Objective:

Mapping our own resources and competencies

Time needed:

• 1-2 hours

Age of students:

• n/a

Group size:

• 3-4 students

Materials needed:

• A work sheet with an atom structure, with an OBJECTIVE and RELEVANT ASPECTS in a person’s life.
• Several objects, symbols, of everyday life and easily retrievable
• Sticks (three different sticks: wooden, ice-coloured or transparent); you can use also post it of different colour.

STEP 1: SEETING THE ENVIROMENT

The environment must be INFORMAL; the group of people, including the client, sit in a circle. Preferably on the floor.  

STEP 2: CHOOSING SYMBOLS FOR EACH ASPECT

As the client works on the map, he or she is invited to select symbols that he or she believes will represent each aspect of his or her life.  As appropriate, the participant leaves fields empty (without symbols): which is another signal from which to draw information.

STEP 3: EVALUATION OF THE SITUATION FOR EACH ASPECT

In order to evaluate each aspect, the client is asked to evaluate the situation for each “sphere” of his/her life. 

Then, to make it visible on the map, the client chooses ” sticks ” and places them between each circle and the main objective.

Description of the sticks:

• Wooden: I feel secure and stable

• Ice-coloured: I feel fairly secure and stable but a bit uncertain

• Transparent: I feel very insecure, on the edge.

STEP 4: PRESENTATION

The client describes the theme of their presentation.

If a group is present, the client chooses 2 or 3 “observers” as a support group. 

This group is involved in all phases of the consultation. 

The client presents the aspects shown on the map and explains, from time to time, which symbol they are referring to (e.g., “this hand stands for…”). 

The counsellor and the group listen carefully, observing the client in all his gestures, mimicry, posture, breath and tone of voice.

Show emotion, touch a symbol, which one?

STEP 5: CONCRETE QUESTIONS

The counsellor and support group will ask concrete questions related to the symbols and what is “visible.” 

The questions will not relate to “why” or “how.” 

It is not interpreting but only UNDERSTANDING (e.g., the meaning of a symbol has escaped). 

The client answers the questions.

STEP 6: COMMENT

The counsellor and support team will address the client directly and describe everything they perceived and observed while listening to the story. 

If you notice emotions, you should be able to explain how they were observed (facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, etc.). 

The client listens carefully.

STEP 7: INTERPRETATION

The counsellor and group talk about the client as if he or she were not present. 

They think aloud, asking questions such as:

“What is the problem? “

“What would you change? “

 “What would you like to solve, understand, do? “

“What are the 10 disadvantages?”

“What about the advantages? “

The client listens carefully and does not respond for the moment.

STEP 8: FINDING AGREEMENT ON THE INTERVENTION

After the interpretation, the client sets out his or her thoughts about the previous considerations. 

What does she think is right? 

What is wrong? 

Where are his insecurities? 

Are there doubts? 

What does he/she like to hear? 

What doesn’t please him/her? 

What considerations are important? 

Where would he/she like to start? 

This phase leads to a discussion between client and counsellor about the support required and possible interventions that will enable the client to achieve their goal. 

At the end, the client should be clear about the interventions previously agreed upon.