Lifestyle Pattern Sketch — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore lifestyle pattern sketch using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Patterns are tentative descriptions rather than fixed personality labels. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Compare how you approach three ordinary tasks, looking for a recurring goal and a useful exception. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Morgan prepares carefully, delays asking questions, and then rushes near deadlines.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: Which pattern fits, and what evidence complicates it? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. Which pattern fits, and what evidence complicates it?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?