What tools or activities do person centered planners use when working with people?
Person-centered planners use a variety of tools and activities to support individuals in identifying their strengths, preferences, and needs, and developing plans to achieve their goals. Here are some of the most common tools and activities used during the person-centered planning process:
One-on-one interviews
Person-centered planners typically start the process with a one-on-one interview with their client to get to know them and understand their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. These interviews can provide valuable insight into what is important to the individual and what they want to achieve.
Circles of Support
Helping individuals identify their personal “Circles of Support” is an essential component of person-centered planning. Circles of Support are groups of family members, friends, neighbors, community members, acquaintances and professionals who come together to support an individual. Person-centered planners help individuals identify the people in their lives who can provide them with the support they need to achieve their goals.
Mapping exercises
Mapping exercises, such as this one called a PATH, involve creating a colorful visual representation of an individual’s life, including their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. This tool, for example, starts in the future and uses “backward planning” to help create action plans. This is one of many activities to help individuals identify areas where they need support and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
Action planning
Action planning involves developing a plan to achieve specific goals, including identifying the steps needed to achieve those goals and the resources and support needed to make them happen. Person-centered planners may facilitate the development of action plans to help individuals stay focused and motivated on achieving their goals. Having an accountability buddy, preferably a member of the individual’s Circle of Support or possibly a Life Coach, will help provide tangible benchmarks toward goal achievement.