I conduct meaning-making workshops designed to serve as a safe space that provides participants the ability to engage in self-reflection and differentiation of current and desired states.  Differentiation of identities is a key part of the process, followed by claiming values that the individual seeks to connect with and build forward on.  The next step, based in theory bases of self-efficacy and self-authorship, involves the operationalization of chosen values into disciplines and practices that define a newly created pathway for that individual.  It is this aspect of practice the individual builds into his or her life that defines the sustainability of this process.  Outcomes are not defined by success or particular gains–rather, it is the individual’s ability to self-actualize, be self-determined and to construct his or her own way forward that is the end goal of this process.

Using a narrative methods approach, I engage individuals around their narrative based on the critical life event they’ve experienced.  Real-time thematic analysis and organization yields areas for ongoing engagement not only with individuals, but within the peer cohort.  Individuals engage across common narrative themes and as this process develops, I introduce the concept of differentiation of identity.  The next step involves defining a set of critical values personal to each individual.  This process leads into the defining of authentic identity that empowers the individual to begin the process of re-authoring his/her narrative.  The individual is intended to leave the workshop with a path toward self-authorship and the customized tools that can help the individual sustain this path.

Developmental Meaning-making method works well in a variety of workshop spaces:

Sustaining Wellness Workshop:

• Addicition/recovery groups at the Florida Recovery Center
• Rehabilitation support groups at UF Health/Shands Rehabilitation Hospital
• Adult psychitaric support groups at UF Health/Vista Psychiatric Hospital
• Community healing at the Civic Media Center

Level Up Life-Scripting:

• Personal empowerment with high school students via the Upward Bound program
• Personal development with 8-12 students via the Star Center Theater Summer Arts Camp

Level Up Story Club:

• Teaching empathy, compassionate communication and identity development with K-5 students at Healthy Learning Academy

Community Dharma Exchange:

• Social discourse group at Third House Books & Coffee

Other Variations:

• Transgender Justice via the Listening Posts program with the City of Gainesville
• Gun Rights, Responsibility and Regulation via the Listening Posts program with the City of Gainesville
• Climate Justice program with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville