The Self-Discovery Tapestry creates opportunities for therapists and clients to acknowledge and review the client's life. Using colored pens, the Tapestry invites individuals to "weave" their lives, disclosing continuous behaviors, critical events, and future goals. Space to list their critical events, work history, and special interests is provided.
It's for therapists and group leaders who are:
- Interested in guiding their clients toward positive empowerment
- Searching for better ways to help clients cope with life's changes
- Leaders of support group and special interest groups
- Teachers of students interested in discovering effects of life course
events - Guiding clients in their search for meaning through their life histories
- Helping clients explore new career and life-path possibilities
The Self Discovery Tapestry is used by:
- Criminologists
- Personal Historians
- Mental Health Professionals
- Students
- Artists
Interviews and conversations used in conjunction with the Self-Discovery Tapestry encourage clients and group members to discover accomplishments, firmly held values, and to learn more about their coping styles.
The Tapestry becomes a valuable tool when administered toward the beginning of the therapy or group process to help clients discovery meaningful life elements and to review the "threads" of their life that give their lives meaning. It is particularly useful to individuals who have recently experienced an important transition.
Strategies for using the Self-Discovery Tapestry
You are invited to download the following article that discusses an important means to explore the development of occupational careers. This article suggests strategies for utilizing the Tapestry form with individuals and groups. Its value as a vehicle for conducting research in life span development is also highlighted.
The Self-Discovery Tapestry, a unique colorful life review instrument, encourages individuals to recall and review the continuous elements as well as the important events that affected and altered the smooth anticipated development of their lives. Ideas for understanding career development (occupational careers) are presented utilizing theories and principles derived from gerontology, occupational therapy, and adult learning. The author's personal research is presented.
Permission to reprint the article has been granted by the editors of the Journal of Occupational Science.
Article: Using the Self-Discovery Tapestry to Explore Occupational Careers
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