The client is shown a schematic drawing of a mountain range and places on its peaks people who matter in their life — real and historical, close and distant. The exercise helps reveal values, resources, and patterns of significant relationships. Especially effective in group work and with adolescents.
Step-by-step guide
- Give the client a drawing of a mountain range and explain the task.
- Ask them to place on the peaks people who matter — without limits of genre, epoch, or closeness.
- Ask them to tell about each person: why they matter, what they embody.
- Explore recurring values: "What do these people have in common?"
- Discuss how those values are present (or absent) in the client's life today.
When to use
- Value and meaning clarification (individually and in group)
- Work with adolescents and people with cognitive limitations
- Group logotherapy
- Start of therapy — for establishing contact and assessment
Key phrases
You can place on these peaks anyone — from life, from books, from history.
Follow-up questions
What unites these people? What matters in them for you?
Is there something they embody that is alive in you now?
Alternative phrasings
Which of these people had the greatest influence on who you are?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not interpret without the client — only the client decides the meaning of the placement.
- ⚠️ Take cultural context into account when choosing significant figures.
- ⚠️ In a group, observe confidentiality during the discussion.
Source: Lukas, 2000; Schulenberg, 2003
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.