"Simple Visual Therapeutic Tools"
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"Simple Visual Therapeutic Tools" |
...for therapists
The boat
Introduction
Welcome to a new way of looking at life. This way of looking at life has many applications within mental health (mental health being more than psychiatric illness or dysfunction). When I started out in 1997, I wanted to have a way of explaining complex psychological processes to people so they would understand what is happening to them and that they were not going mad, that often these are ways of coping to life events and that there is a way through it. The books I wrote were designed for people who were not therapists. However, therapists whether psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists (all types), occupational therapists, doctors, priests and other support workers kept buying my books and charts. So I have now re configured my website to give more information relevant to therapists.
The books, charts and workshops I have developed are designed around pictures. I naturally think in pictures more than words, and the pictures within my books explain human life. I have a gift of being able to see patterns. For those of you who are mathematically savvy - I can see pictures of complex statistics such as used in MANOVA's. During my studies I could see trends in raw data before the data was entered into computer programs. This is a natural ability.
During my life I have slowly built up pictures of human life and knew before I started studying psychology that there were patterns to explain what was going on in people's lives. The formal study I did in psychology, has confirmed the patterns I see. Once people have an understanding of the underlying patterns of life they can get answers to their questions quite easily. As a therapist you can see exactly what you need to do to help the person you are working with.
These models (pictures) are very simple in appearance and can be explained in about 2 -5 minutes, however after five years of using one such picture (the map) I am still learning about the depths contained within it. To me the pictures are the lowest common denominator of human life. Below I have highlighted both formal and informal studies I have undertaken, as well as some of the evaluations that have been done. All my work can be backed up by applied research, predominantly in cognitive science. The work I present is the big picture that contains the minute rather than the minute. Many other psychological models are contained within the models here.
Over the years I have studied formally applied science (including physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, histology, microbiology etc), psychology (including developmental, cognitive and physiological) and cultural studies (language, culture, mass communication). I graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology and have a published academic paper in the journal Cephalalgia. My work experience has been in a number of areas including a small medical laboratory for a number of years gaining knowledge of physical illness at a cellular level (the pathologist was a great teacher); a program manager of a health service in which I researched, developed, hired appropriate staff and evaluated health programs in a wide range of areas including diabetes, immunisation, Aboriginal Health, mental health (domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, youth suicide), quality improvements across the health services (over 100 General Practitioners, 6-8 health services and as many hospitals); now running my own business since 1999. My personal experiences have been quite extensive and over my young years I lived in many households, now been in a stable relationship for over 23 years. Also I spent many years in both jobs and life listening to the stories of people, everyday people, I have utilised their language in my work.
Therapists have used my books and models in many ways - often as a communication device, as a client centred model of psychotherapy and for basing education on.
Evaluation
Over the last 10 years my work has been evaluated externally byExternal Agencies
- Four agencies that have either contracted me for workshops/ providing books or trained other workers.
- Participants in our training workshops.
- A Psychology Doctoral thesis by Beth Jackson
- Several book reviews
Four agencies have undertaken external evaluation. Only one has been published so far.
Harries, M., & Murphy, P. (2000). Youth for life: evaluation of a youth suicide prevention initiative conducted by the Peel, South West Division of General Practice. Perth: The Department of Social Work and Social Policy, The University of Western Australia.
Two other agencies used their evaluation to support further funding and measured functionality, they estimated the success rate at 80% after one year (the client group had one or more of the following: unemployed, socially isolated, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, violence, prison sentences, Indigenous, schizophrenia, bipolar, suicidal). One of these projects won a Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership 2002.
The fourth one I trained mental health workers and they ran a 10 week group with women who have serious mental illness who many had been in the mental health system for up to 20 years. This is yet to be published, however extracts have been included in the Doctoral thesis below.
Participant Feedback
The following overwhelmingly positive feedback was given on our feedback forms at training sessions run across the south west of Western Australia from February until July 2009. The scale given was 1-10, 1 being poor and 10 being excellent. Participants were asked to circle one number.
