Self-Worth & Identity / GRP160
My Name for My Experience
Choose words or symbols for an experience without adopting others' labels.
30 minutes / 3-12 participants / Adults and teens 13+ with appropriate facilitation
Download facilitator PDF · Download participant handout · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
Identity is larger than a difficult moment.
A person's meaning, relationships, culture, skills, and contributions extend beyond a symptom, diagnosis, or mistake. Encouragement is more useful when linked to observable effort or choices. Ask what the person recognizes in the description instead of assigning them a positive identity.
Facilitation lens: Invite the participant's language and community context. Do not require a strength narrative that minimizes grief, discrimination, or unmet needs.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →
Materials
Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials
Fictional example
A person dislikes a nickname given by peers.
Invite and agree - 3 minutes
Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.
Introduce the example - 3 minutes
A person dislikes a nickname given by peers. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.
Practice: Creative activity - 17 minutes
Choose words or symbols for an experience without adopting others' labels. Offer writing, drawing, arranging objects, or describing a fictional creation. No artistic skill or personal disclosure is required.
Reflect together - 4 minutes
What wording would they choose? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.
Choose a next step - 3 minutes
Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.
Adaptations and fit
Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.
Let people choose identity language. Avoid appearance-based judgments, forced positivity, and assumptions about culture.
Conceptual reading and review status
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.