these insights visually. It details the guide's five sections, emphasizing preparation, including material setup, familiarization with procedures, and adapting the exercise for different participant types (new, returning, or expert). Key considerations for online and face-to-face sessions are highlighted, alongside the importance of defining session topics and managing participant expectations. The episode underscores the flexibility of the PsychMapping exercise, the need for clear communication, and the role of the consultant in fostering participant autonomy.
In the book, Chapter 13 provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for conducting a PsychMapping session. While there is some overlap with the content of the following episodes, the two sources offer nuanced perspectives that, when combined, form a thorough and well-rounded preparation for facilitating a PsychMapping session effectively.
In the book, Chapter 13 provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for conducting a PsychMapping session. While there is some overlap with the content of the following episodes, the two sources offer nuanced perspectives that, when combined, form a thorough and well-rounded preparation for facilitating a PsychMapping session effectively.
The guide (delivering the session)
This episode continues exploring the step-by-step guide for running a PsychMapping (#PM) exercise, focusing on the practicalities of delivering the session. The episode delves into the three core sections of the exercise: the opening, main, and final parts, as well as post-session follow-ups. The opening section emphasizes setting a session topic, managing participant expectations, and adapting to participant characteristics. The main part covers guiding participants through the external variables, personal descriptors, and psychological skills clusters, highlighting consultant duties such as adapting questions, facilitating participant reflection, and mapping responses. In the final section, the episode explains how to clean and refine the map, evaluate entries for valence and relevance, and summarize insights effectively. The guide also suggests post-session activities like analysing summary maps, identifying key concepts, and planning future actions.
The step-by-step guide presented in this episode offers greater detail compared to the book, while the book provides slightly more refined procedures. Together, these two sources complement each other, offering the most comprehensive preparation for conducting the PsychMapping exercise effectively in applied practice.
The step-by-step guide presented in this episode offers greater detail compared to the book, while the book provides slightly more refined procedures. Together, these two sources complement each other, offering the most comprehensive preparation for conducting the PsychMapping exercise effectively in applied practice.
Individualise
In this episode, we dive into the importance of adapting and individualizing the question cards for the #PsychMapping (#PM) exercise. While the original “general formulation cards” are designed to be broadly applicable, they are intentionally basic and require customization to suit specific contexts, participants, and topics. We explore when and why to adapt cards physically versus verbally, highlighting the benefits of preparing tailored cards, such as enhancing participant engagement, fostering autonomy, and ensuring clarity. Additionally, we discuss various ways to adapt questions—simplifying wording, specifying contexts or topics, and even creating entirely new or modified questions to better address unique situations. This episode emphasizes that thoughtful preparation is the cornerstone of effective participant-cantered consultation, setting the stage for successful #PM sessions. Next, we’ll tackle how to transform participants’ responses into meaningful map entries.
This episode, while briefly touched upon in Chapter 13 of the book, delves into much greater detail, providing a richer, more comprehensive understanding that complements and enhances the content presented in the book.
This episode, while briefly touched upon in Chapter 13 of the book, delves into much greater detail, providing a richer, more comprehensive understanding that complements and enhances the content presented in the book.
Paraphrasing
This episode delves into one of the most challenging aspects of conducting a #PsychMapping (#PM) exercise: transforming participants' responses into entries on the map. Drawing parallels with Carl Rogers’ concept of paraphrasing, the episode highlights how consultants can empathically capture the essence of participants' answers, whether by shortening, translating, or extracting multiple concepts. It explores the balance between single-word versus valenced entries, the strategic use of follow-up questions, and the importance of ensuring participant agreement with the map. The focus remains on creating a meaningful, participant-cantered map, emphasizing that its quality is defined not by its complexity but by its alignment with the participant’s perspective and personal development goals. The episode concludes by reinforcing that the #PM exercise is about serving the participant's growth and preparing for the next episode on summarizing the map and session.
This episode explores this particular aspect of practitioners' responsibilities during a PsychMapping exercise in far greater detail than the book, providing deeper insights and practical guidance to enhance the consultant's effectiveness.
This episode explores this particular aspect of practitioners' responsibilities during a PsychMapping exercise in far greater detail than the book, providing deeper insights and practical guidance to enhance the consultant's effectiveness.
Summaries
This episode focuses on the art of summarizing the PsychMapping (#PM) exercise as a way to effectively close a session. It explores the reasons for offering a summary, such as echoing participants’ reflections to validate their experiences and fostering further insight. The episode contrasts long, descriptive, technical summaries with shorter, more focused versions that highlight key concepts, while emphasizing the importance of tailoring the summary to the participant's energy levels and session context. Practical tips are provided to maintain clarity, avoid overanalysis, and ensure that the participant’s map remains a meaningful and empowering tool. The episode concludes by setting the stage for the next discussion on conducting deeper analyses post-session.
The topics of summarizing and analysing individual maps resulting from the PsychMapping exercise are explored in detail in Chapter 14 of the book, providing essential insights for effectively concluding and interpreting sessions.
The topics of summarizing and analysing individual maps resulting from the PsychMapping exercise are explored in detail in Chapter 14 of the book, providing essential insights for effectively concluding and interpreting sessions.
Analysis
In this final episode on the #PsychMapping exercise, we delve into post-session analysis, exploring how to interpret and utilize the information gathered. The episode covers literal versus non-literal interpretations of the map, identifying key concepts, establishing hypotheses, and planning further actions. Literal interpretations focus on what’s explicitly present on the map, while non-literal insights draw from participants' nonverbal cues, self-awareness, and metacognition. The episode emphasizes selecting key concepts aligned with the consultant's expertise and participant control while proposing hypotheses about connections and missing links between map entries. Additionally, it discusses extending exploration, conducting follow-up #PM exercises, and designing intervention plans to address or compensate for identified challenges. Through this comprehensive approach, the episode highlights the dynamic potential of #PM as a tool for exploration, self-awareness, and development.
The task of analysing a PsychMapping session is discussed in detail in Chapter 14 of the book. While this audio episode delves deeply into specific aspects of the analytical process, the chapter complements this discussion by offering valuable reflections on broader cultural considerations. These include critical insights into the eurocentrism or Western-centrism sometimes inherent in PsychMapping practices, as well as a discussion of alternative developments within the PsychMapping universe.
The task of analysing a PsychMapping session is discussed in detail in Chapter 14 of the book. While this audio episode delves deeply into specific aspects of the analytical process, the chapter complements this discussion by offering valuable reflections on broader cultural considerations. These include critical insights into the eurocentrism or Western-centrism sometimes inherent in PsychMapping practices, as well as a discussion of alternative developments within the PsychMapping universe.
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