Presentation Organisation Content Relevance to me Relevance to self-care Experience The Map
131 Participants% Rated 8 + 92% 95% 95% 89% 95% Average 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.0 9.6 Theory and Applications (Incl. Master Class)
47 Participants% Rated 8 + 98% 94% 98% 96% 96% Average 9.5 9.3 9.5 9.4 9.4 Connect Your Compass
75 Participants% Rated 8 + 92% 93% 97% 92% 95% Average 9.3 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.6
Doctoral Thesis
Jackson, B., (2007) The way of connection: Journeys with the map of loss. This thesis is presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology (Community) Faculty of Computing, Health and Science Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Western Australia
This thesis primarily looks at the work in relation to the map and the map's workshops/training. This thesis also demonstrates a way of evaluation using a research framework different from the traditional psychology models. As part of her final chapter (page 131) Beth writes:
The Map of Loss is a simple, visual practical model that facilitates communication, inclusiveness and integration. Creating connection on many levels with individuals, with young people, with older people, a model of skill development, a model for our schools, our government departments, a model that has the potential to change the often-dysfunctional cultures of our systemic bureaucracies. It has the potential to connect on a very real level with people, groups or organisations and throught that connection bring about lasting, healthful change. Within The Map you find connections and pathways, made possible through the metaphor and recognition of patterns. You realise that it is not about the issue or the behaviour, it is about connection or disconnection, it is about the whole system, not one aspect of it. This journey addresses all of you, and you realise the chaos is an opportunity to create anew, an opportunity to create a whole. The Map of Loss is about creating whole human beings.
This thesis is available in chapters below.Book Reviews
- Introduction Title, Abstract and Contents (10 pages)
- Chapter 1 The Start of something(6 pages)
- Chapter 2 Journey to the centre of your life - the map of loss (16 pages)
- Chapter 3 Looking for pathways (8 pages)
- Chapter 4 Connecting the pathways (4 pages)
- Chapter 5 The way forward (method, 7 pages)
- Chapter 6 Collaborators contributions to the journey (results 41 pages)
- Chapter 7 Roslyn's reflections (11 pages)
- Chapter 8 Creating connections (discussion, references and appendices, 42 pages)
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Mental Health Nursing September 2000, volume 9, number 3.
This book review concludes with "Whether we face the challenges of change, or teach other people about how to respond to them, we will find here the nearest thing available to a handbook for life." Professor Michael Clinton, Director, Centre for Nursing Research and Development Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia "
The West Australian (2000)
Good Medicine (2000) only 3-4 books out of 100 get reviewed
The Mandurah Mail
Murdoch news
Several radio interviews as well.
For more information see research page
Training
Training for therapists see details below.
At present there are two different experiential training, one on "experience the map" and the second "connect your compass" These are identical workshops that anyone can attend. There is two other workshops only available to mental health professionals. The theory and applications of the map and compass and then a Masterclass for experience therapists who deal with severe trauma.
The range of models and tools are especially useful for people that are harder to reach using traditional models of therapy. These models and tools are based on research and have been used in best practice and award winning projects across Australia. The training is experiential. Please note: Last year - all training was full before the closing date and some people missed out.
Upcoming training sessions
Register your interest for upcoming training now. Cost $660 per two-day workshop. Discount available if enrolled in four or more days.
Experience the map - 2 days Cost: $660 per person
Learning objectives:About the workshop:
- To give workers comprehensive overarching, non-threatening framework based in quantum chaos theory for working with people with mental health issues
- To give workers an alternate way of talking about a range of mental health issues which is less threatening to a broad range of people.
- To allow workers to experience practical activities
- To give workers strategies to ensure they look after themselves.
- To give workers a range of evaluated strategies for working with individuals, families, groups and community
Workshop includes:
- These are activity based and allow workers to experience each place within the map to ensure understanding at physical, mental and emotional levels.
- A relaxed style of facilitation
- Sharing of knowledge by people who use the map with clients individually and in groups
- All activities including art supplies, music and props
- Activities include role-plays, art, music, dance and puzzles
- A customised workbook
- No pressure to talk within the group
What to bring: Lunch
Facilitators: Beth Jackson, Paula Edwards, Roslyn Snyder
Please Note: Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Registration required.
Connecting your compass - 2 days cost: $660 per person
Learning objectives:About the workshop:
- To give workers comprehensive overarching, non-threatening framework based in chaos theory for working with people who are looking for themselves
- To give workers an alternate way of talking about a range of mental health issues which is less threatening to a broad range of people.
