Embedded Files
Memetic mapping is a therapeutic tool in which the therapist and client collaboratively work to determine the units of culture (memes) that make up the person. We then create a self-map. From this map we can connect the meme's that are related and organize it with the strongest meme's closer to the centre, and the weaker ones on the edges. Once connections are made it helps us to see areas people get stuck (rumination patterns), and the ways we can get out of it, along with identifying those areas we can strengthen. The map is a snap shot of the person at that time, and is unable to illustrate the whole self. The map changes over time with concepts and connections being added and removed.
Using memetic mapping in this way was developed by Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson in response to a treatment resistant suicidal youth (initial self map, and final self map shown below). The success inspired him to study this technique for his doctoral dissertation. Since then, both myself and Dr. Robertson (who happens to be my dad) have been applying it with clients. We find client's are often empowered to make changes on their own and can make sense of the aspects that keep them stuck. For those interested in the research you may read The Evolved Self: Mapping an understanding of who we are by Lloyd Robertson (https://press.uottawa.ca/en/9780776629339/the-evolved-self/). We are currently in the final stages of publishing a clinical manual Mapping an Understanding: Using Memetic Mapping to Promote Self Understanding in Psychotherapy to teach other mental health professionals how to use this tool. Once this manual is released we will develop a page for therapists to access PDF handouts and updates on mapping.
How does it work?
How does it work?
In a clinical context we give clients a "40 persons" activity in which they name at least 10 persons they are, 10 things they believe to be true, 10 things they like about themselves, and 10 things they would change about themselves if they could. They then rank order each list from the hardest to change or let go of to the easiest to change or let go of.
Next we determine whether the items listed are meme's which require 4 components. First we label the item which is the referent requirement, we identify the client's connotative meaning, we note any affect associated, and whether there are behaviours that are attached. Put more simply, the client decides what to call the item, shares what it means to them and how it affects their emotions and behaviours. If all 4 of these components are met, then it is a meme. Remaining items are then turned into a map with the hardest items to change being closest to the middle. Based on descriptions, emotions, and behaviours we make connections between items. See top self-map for an example of an initial map.
There are more complex connections that can be added later. Once the client identifies with it the initial map is complete. Here is where therapists and clients get to use the insights to help them enact change meaningful to them. As change happens the map can be modified into new iterations to represent the client as they currently are. See bottom self-map for an example of how it can change and we can build a more positive core.
Interested in learning or researching memetic mapping? Please email questions to Lloyd or Teela Robertson at meme@robertsonpsych.com and let us know if you would like to be notified of future trainings.
Interested in learning how to do memetic mapping? order the manual at Pete'sPress.ca or reach out to us to inquire or book a training.
Page updated
Report abuse