The Self Discovery Tapestry was developed over a period of 10 years. As Dr. Meltzer worked with non-traditonal students, she realized they might be unaware of transitions their lives had created. In researching an instrument to help illustrate those transitions, Dr. Meltzer found that no interactive instrument existed. Drawing upon her experience in the textile arts, she set out to create such an instrument. She quickly realized that the act of drawing out ones life could be therapeutic  in itself and that her participants were happy to participate.  Over the years, the Tapestry has been refined into a more user-friendly format and  better highlights those areas most in conflict.