- To allow workers to experience practical activities to find themselves
- To give workers strategies to ensure they maintain balance in their life.
- To give workers a range of evaluated strategies for working with individuals, families, groups and community
Workshop includes:
- Both days are activity based and allow workers to find their own sphere of knowledge and they unique core.
- A relaxed style of facilitation
- Sharing of knowledge by people who use your compass with clients individually and in groups
- All activities including art supplies, music and props
- Activities include role-plays, art, music, dance and puzzles
- A customised workbook
- No pressure to talk within the group
What to bring: Lunch
Facilitators: Beth Jackson, Paula Edwards, Roslyn Snyder
Please Note: Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Registration required.
Theory and application of map and compass 2 days Cost: $660 per person
Learning objectives:About the workshop:
- To give workers a comprehensive overarching theory that unifies science, arts, spirituality and deals with tangible and intangible experiences./b>
- To give workers the understanding of how and why simple activities have profound effects with people?
- To give workers the ability to predict treatment options?
- To give workers an alternate way of talking about a range of mental health issues which is less threatening to a broad range of people.
- To give workers an understanding of the theories and philosophy underpinning all activities
- To give workers a range of evaluated strategies for working with individuals, families, groups and community
Workshop includes:
- Day 1 focuses on the theory and day 2 on applications.
- A relaxed style of facilitation
- Sharing of knowledge by people who use the map and compass with clients individually and in groups
- All activities including art supplies, music and props
- Activities include role-plays, art, music, dance and puzzles
- A customised workbook
- No pressure to talk within the group
What to bring: Lunch
Facilitators: Roslyn Snyder
Please Note: Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Registration required.
Masterclass Treating severe trauma and abuse using the map and compass Cost: $500 per person
Learning objectives:About the workshop:
- To give workers a comprehensive overarching theory that unifies science, arts, spirituality and deals with tangible and intangible experiences./b>
- To give workers the understanding of how and why simple activities have profound effects with people experiencing extreme trauma?
- To give workers the ability to predict treatment options?
- To give workers an alternate way of talking about a range of mental health issues which is less threatening to a broad range of people.
- To give workers an understanding of the theories and philosophy underpinning all activities
- To give workers a range of evaluated strategies for working with individuals, families, groups and community
Workshop includes:
- This workshop is only open to experienced therapists who will not be traumatised by traumatic discussions and who have completed the map, compass and theory training
- A relaxed style of facilitation
- Sharing of knowledge by experienced clinician who use the map and compass with severely traumatised people and children
- All activities including art supplies, music and props
- Handouts and referencesk
- No pressure to talk within the group
What to bring: Lunch
Facilitators: Roslyn Snyder
Please Note: Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Registration required.
Journey to the centre of your life - the map
An insight into the psychological processes of life in everyday words and pictures
This is the first book I wrote and describes the first pattern I saw which is about how people live their life. The pattern forms a map. The book shows how this map is formed and what happens when you stop living and become 'stuck' or 'lost' in a part of the map. The map actually represents the emotional landscape of life.
This map can be used as a communication tool to explain to people what is going on in their life. Some therapists lend the book whereas others simply show particular pages to them.
The map can also be used as a client centred model of psychotherapy, for example the map is explained to the person and in about 90% of people they can say where they are 'stuck' or 'lost' within the emotional landscape. Then as a therapist you can show them how to get through the map. In addition, this model also predicts which treatment options are likely to work. For example someone 'stuck' in the Depths of Despair overwhelmed by their feelings, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would be useful. However, if they were stuck in 'Avoidance Marshes' CBT is unlikely to help them at all.
The map is used very differently from a behavioural-based model. For example a person who is abusing drugs may be 'stuck' in one of four different places within the map, each having a different underlying reason for using and each having different treatment options, similarly someone who is suicidal may be in two - three different places, violent behaviour and personality disorders in one or two. The map reframes complex psychological processes, which requires you to look at things differently.
This book has been reviewed in:
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Mental Health Nursing September 2000, volume 9, number 3.
Click here if you would like to read chapter one of this book.
