Time for time

Timelines

Using timelines has been an invaluable tool for me with all of my clients but I find it works particularly well with young adults.

Image result for timeline
It is a simple tool which I feel can benefit you if you are trying to make sense of events with a young person. I can work well with those who have been through a parental split or have friendship or family issues.
The way I use timelines is to draw a line down the middle of a page and start with the first memory. I make notes on either side of the line as the young person lists the events. Key events (good or bad) can be accentuated with underlining or circling and as more thoughts flow through, it can end up a rather full page which can include drawings, references etc. For confidentiality, I cannot show a picture of a timeline I have drawn but I’m sure you get the idea.
The timeline can serve as a powerful tool for discussion and young people like to relate to the comments made and will often think of other relevant events as they go through it.
Another positive with the timeline is that it can be a good tool to show patterns of behaviour and when and where they may have started.
Obviously, my use of timelines is often an in depth look at lifestyle, family etc. but the principle can be used for most issues which may arise for discussion with support colleagues.
Give it a whirl and let me know what you think?