Mapping an Understanding - How to Visually Represent the Self in Psychotherapy and Research

Discover a transformative tool for therapy—memetic mapping.

This talk introduces a novel therapeutic approach where client and therapist collaboratively construct a 'self-map' made from the core building blocks of culture: memes. Through this process, therapists visually organize the parts of the client’s self, clarifying what drives them, where they get stuck, and how to foster meaningful change.

This flexible tool complements modalities such as CBT, narrative therapy, psychodynamic, and humanist approaches. It helps therapists identify patterns of rumination, highlight internal contradictions, and build strengths by anchoring change to the client’s personal identity structure.

Through this we can ensure change is not destabilizing for the client but rather builds upon adaptive parts that are already present.

Details

Tuesday September 9, 2025
2:30pm
Regina-Wascana Rooms LY107.32 33, Dr. John Archer Library, University of Regina.
Book lecture followed by question and answer session and book signing.

Authors

Dr. Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson retired as Lead Psychologist from the Collaborative Centre for Justice and Safety at the University of Regina, in 2021. He has worked largely in Northern Saskatchewan doing psychotherapy, assessments, and community development. His technique of mapping the self developed in his doctoral dissertation and has been applied in treating depression, addiction, and suicidality.

Teela Joanne Robertson, MC. is a registered psychologist in Alberta. Teela has a private practice with a focus on treating individual adults and couples with relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, and trauma with special focus on working with Indigenous people. She brings practical insight from implementing memetic mapping in contemporary therapeutic practice.