Journey to the centre of your life - your compass
An insight into the psychological processes of who you are in everyday words and pictures
This book explains a pattern within each person that shows them the way through their life. Each of us has a compass deep within that lets you know when you aren't doing things that you were born to do. This may be a feeling of unrest or may eventually lead to more serious effects, including illness. Your compass is made up of information you were born with (your core) and information you have got since (your sphere of knowledge). This is useful regarding identity issues and challenges people become who they are, not who they think they are or who other people think they are.
This book has more applications for therapists with people who lack direction and motivation in their life. People need to have moved through the map to the 'Rocky Paths' before their compass is that useful to them. Having said that, a couple of sections within the book can be useful for getting balance in your life and learning to manage your own life (in particular the boat metaphor).
Click here if you would like to read chapter one of this book.
Stuck! 20,000 leagues from the centre of your life
A workbook in everyday words and pictures for people who have become stuck in their life
This is a workbook plus guided meditation CD. There are over 100 activities for people to do that helps them through their life. I use many of the activities with people I work with and continue to do them for myself to remain emotionally robust. People learn more by doing than by hearing or reading and this workbook is designed for people to work either on their own or with a therapist. The workbook is multileveled and people can do the same activity several times as the journey through life and they will see different things. Some therapists use the activities contained within for their own clients.
The activities:
- Are simple - anyone over the age of 10 can do these;
- Simultaneously access right and left hemisphere in the brain:
- use conscious and unconscious processing;
- work on five levels of awareness utilising both a top down/bottom up approach;
- Result in integrating the mind for profound long term change;
- Are non-threatening.
The workbook is structured around the metaphor of every person being a magnificent castle and about cleaning out that castle and opening all the doors. Each chapter is a different part of the castle for example the kitchen is where people get their nourishment from whereas the closets are where they hide their skeletons and the towers are where you look down on other people from. Within each chapter the first activities tend to be easier and less threatening to people and as you go through they become more challenging. In addition, each page takes people through the entire 'map' process over 2 to 3 days. It uses reflection and follow up techniques for people to cement their learning. At the end of each chapter there is a sum -up page for people to identify patterns in their life. There is also a chapter on maintaining your castle and making additions to your castle.
It would take the average person 2 years to complete all the activities within the book. This can be used with people with many diagnoses including depression, anxiety, PTSD, alcohol and other drugs, personality disorders, anger issues and many others. People with serious conditions are advised to work in conjunction with a therapist.
Around my life in 80 pages
A journal for your private words and pictures
This is my fourth book, which is not really a book but a journal. Around my life in 80 pages contains blank pages (for you to draw your life) and lined pages (for you to write about your life) with a few quotes or pictures from me. This book is designed to be used with Stuck! 20,000 leagues from the centre of your life and as such is not available for individual sale - only within the Self repair tool kit.
Self Repair Tool Kit
A set of basic life tools for you to deal with day to day stresses through to deeply buried emotional pain.
The Self repair tool kit contains four books, a CD and some paints. This kit shows you the main two patterns in the books Journey to the centre of your life - the map and Journey to the centre of your life - your compass. These two books explain in simple words and pictures these patterns. The Self repair tool kit also has an activity book Stuck! 20,000 leagues from the centre of your life, which as you complete the activities the patterns in your life, will become clearer. This is a little bit like joining the dots to form a picture except the picture that is drawn is your life.
The Self repair tool kit is specifically designed to be used, not sit on a shelf.
Charts
All the charts are pictures from the books enlarged, coloured and laminated so that people can see them clearer. Also for therapists who have completed my training there is a large summary chart of therapeutic interventions.
The mapYour compass
This chart combines the map (pg 50) with the levels of depression (pg 38) from the book Journey to the centre of your life - the map.Available in three sizes
- A4 (21cm x 30cm)
- A3 (30cm x 42 cm)
- A2 (42cm x 60 cm), includes treatment summaries
This chart explains your compass in a single picture (derived from pg 63) from Journey to the centre of your life - your compass.Available in two sizes
- A4 (21cm x 30cm)
- A3 (30cm x 42 cm)
Available in three sizes
- A4 (21cm x 30cm)
- A3 (30cm x 42 cm)
- A2 (42cm x 60 cm), includes treatment summaries
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