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Here we illustrate how Expedition Psychology works with individuals and teams through three different cases.
Each story demonstrates our integrated approach across the Prepare – Perform – Process cycle.
UTMB Runner: Preparing for Resilience and Success
"Expedition Psychology helped me rethink the challenges I was going through and grow from them. It has definitely helped me become more resilient and confident in my abilities to overcome difficulties in the future."
Context:
Our work began with an ultra-runner following a challenging outcome at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Due to severe weather, the race was diverted, and the athlete experienced hypothermia, preventing them from finishing. After years of preparation, this was a devastating setback, leaving the athlete struggling to restart training for the next year.
Aims:
The client sought support to regain motivation and confidence, with the goal of successfully completing the race the following year.
Work Completed:
Initial sessions focused on understanding the athlete’s motivations and personal values. It became clear they wanted to test themselves and demonstrate their capability despite past experiences of self-doubt.
We explored the narrative around the UTMB outcome, reframing the event as an opportunity for growth. The athlete learned to view adversity as a test of resilience, aligning with their values of perseverance and self-challenge.
Cognitive strategies were applied to reduce unhelpful self-comparison, encouraging reflection on personal progress rather than comparing themselves to others.
In-field support during race week reinforced strategies developed over the year, helping the athlete recognise early warning signs of stress and apply adaptive coping skills.
Outcome:
The athlete completed the UTMB successfully the following year. Post-race sessions supported reflection, consolidation of skills, and planning for future goals. The client reported increased resilience, confidence, and clarity about their personal growth journey.
Mountain Guides Team: Enhancing Leadership and Team Cohesion
"Expedition Psychology gave our guides the confidence to deal with difficult interpersonal situations. We feel they are better equipped to keep everyone safe and happy whilst in the mountains."
Context:
A high-end expedition company noted that some guides faced challenges managing team dynamics, cultural differences, and client expectations during remote expeditions. Guides also reported uncertainty when supporting clients in crisis situations.
Aims:
To equip guides with the confidence, psychological understanding, and practical skills to manage interpersonal challenges and maintain team cohesion in high-pressure environments.
Work Completed:
Delivered a two-day training program combining psychological theory and experiential exercises.
Explored common sources of tension, teaching guides to identify and address challenges proactively in the Prepare stage.
Role-played scenarios to practice active listening, empathy, and clear communication, supporting clients’ expectations while maintaining safety and group cohesion.
Provided training on crisis management, including understanding anxiety responses and adapting communication strategies for individuals experiencing dysregulation.
Simulated real-life expedition challenges to practice applying these skills in context.
Outcome:
Guides reported increased confidence in managing interpersonal situations and crises. The company formalised ongoing support, including refresher sessions for guides and training for new staff, strengthening organisational resilience and ensuring a consistent client experience.
Diving Research Expedition: Screening and Team Selection
"Expedition Psychology helped us mitigate the risks of interpersonal difficulties coming in the way of our objectives in an extreme environment. The testing was thorough, with clear evidence-based insights that helped our team make decisions during recruitment and create a team geared toward success."
Context:
A diving company assembling a research expedition in the Mediterranean wanted to ensure that the team was psychologically well-prepared and that interpersonal conflicts would not impede objectives.
Aims:
To conduct psychological screening and provide evidence-based insights to assemble a high-functioning, cohesive team.
Work Completed:
Conducted in-depth psychological assessments over a two-month period, evaluating mental health, personality traits, and interpersonal tendencies.
Applied team composition frameworks (e.g., Belbin) to match roles and personal tendencies, reducing potential conflict and optimising team performance.
Provided ongoing consultation to address emerging challenges, ensuring equal opportunity and supporting wellbeing during extended periods away from home.
Outcome:
The expedition team was successfully assembled, functioning collaboratively and efficiently. Preventative strategies meant that conflict resolution sessions were rarely needed, allowing consultations to focus on wellbeing and adjustment. The project ran smoothly, maximising the investment and ensuring a safe, high-performing team.
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