Lifeline: my story · worksheet 123
Your lifeline doesn’t end today. You can’t foresee everything, but you can choose a direction: what matters to you and what you take from your story.
Before you start
- What it is for: To move from your story to your choices: what sequel you want to write.
- 20-30 minutes, after the other lifeline worksheets.
- It isn’t a rigid plan: it is a direction.
- If the future seems empty or too heavy, talk about it with your psychologist.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
The title matters less than the direction. A first step is enough to start.
If you find it hard
If the future seems empty or too heavy, that isn’t a failure: talk about it with your psychologist. If you have suicidal thoughts: 112, 3114 (France) or your local emergency number.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Extend the lifeline into the future based on the values and resources identified, to move from the story of the past to concrete choices.
End of lifeline work, transitions, a feeling that the future is blocked, end of therapy. Duration: 20-30 min.
References
McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of General Psychology, 5(2), 100-122.
Adler, J. M. (2012). Living into the story: Agency and coherence in a longitudinal study of narrative identity development and mental health over the course of psychotherapy. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(2), 367-389.
Pinquart, M. & Forstmeier, S. (2012). Effects of reminiscence interventions on psychosocial outcomes: A meta-analysis. Aging & Mental Health, 16(5), 541-558.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
